The author of Hebrews, (unidentified but probably Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos), goes to great lengths to emphasize Christ's superiority to angels. This may have been done in response to at least one of the early church's (Colosse) practice of worshipping angels and praying to them. Even in our day, we are very attracted to angels, albeit our man-made idea of what an angel is. We like to think of angels as young, beautiful women with long flowing hair, willowy robes, halos,ethereal wings, etc. etc. But what does the Bible have to say about angels?
Angels are created beings, brought into existence at some point during creation week. There are an innumerable amount of them, though 1/3 of their number, according to the interpretation of Revelation 12:4, 9, were cast out of heaven along with Satan. The angels have three purposes noted in Scripture...messengers, guardians, and worshippers. There exists a rank and order among angels, with Michael noted as the "archangel". Before Satan was Satan, he was known as Lucifer, and was an angel of the highest ranking.
The most common misconception regarding angels, is that people become angels after death. We like to think of our loved ones as angels watching over us, but there is no Scriptural support for this. Humans are actually elevated above the angels in Heaven, though it is said that we become "like the angels" in death.
Another common misconception has to do with their appearance. As stated perviously, we typically think of angels as very calming, serene, ethereal beings. But if this were true, why would everyone who encounters an angel tremble in fear? Angels are depicted as spiritual warriors engaged in constant battle with the forces of evil. They are warriors and evidently have quite the commanding presence. Furthermore, we picture angels as women as a rule, but the only angels mentioned by name are men... Michael and Gabriel.
Tomorrow's reading; Heb. 4:14-7:28
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