What Does the Bible Teach About Angels?

Based on Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon, here are important questions and answers about the biblical doctrine of angels.

What are angels according to biblical teaching?

Angels are created spiritual beings made by God before the creation of the world and mankind. They are not eternal like the Godhead but were created by the Son as mentioned in Colossians 1:16: "For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers." They are spiritual beings but likely have spiritual bodies appropriate to their nature, enabling them to appear in various forms.

How do angels rank in God's order of creation?

Angels exist in a position below God but above humans in dignity and power. Lloyd-Jones explains this hierarchical order: "They are inferior to the Godhead, inferior to the Son in particular, but in a realm above men, greater than men in many respects." This is supported by Scripture that describes humans as being "made a little lower than the angels," while Christ Himself was temporarily "made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death."

What are the primary functions of good angels?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, angels have several key functions: 1. Adoring God and the Lamb (Revelation 5) 2. Always beholding the face of the Father, waiting for His commands 3. Looking into the mystery of human salvation with wonder (1 Peter 1:12) 4. Ministering to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14) 5. Protecting believers (Psalm 91:10-12) 6. Providing guidance (Acts 8:26) 7. Delivering believers from danger (Acts 12) 8. Comforting believers in distress (Acts 27:23-24) 9. Carrying the spirits of deceased believers to paradise (Luke 16:22) 10. Executing God's judgments on His enemies 11. Participating in the final judgment (Matthew 13:40-42)

What does the Bible reveal about the organization of angels?

The Bible reveals a hierarchical organization among angels. There is the archangel Michael, who appears to have special responsibility for protecting Israel. Gabriel serves as a messenger who "stands in the presence of God" and delivered important announcements regarding Christ's birth. Angels are described using terms like "thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, and mights" (Ephesians 1:21), suggesting different ranks and responsibilities. Lloyd-Jones notes, "Undoubtedly there is this same gradation amongst the other angels."

What is the relationship between angels and human salvation?

Angels are deeply interested in human salvation. As 1 Peter 1:12 states, regarding salvation, "which things the angels desire to look into." Lloyd-Jones explains this fascinating dynamic: "It's such a marvelous, it's such a wonderful thing that these created angelic spirits, who have always spent their eternity in the presence of God, as it were, are looking at this thing which is most astonishing to them and surpassing everything else."

Additionally, Ephesians 3:10 reveals that through the church, God displays His wisdom to "principalities and powers" (angelic beings). Lloyd-Jones points out that despite angels being superior to humans in many ways, "were it not for you and for me and those who are redeemed, they'd know nothing about the grace of God."

What comfort does the doctrine of angels provide to believers?

One of the most comforting aspects of this doctrine is that angels minister to believers throughout their entire lives—from preparation for salvation through guidance and protection during life, and ultimately at death. Lloyd-Jones highlights the comfort regarding death: "When you come to die, they'll be there to receive your spirit and to take it to paradise." This is based on Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:22 about Lazarus being "carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom." This should remove the fear of death for believers, knowing they won't face it alone.

Why is studying the doctrine of angels important for Christians?

Lloyd-Jones laments that many Christians neglect this important biblical doctrine: "Shame on us Christian people that we neglect the doctrine of the angels, that we don't read our scriptures thoroughly and wholly." He argues that understanding angels enriches our appreciation of God's care for us and provides security in knowing that these powerful beings are working on our behalf. The doctrine reveals more about God's character and His provision for believers, showing how "we shall find things that will amaze us and astonish us and fill us with a still greater sense of wonder as we contemplate our marvelous God and His wondrous love toward us."