DOES EVERYONE HAVE A GUARDIAN ANGEL?

A BIBLICAL STUDY OF ANGELS: ELECT AND EVIL

INTRODUCTION

We are going to make a detailed Biblically based investigation of angels in this study. The unusual aspect of this study is that it will include detailed studies of the angel of the Lord and evil angels. We’ll begin our study by looking at the general characteristics of angels as presented in the Bible. We’ll leave out any references to the angel of the Lord since we’ll see in the next phase of our study that this is a very special “angel,” whose characteristics do not apply to angels in general. We’ll also defer most of our discussion of evil angels to sections 3 and 4.

ANGELS: GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TRUTH’S AS PRESENTED IN THE BIBLE

1. CHARACTERISTICS OR TRUTHS

Angels were created by Jesus (John 1:1-5, Prov 8:27-30, Ps 148:1-5, Col 1:15-18).

Angels were created as permanent beings; they were apparently all created at the same time and don’t die (Lk 20:34-36, Ps 148:1-5).

God’s angels are holy and obedient to him (Psalm 103:20, 89:7). They are sometimes called “holy ones” (Dan 4:13, Zech 14:5, 1 Thess 3:13, Jude 14).

Angels don’t get married and procreate in heaven (Matt 22:29-30, Luke 20:34-36).

Angels have presence; they can only be in one place at a time. They are not omnipresent. This includes Satan. (Dan 10:10-14).

Angels were present during the creation of the physical universe (Job 38:4-7). Since they were also created beings this means that they were originally created as spiritual beings and may not have had the capability to manifest themselves physically until the creation of the physical universe.

Angels are invisible and immaterial spirits (Heb 1:14), and we can only see them on very special occasions (2 Kings 6:15-17).

Angels sometimes become visible on earth and look like people, to the extent that they may be mistaken for men (Gen 18:2, 22, 19:1, Dan 10:12, 18-21, 11:1, Zech 2:1-3, Heb 13:2).

Some angels are described as having wings (Isa 6:1-5, Ez 1:5-6, Rev 4:8), although those we see generally do not. They are sometimes described as looking like men. Cherubim seem to be described with 2 wings (1 Kings 6:23-24) and 4 wings (Ezek 10:20-22). Seraphim had 6 wings (Isa 6:1-2). Angels sometimes flew or hovered in the air while being observed from earth (Isa 6:2, 6, Dan 9:20-21, 12:1, 6-7).

We live in a fish bowl, so to speak, since angels can see everything we do (1 Cor 4:9, Eph 3:8-12).

Angels are not to be worshipped by man (Col 2:18-19, Rev 22:8-9).

Angels sometimes ate food when they visited earth (Gen 18:2, 6-8, 22, 19:1).

Angels have great knowledge and power (2 Sam 14:17, 20, 2Thess 1:7, Ps 103:20-21, 2 Pet 2:10-11). They can strike people blind (Gen 19:10-11) and dumb (Lk 1:18-20).

Angels are not all-powerful (Dan 10:2-5, 12-14) and all-knowing. They don’t fully understand prophecies about the future (1 Pet 1:10-12, Dan 12:5-6).

Good angels are called “elect.” Angels had free choice in following God. Some decided to follow Satan in rebellion against God, while some chose to remain with God (1 Tim 5:21, Matt 25:41, Rev 12:4).

Men do not become angels when they go to heaven. Man was originally created a little lower than the angels but will eventually assume a place above the angels in heaven (Heb 2:6-10, Ps 8:4-6).

Cherubim seem to be special guardian angels (Gen 3:24, Ex 26:31-33).

Man will judge angels at some time in the future (1 Cor 6:3), presumably evil angels.

Angels sometimes entice men to do things, at God’s request (1 Kings 22:19-21).

Angels sometimes use deception in dealing with God’s enemies in accomplishing God’s purposes (1 Kings 22:22-23).

Angels (morning stars) sang when earth was being created (Job 38:7, Isa 14:12).

There are two good and two evil angels named in the Bible

Good angels

Michael, the archangel associated with protection of Israel and resurrections (Dan 10:13, 20-21, 12:1-2, Rev 12:7, 1 Thess 4:16, Jude 9).

Gabriel, a special messenger for God associated with pronouncements or prophecies of the coming of Jesus (Dan 8:12, 16, 9:21, Luke 1:11-20, 26-33).

Evil angels

Satan, the devil, a cherub (Ez 28:14) and the chief of the fallen angels (Rev 12:7-9).

Apollyon, the angel of the Abyss (Rev 9:11).

2. WHAT ANGELS DO

They worship and speak praises to Jesus in the heavenly realm. (Rev 5:11-14)

Angels are not to be prayed to. They are under God’s control and come and go as God directs them (Heb 1:14). Many times they act as messengers from God (Dan 4:13).

Angels render service to God in various ways (Ps 103:20-22).

Angels live in heaven, but come and go as they are sent on various missions by God. They interact with him and suggest various things to him. (Jn 1:51, Dan 10:10-14, 1 Kings 22:19-22).

They support Christ’s churches; each may have an assigned angel (Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14).

Angels sometimes fight in defense of countries being attacked by evil angels (Dan 10).

Angels will come to earth with Jesus at the 2nd coming (Matt 25:31) and collect those on earth, first believers then unbelievers, for their judgment among the nations (Matt 24:30-31, 25:31-33, 13:26-30, 36-43, Mk 13:24-27).

Sometimes angels are God’s agents in destruction and judgment of evil. The punishment of David for listening to Satan (2 Sam 24:15-16, compare to 1 Chron 21:1). The execution of evil people (Acts 12:21-23).

Children have guardian angels if at least one parent is a believer (Matt 18:10, 1 Cor 7:12-14).

Believers seem to have guardian angels who minister to their needs (Heb 1:14, Acts 12:15), which includes protection (Ps 91:11-12, Dan 3:26-28, Matt 26:52-53), guidance (Gen 19:16-17), deliverance (Acts 5:17-20, 12:5-11), Mark 1:13), enlightenment or warning (Gen 19:14-15, Matt 2:13-21), empowerment (Lk 22:39-43),[iii] providing insight and understanding (Dan 9:20-23), encouragement (Acts 27:23-24), and answering prayers made to God (Acts 12:5-7, Dan 10:12), all as directed by God.

Angels escort believers to heaven (Lk 16:22).

3. OTHER GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ABOUT ANGELS FROM THE BIBLE

Angels are personal beings with minds, wills and emotions.

The word angel in the Bible is always in masculine form.

Angels were involved with or during the birth, childhood (enlightened Joseph), baptism (enlightened John the Baptist), temptation, pre-crucifixion (in the garden), resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

4. CATEGORIES OF ANGELS

The terms rulers, authorities, powers and dominions are titles or orders assigned to angels by God in the heavenly realm.These terms also seem to be used occasionally to describe titles and orders assigned to men on earth.They are likely terms used in an organizational sense.That these terms apply to angels is apparent from Eph 3:10.Not much is said in the Bible about them and we are only given a few clues with which to work in understanding them.Eph 1:19-21 says that God’s throne in heaven is far above these categories of angels. I suspect that this is true in several senses including (1) in power and authority, (2) in importance and (3) in a dimensional sense.In the discussion of Satan’s fall in Ezek 28:16 he was expelled from God’s government in heaven (thrown down from his mount).I suspect that this was a dimensional fall and that Satan was still in the lower dimensions of heaven,From that time until today Satan had to seek permission to come before the Lord on his heavenly throne.

GUARDIAN ANGELS

Since there is so much interest in guardian angels, let’s take a closer look at who seems to have them. Do we all have guardian angels? Matthew 18:10 leads us to believe that children do:

Matt 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

Do all little children have guardian angels? 1 Cor 7:12-14 could lead us to believe that only children who have at least one believing parent would have a guardian angel. That passage says that as long as a family has at least one believing parent, that parent results in the whole family being sanctified (seen by God as innocent even though they are guilty, or as holy even though they are not), including the children. Speaking to the one believing parent, Paul says “Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.” Apparently, one believing spouse causes a whole family to be blessed. Verses 15-16 make it clear that this does not cause the unbelieving spouse to be saved. However, it does seem that the whole family may have guardian angels assigned to them.

Furthermore, Heb 1:14 seems to tell us that all believers have guardian angels.

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

THUS THOSE WHO WILL INHERIT SALVATION HAVE GUARDIAN ANGELS

So we see that all of us who are going to inherit salvation have angels who serve us. Who among us is going to inherit salvation and thus have a guardian angel? Rom 1:16 tells us that it is everyone who believes the gospel?

Rom 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

SALVATION COMES TO ALL WHO BELIEVE THE GOSPEL

So, we see that everyone who believes the gospel will receive salvation and thus have a guardian angel. What is the gospel that we must believe? 1 Cor 15:2-5 gives us a quick summary. For more details see Jesus and his gospel.

1 Cor 15:2-5 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

THE GOSPEL IS THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION, ETC.

That is basically the gospel that we must believe in order to inherit salvation. Now, what is this salvation that believers in the gospel are going to inherit, from Heb 1:14? Matt 19:29 says that they will inherit eternal life.

Matt 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”

HAVING SALVATION MEANS THAT WE WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN HEAVEN

Another scripture that amplifies these thoughts is Eph 1:13-14.

Eph 1:13-14 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-- to the praise of his glory.

So, let’s put this all together now. We see that everyone who believes the gospel of Jesus immediately receives three things; (1) the promise of an eternal life in heaven, (2) the Holy Spirit within them guaranteeing that promise and (3) a guardian angel to serve them.

THUS THOSE WHO BELIEVE THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN HEAVEN WITH HIM, AND MEANWHILE HAVE A GUARDIAN ANGEL WHILE STILL HERE ON EARTH

That is certainly the best deal that anyone on earth will ever receive. Why don’t more people take advantage of it? If you are not a believer and want this for yourself please see How to Become a Believer.

SCRIPTURES DESCRIBING SOME THINGS ANGELS DO

FOR GOD:

WORSHIP AND SING PRAISES TO GOD IN THE HEAVENLY REALM:

Rev 5:11-12 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

GO AND SERVE AS HE DIRECTS:

Heb 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

PRAISE AND OBEY HIM:

Ps 103:20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

INTERACT WITH GOD AND SUGGEST THINGS TO HIM:

I Kings 22:19-21 19 Micaiah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left. 20 And the LORD said, 'Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' "One suggested this, and another that. 21 Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD and said, 'I will entice him.'

SUPPORT CHRIST’S CHURCHES IN THE WORLD:

Rev 2:1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:

FIGHT IN DEFENSE OF COUNTRIES AS DIRECTED BY GOD: MAY HAVE LONG TERM ASSIGNMENTS IN PROTECTING COUNTRIES:

Dan 10:13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

WILL COME TO EARTH WITH JESUS AT THE 2ND COMING:

Matt 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

ANGELS ARE SOMETIMES GOD’S AGENTS IN DESTRUCTION AND JUDGMENT OF EVIL:

Acts 12:22-23 22 They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

ALSO THEY ARE HEAVILY INVOLVED IN MANY WAYS IN THE JUDGMENTS IN THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD DESCRIBED IN REVELATION

FOR BELIEVERS:

GUARD CHILDREN:

Matt 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

1 Cor 7:14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

GUARD BELIEVERS:

Acts 12:15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."

PROTECTION:

Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

GUIDANCE:

Gen 19:16-17 16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them (the angels) said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!"

DELIVERANCE:

Acts 12:7-9 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

ENLIGHTENMENT:

Matt 2:19-20 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

WARNING;

Gen 19:14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He (an angel) said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

EMPOWERMENT:

Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING:

Dan 9:21-23 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.

ENCOURAGEMENT:

Acts 27:23-24 An angel of the Lord said 24 “Do not be afraid, Paul.”

RESPOND TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS TO GOD;

Dan 10:12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I (an angel) have come in response to them.

ESCORT US TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD:

Luke 16:22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.