I am doing a Bible Study with a large group of scripturally sound women. We are studying through the book, Christian Beliefs, by Wayne A. Grudem. This week the title of our chapter for study is “What Are Angels, Satan, And Demons?”
I know, as a Christian, I have to be aware of and learn about Satan and Demons, to know what things they may tempt me with. But this week for the blog, I want to focus on something pleasant. And I learned things about angels that I didn’t know!
Here are some facts:
- “Angels are created spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence but without physical bodies.” (WHAT!!! No Bodies???) (p.51)
- “They are God’s warriors.” (p. 51)
- “They have not always existed; they are part of the universe God created.” (See Nehemiah 9:6) (p.51)
- “Since angels are ‘spirits’ (Heb.1:14), they do not have physical bodies, for as Jesus says, ‘A spirit does not have flesh and bones’ (Luke 24:39).” (p.51)
- “…Angels cannot ordinarily be seen unless the Lord opens our eyes (as he did with Balaam in Numbers 22:31) or they take on bodily form…” (Matthew 28:5) (p.51)
- Angels perform their duty of guarding us (Psalm 91:11) and they join us in worshiping God. (Hebrews 12:22) (see p.52)
- “Angels have great power.” (Psalm 103:20, 2 Peter 2:11) (p.52)
- And we know from scripture that Angels are messengers.
But, as wonderful as angelic beings are, God shows greater love for us. “‘God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness'” (2 Peter 2:4). (p.52)
When Adam and Eve sinned, they were put out of the Garden of Eden, but “they were not cast into hell. And instead of putting them in chains, God made clothes for them, covering their shame.” (Genesis. 3:21-23) (p. 52)
Angels demonstrate for us how to be obedient to God by carrying out His plans. “They also serve as examples for us as they worship and glorify God continually.” (Rev. 5:11-12) (p.52)
“But we are not to pray to or worship angels.” In Revelation 19:10 when John tried to worship an angel, the angel told him not to. (p. 52)
We see so much of God in the created universe, the intricate beauty of plants, animals, and people. Things He has made to show us His glory. And yet there is an unseen world that God has created to serve and help us, and it is just as beautiful.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)
If you are looking for a book to use in a group setting for deep study, I highly recommend this book by Wayne Grudem. So far we have studied chapters with the following titles:
- What Is the Bible?
- What Is God Like?
- What Is the Trinity?
- What Is Creation?
- What Is Prayer?
There are twenty chapters in all covering all the Christen Beliefs. So, check it out if you want to go deeper and learn things you’ve not learned in your studies thus far.
And,
Have a great week!