Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 11:1 (Summer 2002)
Article: The Doctrine of Angels
Author: Larry Dixon

EMJ 11:1 (Summer 02) p. 79

The Doctrine of Angels

Larry Dixona

Introduction

“I have made a covenant with God that he sends me neither visions, dreams, nor even angels. I am well satisfied with the gift of the Holy Scriptures which give me abundant instruction and all that I need to know both for this life and for that which is to come.” (Martin Luther)

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) (NIV)

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11–12)

We are told that as spiritual spectators, “Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12b)

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

The Contemporary Fascination with Angels

Guideposts magazine several years ago introduced its Procession of Angels book series, suggesting that the purchaser could receive from the books “encounters with the divine.” People magazine’s December 22, 1997, issue featured a cover story that reported several dramatic episodes of humans experiencing angel

EMJ 11:1 (Summer 02) p. 80

visits. Celebrities receiving entertainment awards publicly credit their “spirit guides” for their success. Many other examples may be given of angelphilia, today’s love of angels. The contemporary question for many today is not the medieval query about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, but how one may contact, converse with, and “hug” (really!) one’s guardian angel. We need to heed the Apostle Paul’s warning to the Colossians about “the worship of angels” (Col. 2:18). And we must recover a biblical sanity about these spiritual creatures.

The Biblical Truth about Angels1

Angels are unembodied, personal, spiritual beings. Psalm 8:5 refers to man being created “a little lower than the heavenly beings.” Matthew 22:30 indicates not that human beings will become angels in heaven, but will “be like the angels in heaven.”You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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