Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

Living

Friday, Feb 10, 2012

What About Angels?

0
By Greg Laurie , Christian Post Contributor
July 8, 2009|12:45 pm

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible. . . . - Colossians 1:16

Years ago, a Time magazine poll showed that 69 percent of American adults said they believed in the existence of angels, and 32 percent claimed to have felt an angelic presence at some time in their life.

Even more surprising, the numbers jumped higher when they polled teenagers-three out of every four American teenagers said they believe in angels.

Contrary to what some believe, angels are not dead humans trying to earn their wings. Angels are an altogether unique group of beings created by God. In fact, there are different rankings of angels.

First and foremost is the archangel known as Michael. He is probably the highest-ranking angel in God's heavenly host. He is the only angel referred to in the Bible as an archangel.

Then we have the cherubim. They are powerful and majestic angelic creatures that surround the throne of God. They were placed as guards outside the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled (see Genesis 3:24).

Like us on Facebook

Third, there are seraphim. Isaiah vividly describes them as crying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!" in his vision of the Lord enthroned and exalted (see Isaiah 6:1–3). It appears the seraphim were created to worship and praise the Lord.

Fourth, there is Gabriel. This high-ranking angel brought special messages to God's people. He appeared to Daniel to reveal the future to him. Years later, he brought the message to Zacharias that he would have a son who was to be named John, whom we know as John the Baptist (see Luke 1:5–19).

And of course, Gabriel also had the high privilege of announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary.

So we see that angels were created to worship and praise God, to serve Him, and to be messengers for Him-and so are we.

Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Used with Permission
0
Top Stories

New FRC Report Finds 162 Reasons to Marry

To celebrate National Marriage Week, Family ...

Clergy Group Pushes Darwinism as Sound Science in 'Evolution Weekend'

More than 500 churches in ten different countries have agreed to consider this weekend whether Darwinism is compatible with Christianity, as a result of the prompting of The Clergy Letter Project, a group promoting Darwinism as sound science.

Legal Expert Informed White House Law Is Unclear on Contraception Mandate

Lawsuits over the Obama administration's ruling ...

City Council in Iowa in Talks to Bring Prayer Back to Meetings

A religious organization in Iowa is hoping to bring prayer back to city council meetings after the practice was dropped earlier this year.

Religious Leaders Supporting Md. Gay Marriage Bill Cherry Picked

Gay rights advocates have drawn a select group of religious leaders to support gay marriage in Maryland ahead of Friday's hearing for the "marriage equality" bill.

Santorum: Marriage 'Saved My Life,' Inspired Faith in God

After winning the GOP primary in three different ...

Crystal Cathedral to See Name Change, New Design

Crystal Cathedral, the Garden Grove, Calif., ...