The Ministry of Angels
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 (New International Version, NIV)
The Bible speaks many times of angels, but nowhere in the Word of God does it tell humans to worship angels. Actually, it says that angels are sent to serve us. It even says that one day we will judge the angels.
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! I Corinthians 6:3 (New International Version, NIV)
God gives us angels to protect us (II Kings 6:16-17) and to bring us messages (Luke 1:19, 26). They bring healing, and they wage spiritual warfare (Daniel 10:13). They are designed to serve God and to serve us.
No doubt, there will be some who will say that the Bible tells us that we are lower than angels. They are referring to Psalm 8:4-6.
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet. Psalm 8:4-6 (KJV) emphasis mine
At first glance it does appear that the Psalmist is saying the we are lower than angels. However, when you look closely at the word angels in this passage, the original Hebrew word is Elohim. Elohim is the word that refers to God in Genesis 1:1, when it says that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It is used to refer to God numerous times in the Old Testament. So, in this Psalm, it tells us that man is made a little lower than God- not the angels. Man is the highest order of God’s creation. We rank above the angels, who are intended to minister to us.
There are many different types of angels, all having differing ranks and purposes. In the Word we read of cherubim, seraphim, archangels and more. The angels are set in order as an army and they obey the Word of God. When the Word of God is spoken, they are released to act on our behalf. Angels are just one more way that our heavenly Father cares for His children.
