We believe that messengers, specifically angels, are all around us in spirit and are most likely enlightened humans on the other side of the grave. However, we felt it important for us to provide some basic understanding of what the Christian religion teaches about angels, specifically as it relates to what is found within the Bible. The following article by Michael Hunnam does a nice job of explaining angels in religion.
The Angels - Our Invisible Spirit Hosts
by Michael Hunnam
"The Bible has much to say about an unseen world that is more real than the visible realm we currently operate in - within 'fleshly tents' that we know of as 'our bodies.' This realm comprises of a kingdom of light & of a kingdom of darkness that is constantly at battle. But I wonder how many people realize the effects of this particular & unique realm on our everyday, breathing, walking around lives?
This is a realm not seen by our physical eyes. Specifically, the kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom & not visible because God is not visible. Specifically, God is Himself, Spirit. Jesus Christ Himself said of His own kingdom: "the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21.
'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.' Heb. 11:1 & 3.
"'Then He (Jesus) will also say to those on the left hand, 'depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil & his angels:'" Matt 25:41
'For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' Eph. 6:12
In fact, the above scripture provides quite a snap-shot for us, highlighting the organized nature of the invisible realm & the descending order of authority of specified invisible beings with varying levels of responsibility. Beyond 'flesh & blood' we wrestle principalities, powers, rulers & hosts of wickedness. To 'wrestle' means to fight by gripping & pushing at times using special holds to force the opponent onto the mat.
Paul the Apostle had the experience many times of being gripped & pushed with special holds. He knew first-hand of being 'on the mat.' He had been shipwrecked, stoned, beaten, whipped, imprisoned, left for dead & incarcerated. So it is for every believer who will in their lifetime see resistance that comes in the form of principalities & powers in the invisible realm.
But just as there are principalities & powers, so too do the angels have archangels & higher powers. In God's tremendous order, He uses the prayers of His on people to restrain malevolent activity & to facilitate the activities of angelic powers to confront & overcome spiritual hosts of wickedness.
This is demonstrated very clearly in the book of Daniel 10:10 -14 when Daniel's prayers were initially resisted by an evil angel in the heavenlies whom was acting out his assignment: to hold the captive Israelites from returning to their homeland. However, Daniel's prayers were eventually ushered through, with the assistance of Michael, a ruling archangel:
'He raised me to my hands & knees & then said "Daniel, your God thinks very highly of you, & he has sent me. So stand up & pay close attention." I stood trembling, while the angel spoke:
"Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, & he has sent me here. But the guardian angel of Persia has withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia. Now I have come here to give you another vision about what will happen to your people in the future.'"
This insightful passage highlights for us the powerful influence that angelic beings exercise over national issues & the affairs of ordinary men. Noteworthy also is the premise of imbibing God’s own people with visions. How amazing for us to realize that our earthly struggles in the temporal realm are often a reflection of vigorous conflict in the heavenly, eternal realm.
How wonderful to know that the angels, our invisible hosts perpetuate a myriad ministry, as, described in Ps. 103:20, 21 being service, facilitating his plans, to heed the voice of God’s own as spoken through the believers on earth, to minister, to do His will.
'Praise the Lord, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out divine plans, listening for each & every command. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him & do his will! Ps. 103:20, 21.
A popular Psalm & prayer for protection & solace for many is Psalm 91 which offers much comfort on the personal activity of guardian angels.
'For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go.' Ps. 91:11
Angels known as Seraphim are declared in Isaiah 6:2. These are consistent in that Seraphim glorify God, hover over the throne of God & supervise the worship in Heaven.
'Hovering around him were mighty Seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew.' Isaiah 6:2
Angels known as Cherubim appear as divine guards in the scriptures as in the case of the Garden of Eden. They also appear in conjunction with the presence & departure of the glory of God.
'He drove the man out, and at the east of the garden of Eden he stationed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.' Gen.3:24
Jesus Christ Himself was in the presence of angels at His birth, at the forty-day fast, at His betrayal, at the Resurrection, His Ascension to heaven, & His Second Coming. Satan Himself was an angel whom fell into pride.
Angels escort & attend to believers into God's presence at death & also gather His own to Christ at His marvellous return.
'The poor man died, and angels took him to the place of honor next to Abraham.' Luke 16:22
Immediately present in our midst, the work & ministry of angels: free-willed spirit beings who live eternally - possessors of superhuman intelligence & power functioning with infinite purposes - are our everyday, invisible hosts - a constant & very present reality."
About The Author
Michael Hunnam
'The Animated Kids Bible DVD Collectible Series' is produced by 'The Kids Bible Company LLC', a media and entertainment company passionately dedicated to reaching and engaging children of all cultures with bible truths using 3D-CGI animation.