Don Stewart :: Why Study about Angels?

Why should anyone take their time to study about angels? Of what benefit can it be to look into this subject?

1. They Are Prominent In Scripture

One of the main reasons for the study of angels is their prominence in Scripture. There is much said about angels and their function. Their influence is not restricted to any one time in history - we find angels being involved in the work of God from Genesis to Revelation. Since the Bible gives much space to their ministry, we ought to pay attention to what Scripture says about them.

2. Important Function In God's Plan

Furthermore, their function is important for us to understand. Since they play an important role in God's overall plan for humanity, it is necessary for us to understand the extent of their involvement and how they relate to us.

3. Complete The Study

Since angels are prominent in Scripture, and perform important functions in the plan of God, it is important that we know as much as we can about them. Angels and humans are the only created beings that will exist forever. There is no evidence that God will introduce new beings in the ages to come.

4. Remind Us The Unseen World Is Real

Furthermore, a study of angels reminds us that the unseen world is real. It informs us that we are not the only beings in the universe. There are unseen forces, both good and evil, that are all around us. These forces are in a constant spiritual battle.

5. Clear Up Ignorance

In addition, a study of the subject of angels from the Scripture will clear up ignorance on the subject. Are these spirit-beings friendly or hostile? Do they cause us harm? Since angels live beyond our means of detection, we need a source that will give us the correct answers to these questions. The Bible is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice, whatever it says on the subject of angels is the final word. Thus, we can know for certain who angels are, and what they do, because we have an authoritative source to look at.

6. Encourage Consistent Living

The study of angels should encourage believers to live consistent Christian lives, seeing they are observing our every move.

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to humans (1 Corinthians 4:9).

Seemingly every thing that we do is observed by angels. If believers realize this truth, then it will encourage them to live consistently with their beliefs.

7. Confident In God's Protection

Angels also serve a protective function for the believer. The Bible says.

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11,12).

Our faith in God's providential care is strengthened when we understand the ministry of angels. Since God has placed these intelligent creatures to guide and protect believers, it will strengthen our faith in Him and His concern for us.

8. Learn From Their Example

Angels also provide examples for believers as to how they should live. They are continually in worship and service to God. Believers should learn to imitate that behavior. Jesus told us to pray.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

God's will is being done in heaven through the ministry of angels. They do His bidding continually, joyfully, and with unquestioned obedience. Believers should learn to do likewise.

Summary

The study of the ministry of angels from the Scripture can be profitable for a number of reasons. They include:

1. Angels play a prominent role in Scripture. So much is said about them by the writers of the Bible that it should encourage us to understand who they are, and what they do.

2. They have an important function in the overall plan of God as well as in the lives of believers. We will not know about their involvement unless we study the Scriptures.

3. If we are to study the complete plan of God, then the study of angels is necessary.

4. A study of angels reminds us of the reality of the unseen world.

5. Understanding what the Bible says about angels will clear up ignorance on the subject.

6. Realizing that angels are observing us will encourage us to live more consistent lives.

7. Understanding that angels protect believers will comfort us in times of trouble.

8. We also have their example of devoted service to God. Their continual service of the Lord should be a challenge to us to behave in the same manner.

Consequently, the study of angels can have many benefits.