ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF LOKOJA
Anglican understanding of Angels
Notes prepared by Most Revd Emmanuel A.S. Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja
In our continuation of the series on Anglicanism, we are moving on to an aspect that some have found quite confusing and do not really know what they ought to believe. This has to do with the identity and role of angels in our lives. The Catechism (see BCP page 496) has provided some preliminary teaching on this subject and some other church documents, such as the Westminster Larger Catechism, and even books have been written on the ministry of Angels (you can easily find in a bookshop or online, the books: Angels on assignment by Roland Buck; or angels God’s secret agents by Billy Graham). In this study, we will make reference to some Bible passages to help us know how we should understand angels.
Angels are mentioned in many parts of the Bible right from the earliest times in the book of Genesis. They go by different names according to their ranks. According to the Westminster Larger Catechism, “God created all the angels, spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change”
Whenever we see the term “The Angel of the Lord” used, especially in the old Testament, it refers to the pre-incarnate revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. In that sense, therefore, He is divine. This is sometimes referred to as “Theophany”.
Essentially, angels are messengers of God or ministering spirits to the children of God (Heb.1:14). There are worshiping angels, such as the Cherubim and Seraphim; there are archangels among whom the most familiar are Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, and Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-14 & Ezekiel 28:11-19 are believed by some Bible interpreters to be a reference to the fall of Lucifer who was created as an angel of light in the beginning before his fall. Demons are fallen angels). There are generally about seven archangels identified in various biblical sources. There are also guardian angels who are assigned to watch over nations, locations, families and over our lives as children of God. The Lord Jesus taught about this in Matthew 18:10. They are sent to protect and to defend God’s people, especially in spiritual battle. Angels are present when God’s children are worshiping Him, but they never follow us when we go after satanic practices. Those who engage in satanic activities, expose themselves to spiritual danger and forfeit the protection of God angels.
Angels are exceedingly powerful (see 1Kings19:35). No human weapon can prevail against them because they are armed with supernatural power given to them by God. They are often invisible, but they also sometimes appear in visible human form when we are in danger. They immediately disappear after they have offered they needed help (see Acts 12:6-11). Some of us may recall times when a helper came at the exact time of need and then we never saw the person ever again. That could most likely have been an angel sent to help you. Even though artistic impressions present angels with wings that is not often the case.
Angels are not to be worshiped because they are created beings and no created being is to be worshiped. Worshiping angels amounts to idolatry. Even though some denominations have tried to master the names of angels and to even use them in prayers and worship, Anglican tradition does not support this – and this is based on the teaching of the Bible. When the apostle John was shown great things in the book of revelation, he tried to worship the angel who showed him these things, and the angel prevented him (see Rev. 19:10;22:8-9). Indeed, believers were one day judge Angels according to one Corinthians 6:3. We can appreciate their ministry as we thank God for them, and we can ask God for a reinforcement of angelic help. But we are not to pray directly to Angels.
You can use this opportunity to thank God for sending angels into your life, and you can study more about their glorious ministry us mandated by God, our Father through Christ.
