“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation”· Hebrews 1:14
Many things have been said and heard about angels but the purpose of this discussion is to help us understand the ministry of angels from the biblical point of view.
From the above scripture we see that angels are ministering spirits. To minister is to serve, as in the office of a messenger. In other words, angels are spirit messengers of God. There are Archangels and there are common angels.
Angels are not to be worshipped… let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels… see that thou do it not, I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God
It is very important to know that they are God’s messengers, not man’s messengers. The scripture makes it clear that they are sent forth (by God) to minister for those (humans) who shall be heirs of salvation. Believers are not authorized to send the angels of God on errand. In any case, they are not even obliged to obey man except under instruction from God but when we speak in faith, according to God’s word, they respond by ministering to us, to give us the benefit of that utterance or confessions of salvation. This is why Psalm 103:20b tells us that angels hearken to the voice of his (God’s) word. Romans 10:10b tells us that with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. What we say can attract our salvation or condemn us (Matt 12:37). When we pray fervently also, angels are sent to bring the answer to us. Recall that the angel that brought the answer to Daniel’s prayer said to him “unto thee am I now sent” (Daniel 10:11).
·God is the one that sends the angels because they are subject to him, and by His appointment, they defend and help believers (Psalm 34:7). The following biblical evidence from both Old Testament and New Testament give credence to this.
Daniel 3:28 – “Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who hath sent his angel and delivered his servants that trusted in him …”
Daniel 6:22 – “My God hath sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouth …”
Acts 12:11 – “And when Peter was come to himself, he said , Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me …”
Revelation 22:6 – “And he said unto me, these sayings are faithful and true and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants, the things which must shortly be done”
So God is the only one who can give his angels charge over us, not we humans giving the angels of God charge over ourselves. This is confirmed in Psalm 91:11. To “give charge” is to order a subordinate to do something. Angels are not our subordinates. Only God has the right to give them order. The Bible makes it clear that we are made a little lower than angels (see Psalm 8:5, Hebrews 2:7).
·Angels are not to be worshipped: Colossians 2:18 warns “let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels …”. Also in Revelation 19:10 when John was overwhelmed by the presence of the angel that brought a message to him, and attempted to worship him, the angel forbade John and said “… see that thou do it not, I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God …”
·Angels are organised into principalities and powers, with thrones (see Colossians 1:16, 2:18). Fallen angels or demons also have this attribute (see Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 6:12).
More facts about angels:
·Angels can appear visible and invisible (Numbers 22:22-24, John 20:12).
·They are glorious and immortal (Luke 9:26, 20:36)
·They are swift and can travel at inconceivable speed. (Ezekiel I, Daniel 9:21)
·They need no rest as humans do (Revelation 4:8)
·They drive spirit horses (2 Kings 2:11-12) One angel alone can destroy a city, country or continent (1Chron. 21:15, Revelation 14:19-20)
·They strengthen God’s people during trials and difficult times. (Matt 4:11, Daniel 10:18).
·They help ministers of God to execute judgment on enemies (Gen. 19:10-13, 2 Kings 32:21, 2 Thess. 1:7-10).
·They protect saints on earth (Ps 34:7, 91)
·They receive departed souls (Luke 16:22)
·They shall separate the good from the bad on the last day (Matt 13:39 – 43).
However, God, in His wisdom has purposed that just as earthly ministers in government are wont to be assessed or ‘judged’ by the people they ministered to, angels are also to be judged at last, by the saints of God, and those found guilty, God will sentence (See 1 Cor. 6:3, Jude 6).
Dear reader, have you given your life to Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your struggles to Him? It is only when you do this that you are qualified to receive angelic ministrations for good.
Remember that if angels of God are not ministering to you, invariably, demons will find your spiritual space open for invasion. I pray that you will not play host to satanic angels, in Jesus’ name.
Beloved, you are also invited to the Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption Camp, Kilometre 46, Lagos, Ibadan Express Way, 1st Friday of every month, from 6:30pm. Pastor E.A. Adeboye (Daddy G.O) ministers live. Come and be blessed. Shalom!
For questions/counselling, contact: chizobausta@gmail.com or phone 08035703484, 08127305733 or you can worship with us @ The Redeemed Christian Church of God , Living Water Assembly, Ajao Estate, Lagos.
