Angelology def – the theological doctrine of angels or its study.
Disclaimer…I am not professing to be an expert. I don’t even study angels. I just have always been interested in and felt close to angels. Most of my impressions of angels have come from the Bible, including descriptions, although a large amount of their physical characteristics have come from images in books, on pictures and TV. We often see them pictured as heavenly creatures surrounded by light and halos. I had always imagined them as kind spirits, who watched over us and sent us messages from the “other side”.
I used to believe that when you died, you became an angel. NOT TRUE.
Now that I am a bit more informed, I know that many of my beliefs about angels, including how they looked were wrong!
Angels are mentioned at least 273 times in the Bible. The Bible only mentions a couple of them by name, but we have certainly acquired main stream knowledge of the existence of other angels. There are many other historical sources of information regarding angels. A primary source is the Book of Enoch. By the 4th century, the Book of Enoch was mostly excluded from Christian biblical canons. Many accept the Book of Enoch not as canon, but as having historical or theological interest and as supplemental reading material – especially regarding angels.
Who or What are Angels? Angels are agents of God. They are often called “the messengers”. Sometimes they are called the “heavenly hosts”, “ministering spirits” or “sons of God”.
Although most Biblical language used to describe and reference Angels is masculine, they are genderless! Think about it- most language used in the Bible to describe most things is masculine!
When angels were actually created is something that the Bible does not specifically mention. But we can be pretty sure that Angelic existence dates back before the creation of humans. Scripture indicates the angels sang and shouted at God’s creation of the earth.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. . . when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 4,7).
We do know that Angels are not human, and have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from humans. Some have wings. Some have 2 faces.
Angels are immortal and they do not marry or procreate.
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Luke 20: 36
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. Matthew 22:30
How many Angels are there? The Bible suggests that the total number of angels are beyond counting. Myriads is too many to count.
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels . . . Hebrews 12:22
Do Angels have a heirachy? We know from Jude 9, that there are at least a couple ranks. Archangel, above Angel.
But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” Jude 9
Some experts identify nine orders of angels, hierarchically arranged: Seraphim (the closest to God), Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
Angels are certainly fascinating. Most people believe in the presence of Angels and many have experienced or believe they have had an Angel encounter. Have you?
For some additional reading on Angels.
The You Tube video below has a number of Angelic Sightings from scripture.
Earthen Sojourner 