Great Doctrines. Lesson 3 Lesson Text—Ezekiel 10:1-2 Ezekiel 10:1-2 1 Then I looked, and, behold,...

Great Doctrines

Lesson 3

Lesson Text—Ezekiel 10:1-2

Ezekiel 10:1-21 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.


2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.


Ezekiel 10:3-53 Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.


4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’s glory.5 And the sound of the cherubims’ wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.


Ezekiel 10:6-76 And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.


7 And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out.


Ezekiel 10:8-108 And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man’s hand under their wings.9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.


10 And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.


Ezekiel 10:11-1211 When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.

Focus Verse—Hebrews 1:14

Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering

spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of

salvation?

Focus Thought

Angels are God’s ministering

spirits that serve as

messengers and guardians,

aiding Him in dealing with

humanity.

I. AngelsIntroduction

Angels are an interesting subject. For most of us, they are mysterious, otherworldly creatures that seem to play but a small role in our day-to-day reality. Few mortals have encountered angels firsthand, or at least were unaware of such encounters. Still, angels continue to fascinate and intrigue us. Theologians have even created the term “angelology,” referring to the branch of inquiry that treats the subject of angels.

I. AngelsAlthough angels are sometimes

overlooked when people study the Bible, they actually play a significant role in God’s overall plan for redeeming lost humanity. Appearing at key junctures in the biblical story, angels serve as God’s agents by delivering His messages and carrying out divine errands. They are an important part of God’s created order.

I. AngelsAngels are not divine, but they

have the ability to transverse the mysterious divide between heaven and earth in order to carry out God’s assignments (Genesis 28:12; I Chronicles 21:16; Revelation 18:1). Although these creatures have on occasion been intentionally (Colossians 2:18) or mistakenly worshiped by humans (Revelation 17:1, 19:10), they are not designed to receive worship. Further, angels were designed, like mankind, to worship God (Luke 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:11-13).

I. AngelsAs we shall see, however, not all

angels chose to worship and serve God. Many fell into rebellion, and these fallen angels continually work to promote sin and to counteract the saving influence of the gospel. These messengers of Satan attempt to hamper God’s plan, and they are enemies of truth.

The study of angels reminds us that we are not alone. While invisible to the naked eye, angelic spirits are real beings that inhabit heaven yet observe what occurs on earth. This should remind us that we are all under divine surveillance.

I. AngelsAngels

In our study of angels, we first should consider some of their chief characteristics from a biblical perspective. In this section we will ask, What are angels like? Why are some angels holy and others wicked? What realm do angels occupy? What is their chief purpose?

A. Angels as Intelligent Moral Agents

A. Angels as Intelligent Moral Agents

The Scriptures portray angels as intelligent moral agents. They have the ability to reason, as demonstrated by the angels urging Lot to make haste to escape with his family from the impending judgment on Sodom (Genesis 19:15). The wisdom of angels is legendary (II Samuel 14:17, 20).

I. AngelsThe angels that visited Abraham and Lot were moral agents, commissioned by God to inspect and evaluate the spiritual condition of the wicked cities of the plain (Genesis 18:20-22; 19:12-13).

These invisible, immortal, otherworldly creatures have the unique ability to transverse the strange, mystical zone between heaven and earth. Some, at least, have wings (Isaiah 6:2; Ezekiel 1:5-11; 10:5-21; Zechariah 5:9; Revelation 4:8) and can fly swiftly (Daniel 9:21). (See also the golden cherubim in Exodus 25:20; 37:9.)

I. AngelsThey can act and appear as mortals and then quickly and mysteriously vanish from sight. They can speak in human languages, yet they apparently converse with one another in their own tongues (I Corinthians 13:1). What are some of the other things we know about angels?

I. Angels1. Angels are not embodied. As

residents of heaven, angels do not possess human bodies. Rather, they are “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14) with supernatural strength that is superior to that of humans (II Peter 2:11). Within the created order, these spiritual creatures were fashioned above humans (Psalm 8:3-5), though ironically Paul claims we shall ultimately judge them (I Corinthians 6:3).

I. Angels2. Angels are not visible. Since

angels are not embodied, under normal circumstances they are invisible to the naked eye. However, there are numerous examples in the Bible in which angels temporarily took on a human form or appearance. In some cases, their form and divine apparel reveal a radiant, heavenly brilliance (Judges 13:6; Ezekiel 1:13; Daniel 10:5-6; Matthew 28:2-4; Acts 10:30). At other times, an angel’s presence was not even noticed initially (Numbers 22:21-31).

I. AngelsSometimes angels are indistinguishable from humans and have been mistaken for them (Hebrews 13:2). They are sometimes even described as men. Jacob was said to have wrestled with “a man” (Genesis 32:24), although this being was later identified as an “angel” (Hosea 12:4). Initially, Abraham’s three visitors were characterized as “men” (Genesis 18:2, 16).

I. AngelsLater, however, two of them were referred to as “angels” (Genesis 19:1), even though the residents of Sodom, including Lot, at least initially thought these visitors were men (Genesis 19:4-5, 8, 10). Apparently, the third “man” was a theophany or temporary manifestation of God, since He was called “the Lord” (Genesis 18:1, 13, 17, 33).

I. Angels3. Angels do not marry. Since

they are not mortal and do not reproduce, angels do not engage in marital relationships. This is a significant argument against the idea of some who have claimed that “the sons of God” who “took them wives” and “bore children” before the Flood were actually angels (Genesis 6:1-4).

I. AngelsHowever, an even stronger argument against this erroneous idea exists in the verse of Scripture that reveals God’s anger was not directed against angels, but against men for God said, “My spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3). Further, the Flood did not target and judge angels, but mankind. Apparently, the “sons of God” mentioned referred to the righteous seed and the “daughters of men” referred to the unrighteous descendants of Cain.

I. AngelsWhen the Sadducees, who denied

the existence of angels (Acts 23:8), inquired of Jesus concerning the marital status of a deceased woman who had been successively married to seven brothers, each of whom died in turn, Jesus replied that those who are resurrected remain unmarried just “as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:23-30). In this world people customarily marry (Luke 20:34); angels and resurrected saints, though, never do (Luke 20:35-36).

I. Angels4. Angels do not die. With rare exceptions—such as Enoch (Genesis 5:24), Elijah (II Kings 2:11), and saints carried up in the Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:17)—everyone will die (Hebrews 9:27). Angels, however, are immortal. They are eternal spiritual beings immune from suffering death (Luke 20:36).

B. Like Humans, Angels Originally Tested

B. Like Humans, Angels Originally Tested

In the Garden, the serpent tempted Adam and Eve, and they succumbed to the temptation. Consequently, they were punished and ejected from the beautiful garden (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6, 16-24). The angels also experienced a testing, or temptation, when Lucifer led a rebellion in heaven against God. Some of the angels remained loyal to God, but others rebelled.

I. Angels1. Some fell into sin. In Revelation’s

dramatic account of the rebellion of Satan along with his angels, a heavenly war ensued and God expelled the forces of evil (Revelation 12:7-9). The Scriptures note that “a great red dragon” used his tail to draw “the third part of the stars of heaven” (Revelation 12:3-4). This symbolic and somewhat enigmatic reference may in fact indicate that one-third of the angels sided with Satan. According to Jude, the angels who fell “kept not their first estate [or ‘their proper domain,’ NKJV], but left their own habitation” (Jude 6).

I. Angels2. Some passed the test and now evidently occupy a state of holiness and immortal glory. Apparently, the vast majority of the angels remained committed to serving God. These are the wonderful, holy, and immortal creatures that we frequently meet in the pages of Scripture that are on our side and seek our best welfare. They are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).

C. Heaven, the Headquarters of Angels

C. Heaven, the Headquarters of Angels

Angels may temporarily cross over into earth’s space-time reality, but their eternal home is heaven. There vast numbers of angels live, worship, and receive commands from God. According to Hebrews 12:22, the heavenly Jerusalem is populated by “an innumerable company of angels.”

I. AngelsAccording to Revelation 5:11-12,

“ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” of angels gather around the throne worshiping the Lamb. In his comments on this passage in the NIV Application Commentary on Revelation, Craig Keener notes that ten thousand is the largest number in the Greek language, so the number stated here (“ten thousand times ten thousand”) indicates a vast quantity of angels that is beyond calculation.

I. AngelsIn the very royal court of heaven—God’s throne room—angels directly and regularly encounter the immediate presence of God, something humans in their current state cannot do physically (Matthew 18:10; John 1:18; I Timothy 6:16; I John 4:12). However, someday redeemed humans shall also enjoy this blessed experience (Job 19:26; Matthew 5:8; Revelation 22:4).

I. AngelsSignificantly, God instructed Moses to install in the Holy of Holies two golden cherubim that hovered over the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant where God’s presence dwelt (Exodus 25:18-22). Additionally, figures of cherubim were to be embroidered into the fabric of the curtains of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1), including the veil (Exodus 26:31).

I. Angels1. Angels constantly worship God. Angels never cease praising the Lord. The four beasts of Revelation, which are likely angelic throne attendants and which Ezekiel described as “living creatures” (Ezekiel 1:5-22; 3:13) or “cherubims” (Ezekiel 10:1-20), “rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

I. AngelsAs they gather “round about the throne,” they proclaim “with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12).

Though angels may inspire our awe, Scripture forbids humans to worship them, for angels are our fellow servants (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9). Rather, angels are to join us along with all of creation in continually worshiping God (Psalm 148:2; Revelation 7:9-12).

I. Angels2. Angels render service to

Christians and do God’s bidding. Angels are under the authority of Jesus Christ (I Peter 3:22). They serve as His attendants and messengers, delivering divine judgments and decrees as well as protecting God’s saints from harm. Cherubim were dispatched, for example, to guard the entrance of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), and an angel was prepared to slay the wayward prophet Balaam (Numbers 22:21-35).

I. AngelsPrompted by Daniel’s

supplications, the angel Gabriel arrived to bring Daniel “skill and understanding” (Daniel 9:20-23). The same angel, Gabriel, later appeared to Zacharias, stating: “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings” (Luke 1:19). He announced that Zacharias would be temporarily struck with muteness because of his unbelief (Luke 1:20).

I. AngelsOn another occasion, a different

angel named Michael appeared to Daniel in a vision (Daniel 10:4-13). After explaining that he had been held up by the prince of Persia (Daniel 10:13), he revealed to Daniel the destiny of God’s people (Daniel 10:14). At other times, angels function as heavenly “tour guides,” leading prophets through visionary experiences and showing them the meaning of mysterious things (Zechariah 1:9-19; 2:3; Revelation 1:1; 10:8–11:1; 17:1; 21:9).

D. Prominent Angelic Activity at Great Moments

D. Prominent Angelic Activity at Great Moments

Angels have tended to appear on earth with greater frequency during significant junctures in history. It seems God wanted to underscore the importance of certain events by requesting angels to be in attendance and deliver critical messages for Him.

I. AngelsDuring the time of the patriarchs, Hagar experienced two angelic visitations. The first announced Ishmael’s forthcoming birth, and the second brought comfort while Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness (Genesis 21:14-19). Angels visited Sodom before Lot’s rescue and the city’s destruction (Genesis 19), and an angel spoke to Abraham when he was about to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:9-18).

I. AngelsAngels appeared to Jacob in Bethel on his way to Padanaram (Genesis 28:12), in a dream while in the region of Padanaram (Genesis 31:11), and upon his return to his homeland in a place Jacob called Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1-2). Likewise, angelic activity increased dramatically during the time preceding the birth of the Messiah (Matthew 1:20, 24; Luke 1:26-38) and His predecessor, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-19).

I. AngelsAngels also appeared during Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:9-15), infancy (Matthew 2:13, 19), temptation (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13), prayer at Gethsemane (Luke 22:43), resurrection (Matthew 28:2, 5; Luke 24:23; John 20:12), and ascension (Acts 1:10-11). Angels were frequently involved during the ministry of the early church (Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7-11, 23; 27:23-24). In addition, angels will play a major role in Christ’s second coming and the final judgment (Matthew 13:41, 49-50; 16:27; 24:31; 25:31; II Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 18:21; 19:17; 20:1).

II. The Devil and Demonic WorldThe Devil and

Demonic WorldAs discussed earlier, not all

angels serve God; some are fallen angels and we cannot trust them. Some may even preach a false gospel (Galatians 1:8), though outwardly they can seem like angels “of light” (II Corinthians 11:14). Who are these wicked beings, and who is their ringleader?

A. The Devil Originally Was Lucifer

A. The Devil Originally Was Lucifer

The figure we call the “devil” first was known as “Lucifer, son of the morning” (Isaiah 14:12). Lucifer means “light-bearer” and indicated the “shining one” or “morning star” (Strong’s Concordance). Though the passage in Isaiah originally referred to the pompous King of Babylon, by extension it depicted the devil himself, known elsewhere as Satan (I Chronicles 21:1; Job 1:6-12; Psalm 109:6; Mark 1:13), which means “adversary” (Strong’s Concordance).

I. AngelsLucifer became lifted up with

pride, saying in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:13-14). Despite his arrogant claims to exalt himself over God, he was to be brought down very low (Isaiah 14:15).

B. The Devil Rebelled and Led a Rebellion

B. The Devil Rebelled and Led a Rebellion

As the instigator and principal leader of a spiritual rebellion (“I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven,” Luke 10:18), the devil serves as the commander in chief of the forces of evil.

I. AngelsThe Book of Revelation depicts the devil as a vicious, raging dragon (Revelation 12:3-17) who directs his cronies—the beast and false prophet—into war against the Lamb and His allies. Ultimately, all three will be cast into the lake of fire. (See Revelation 16:3; 19:20; 20:10.)

C. Lucifer’s Actions Made Him the Devil

C. Lucifer’s Actions Made Him the Devil

Since Lucifer was unable to confront or harm God directly, he turned the main weapon in his arsenal—slander—against God’s people. Because of this, the Bible also calls Lucifer the devil, which means “slanderer” or “false accuser” (Strong’s Concordance).

I. AngelsThe law strictly forbade the

practice of making false claims against another (Exodus 20:16; 23:1). It is a particularly obnoxious and damaging practice. “The accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10) works overtime in the enterprise of character assassination, knowing that he does not have much time left (Revelation 12:12). He falsely accused Job of following God only because God protected him (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5).

I. AngelsWhile the devil and his followers may constantly accuse God’s people (II Samuel 19:27; Acts 6:11-14; Romans 3:8; II Timothy 3:3; I Peter 3:16), God’s angels refuse to return accusations (II Peter 2:11; Jude 9), and God prohibits His people from doing so (Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 10:18; Luke 3:14).

D. Demons Are Fallen Angels D. Demons Are Fallen

Angels

Demons or devils are fallen evil spirits or angels who chose to follow the devil in his rebellion. According to Jude 6, they left their first “position” (New Revised Standard Version) or “domain” (New King James Version).

D. Demons Are Fallen Angels Together with Satan they comprise the hidden spiritual forces with which we must constantly contend: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

E. The Minds of Demons Are Permanently Set

E. The Minds of Demons Are Permanently Set

When the angels who fell chose to ally themselves with Satan, they eternally sealed their fate. There is no evidence in Scripture that demons ever will have an opportunity to be saved; rather, they will all face judgment and punishment (II Peter 2:4). Demons have selected their course of action and for them there is no turning back. Their minds are permanently set.

Transparency 2

1. Set against God2. Set against goodness3. Set against truth4. Set against God’s kingdom5. Set against man’s welfare

I. Angels1. Minds Set against God.

Ultimately, demons are opposed to God and all He stands for. The Book of James exhorts us to submit ourselves to God but to “resist the devil” (James 4:7). (See also I Peter 5:8-9.)

I. Angels2. Minds Set against Goodness.

The devil has been sinning “from the beginning” (I John 3:8). He is against righteousness and promotes hatred (I John 3:10, 12). He and his followers commit various sins, including lust, murder, lying (John 8:44), and betrayal (John 13:2). Paul summed up well the devil’s position on goodness when he rebuked the wicked sorcerer, Elymas: “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10).

I. Angels3. Minds Set against Truth. The devil is a liar. Being the father of lies, he diametrically opposes telling the truth. He chose not to remain in truth “because there is no truth in him” (John 8:44). Unfortunately, some have chosen to follow his “seducing spirits,” which teach “doctrines of devils” (I Timothy 4:1).

I. Angels4. Minds Set against God’s

Kingdom. The devil wages an incessant campaign against the kingdom of God, doing anything in his power to hinder the advancement of God’s plan. Thus, when Peter objected to Jesus’ announcement that he would suffer, die, and rise again (Matthew 16:21-22), Jesus reprimanded him, calling him “Satan” and saying, “thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23).

I. AngelsThroughout history, the devil and his agents have attempted to kill or oppress anyone who would work to further God’s purposes, including Abel (Genesis 4:8), Moses (Exodus 1:16, 22; 2:15), John the Baptist (Mark 6:24), Jesus (Luke 22:2; John 5:18; 7:1), Paul (Acts 14:19; 21:31; 23:15; 25:3), and Antipas (Revelation 2:13).

I. Angels5. Minds Set against Man’s

Welfare. Since the devil cannot directly injure God, he targets people. He is our “adversary,” who like “a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). His demons oppress and even possess people, in some cases harming them physically as well as emotionally and spiritually (Matthew 17:15; Mark 9:22; Luke 9:39, 42). Thankfully, however, Jesus came to free and heal “all that were oppressed of the devil” (Acts 10:38).

F. Demons Have Real, Though Limited, Power

F. Demons Have Real, Though Limited, Power

The power of demons is not unlimited. Rather, Jesus Christ holds all power “in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Demons can only accomplish what He allows. It is reassuring to know that not even an angel “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). While they may wreak some spiritual havoc now, demons will ultimately face judgment (II Peter 2:4).

III. Angels and BelieversAngels and Believers

What is our relationship to these creatures who inhabit the unseen world? While normally we cannot see them, angels continue to operate behind the scenes. We should not become obsessed with angels, since our focus should be on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3). On the other hand, angels are real and we should try to understand their nature and relationship to us.

A. Spiritual WarfareA. Spiritual Warfare

Humans are spiritual creatures as well as physical; consequently, we are engaged in a great spiritual conflict. Not only do God’s angels and fallen angels oppose each other (Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7), but some angels fight for us and some against us. We must recognize that we are involved in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12) and that our main task is to refuse to yield any spiritual ground to the devil (Ephesians 4:27). We are to resist him (Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7).

B. Angels and the End-time Events

B. Angels and the End-time Events

We are living in the last days (I John 2:18). Angelic activity will intensify at the end of time. The Book of Revelation, which itself was mediated through angelic agency (Revelation 1:1), demonstrates that both good and wicked angels are involved in end-time events.

B. Angels and the End-time Events God’s angels will serve as

participants in the end-time drama (Revelation 7:1-2; 10:1; 14:6), especially as vehicles for delivering the fearful trumpet (Revelation 8:2) and bowl judgments (Revelation 15:1, 6-8). In addition, evil angels will be present at the end of the ages (Revelation 12:9; 18:2), and they will serve to entice kings to gather for the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:19).

C. Guardian Spirits C. Guardian Spirits

Angels also serve as our protectors. They have been given a divine charge to watch over us (Psalm 91:11). Our angels—possibly specific angels assigned to our care—behold God’s face (Matthew 18:10). We may not be aware of it, but they encamp around us and rescue us (Psalm 34:7). Thus, for example, God sent an angel to deliver Daniel from the hungry lions (Daniel 6:22).

C. Guardian Spirits In response to prayer, an angel rescued Peter from prison (Acts 12:4-11). Had Christ made the request, a virtual army of angels would have come to His aid on the cross (Matthew 26:53).

D. Angels Rejoice D. Angels Rejoice

God’s angels are creatures who can experience joy. The Bible reveals they take delight at certain momentous events.

I. Angels1. Angels rejoiced at Jesus’ birth.

One of these events was the birth of Jesus. After an angel joyfully announced “good tidings of great joy” to the shepherds, “a multitude of the heavenly host” joined in the celebration of the good news by praising God and proclaiming tidings of peace (Luke 2:8-14). Paul claimed that after the Savior was manifested in the flesh on earth, the angels took note: “God was manifest in the flesh . . . seen of angels” (I Timothy 3:16).

I. Angels2. Angels rejoice when one sinner repents. Not only did angels celebrate the birth of the Savior, but they rejoice at the salvation of the newborn believer (Luke 15:10).

In relating the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus highlighted the curiosity and pleasure that angels experience in people coming to God because “angels desire to look into” the things of salvation (I Peter 1:12).

I. AngelsJesus pointed out that upon the shepherd’s return home, he called his friends and neighbors together for a celebration. Just as they rejoiced, so heaven celebrates when someone turns to God: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

I. AngelsIt is comforting to know that angelic spectators line the bleachers of the heavenly stadium, watching intently as sinners on earth give their hearts to the Lord. Truly we are under divine surveillance!

D. Angels Rejoice Conclusion

While they cannot compare to the position and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Hebrews 1:4-8; 13-14), angels are superior to human beings in many ways. Unlike humans, angels live in heaven and see God’s face (Matthew 18:10; John 1:18; I John 4:12). Unlike humans who will die (Hebrews 9:27), angels are immortal. Angels can fly (Revelation 8:13; 14:6). Angels “are greater in power and might” than we are (II Peter 2:11).

I. AngelsThese mesmerizing creatures

continue to captivate our imaginations. Yet ironically, while we rank lower in the created order than they (Psalm 8:4-5), angels continue to be intrigued by us and seek to comprehend the wonderful event of salvation we experience (I Peter 1:12). Paul even stated that the apostles, who preached the way of salvation, were “made a spectacle . . . to angels” (I Corinthians 4:9).

I. AngelsThe wonderful things of the gospel here on earth attract the attention of curious onlookers in heaven. The next time we gather for church, or as we simply go about our daily lives, we should keep in mind that we are being watched by angels.

Great Doctrines. Lesson 3 Lesson Text—Ezekiel 10:1-2 Ezekiel 10:1-2 1 Then I looked, and, behold,...

Documents

Transcript of Great Doctrines. Lesson 3 Lesson Text—Ezekiel 10:1-2 Ezekiel 10:1-2 1 Then I looked, and, behold,...