Who or What are Angels?

An angel wears white robes and has shoulder length blond hair.  He shines brightly, but looks like a human except for the large flowing, feathery wings extending from his back, one on the left and one on the right.  Another type of angel, who looks like a fat little baby, the cherub, goes about naked or only in a white cloth diaper.  Wings also extend from his back.  Frequently, he carries a harp or a bow and arrow with which he shoots people to cause them to fall in love.  From the earliest ages, children will readily give such descriptions of angels.  Angel depictions top Christmas trees, decorate books and paintings, are characterized in movies and television shows, hang on pendants around necks… images of angels stand out everywhere!  Sadly, a serious gap exists between the fairy tale imaginations of mankind and Biblical reality when it comes to knowledge about angels.

A study of angels always results in certain ambiguities.  Why?  The reason for ambiguity comes from a lack of information.  God did not provide complete knowledge of angels for man.  Such information is not necessary for our purpose in life.  When studying angels, men often develop assumptions.  Biblical authority does not come from assumption.  It comes from the factual information God presents.  Such information comes from commands and examples God has given man.  Sometimes, as Jesus encourages in Matthew 22:29-32, man must make necessary inferences.  These inferences represent necessity because there is no other conclusion resulting in certainty that can be drawn from the facts.  This study of angels will strive to present information with authority rather than assumption.  To do this, the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek terms for “angel” must be examined from the beginning.

In the Hebrew language the term H4397 (mal-awk’) is the most predominant term for angel in the KJV translation of the Bible.  Three other terms are each translated once as angel:  H430 (el-o-heem’ – Psalm 8:5), H8136 (shin-awn’ – Psalm 68:17), and H47 (ab-beer’ – Psalm 78:25).  While the translation of H8136 and H47 for angel is questionable, H430 is confirmed as “angels” in Hebrews 2.  Focusing on H4397, it appears in 196 verses of the Old Testament.  Unfortunately, by definition, it presents a problem.  H4397 according to Hebrew dictionaries can mean deputy, messenger, angel, prophet, priest, king, ambassador, or representative.  2 Kings 1:3 is a great example of this word translated more than one way.   In 102 verses, H4397 is translated angels.  However, just because a non-inspired translator decided whether or not to render H4397 “angel” in a verse does not mean he is always correct.  Context always needs to be examined.  There are a number of verses where the usage is questionable.  When this is the case, the Bible student must be careful not to make assumptions.  To draw authorized conclusions about angels, absolute certainty must exist.

The Aramaic language utilized for the term “angel” is H4398 (mal’ak).  It is used twice in the book of Daniel.  Once it is used in reference to rescuing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abdnego. The second usage relates to the rescue of Daniel.  These references are clear and considering sources and context, conclusions can be made with authority.

The Greek language of the New Testament utilizes two terms for angels: G2465 (isaggelos – used once in scripture and meaning “like the angels”) and G32 (aggelos).  G32 is much like H4397.  It has more than one meaning.  It is translated both angel and messenger in the New Testament.  Speaking from opinion, the context surrounding angels in the New Testament makes most usages of the term “angel(s)” clearer than those of the Old Testament.  Still, for the few instances when such clarity does not exist, assumptions should not be made regarding the activity or nature of angels.

Now that the terms have been examined in regard to angels another issue must be presented.  There are passages in scripture where the entities being examined sure seem like angels, but it is never stated.  Rather than step beyond authority and make assumptions they are angels, those passages will be set aside.  For the purpose of this article, only data from the context of passages confirmed as discussing or using the words “angel(s)” will be examined.  It should be seen already, that the objective of this study is to present what is known about angels rather than to rest Biblical presentation upon conjecture.  So, what about tackling some common misconceptions?

Do Angels have wings?  Of the approximately 300 verses where angels are mentioned in scripture, there is not a single verse demonstrating them as having wings.  However, Matthew 28:2 speaks of an angel descending from heaven and Revelation 8:13 and 14:6 which are visions of heaven state that angels fly. How they fly is unknown, but they do fly.  “But wait!” someone might say.  “What about the Seraphim in Isaiah 6:2-6?  They are recorded as having six wings! And the Cherubim are mentioned in the Bible.  They have wings!”  Well, that certainly is true.  Unfortunately, nowhere in scripture are they called angels.  If God hasn’t recorded them in the Bible as being called angels, where does man get the authority to do so?  Angels may indeed have wings, but man has not been given information to confirm it.

Do angels have shoulder length blonde hair or appear as fat little babies in diapers?  Again, there is no such knowledge given in scripture.  Angels do often appear as men as seen in the context of Genesis 19.  Two Angels appeared to Lot and he invited them to his home.  The city about him recognized them as men (Genesis 19:5). In Genesis 32:24, it is said that Jacob wrestles with a man.  Hosea 12:4 adds to the understanding of that verse by stating it was an angel with whom he wrestled.  Thus, again, we see an angel appearing in the form of a man.  Angels also have appeared in the flame of the burning bush (Acts 7:30).  They have been present in an invisible form as with Balaam and his donkey (Numbers 22).  In Matthew 28:3, the angel at the tomb of Jesus had an appearance as lightening and was wearing garments white as snow.  In Revelation 10:1, an angel is said to be clothed in a cloud with a rainbow on his head, his face like the sun, and feet like pillars of fire.  Not quite how most folks describe angels is it?

Two people recently mentioned to me that the vast depiction of angels in the world shows them to be predominantly female.  Does the Bible speak of female angels?  Excluding for a moment the text around Zechariah 5:9 the answer is no.  Any clear passage regarding angels which mentions their sex identifies them as male.  Now, Zechariah 5:9 describes a vision of Zechariah where two women with stork wings come and remove an evil woman from the place she is in.  The language surrounding the vision is figurative.  Anytime figurative language is present, caution must be taken in regard to conclusion. Additionally, the absence of winged or female angels elsewhere in scripture should cause hesitation in any affirmative statements.  Finally, due to the context a number of commentators (uninspired men) in viewing the stork wings (unclean) conclude the female entities actually to be non-angelic entities and likely even evil themselves.  Where uncertainty reigns, authoritative statements cannot.

What are some things we do know about angels?

Were angels created by God?  Yes!  (Colossians 1:16-17)  When were they created?  There is no specific data on that topic given in scripture.  There are arguments that they were created before or during the creation of the earth and the heavens surrounding it, but ultimately, this is based on assumption.  Is Christ an angel? No.  Christ is God (Hebrews 1:8-9).  He has no beginning and no end (Hebrews 7:3).  Angels worship Christ (Hebrews 1:7), He is not their equal.

Are there different levels of angels?  Yes!  There is an angel called Michael (Jude 1:9, Revelation 12:7-9).  He leads angels and is called the archangel.  This term means “chief” angel.  Thus, by necessary inference it can be determined there are angels with different levels of rank and responsibility.  The responsibilities of angels seem to be vast, though generically simple to state.  Angels are “ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation” i.e. man (Hebrews 1:14).  They have been involved in bringing comfort to man, such as Hagar in Genesis 21:17.  They destroyed the Assyrian army of 185,000 in 2 Kings 19:35.  Actually, to be more specific, one angel did that which clearly demonstrates angels have more power than man.  Angels aided the delivery and confirmation of God’s law to man (Acts 7:53).  They have enabled the healing of man as seen in John 5:4.  They deliver men to Hades following death (Luke 16:22).  They will return to punish the wicked at the second coming of Christ (Matthew 13:49-50).  There are many other actions engaged in by angels, many seen within the heavenly visions of the book of Revelation.

It has already been mentioned that angels are more powerful than man.  The fact is that man for the moment is lower than the angels.  This is born out in Psalm 8:5 and Hebrews 2:9.  Man does not fly as angels.  He does not have the knowledge angels do.  Think of the vast amount of knowledge angels have of heaven.  They surround the throne of God (Revelation 5:11)!  Luke 20:36 describes angels as immortal.  Yet, man in his flesh is yet mortal.  Thus, at times angels protect man as in the case of Lot (Genesis 19:11) and Peter when Jailed in Acts 12.  Speaking of Peter’s jail time, it is apparent angels are not hindered by chains, gates, or walls.  The angel who freed him simply appeared in Peter’s cell to free him and direct him safely out.  Consider this, angels through means unknown to man (certainly through God) have appeared and directed man even in his dreams (Matthew 1:20-24).  They certainly are a higher level being.

While the abilities and knowledge of angels exceed those of man, angels are not omnipotent or omniscient.  They stood greatly curious about the salvation of man not knowing the purpose behind the designs of God (I Peter 1:12).  It is true that angels have a great interest in man.  They have interacted with man in the past and may still do so now unbeknownst to us (Hebrews 13:2).  They follow our lives enough that when we turn away from foolish sins they react with joy (Luke 15:7, 10).  Consider that they know man has been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26).  Hebrews 2:16 appears to say that angels who are disobedient have not been afforded the opportunity for redemption as man has.  The value of man to God is so great that Christ himself left heaven, making himself lower than angels, taking on flesh and blood, to be killed by man, so that man might be forgiven his transgressions.  That certainly would peak interest of angels!  Even by the actions of man shall angels be judged (I Corinthians 6:3).  Thus, angels would logically be attentive to the state of man.

Some teach that each man has a “guardian” angel.  It has been seen that angels have protected man in the past.  The questions that arise: “Are they guarding today?” and “Is each person assigned an angel?”  Some suggest the Jews believed each person had an angel.  Acts 12:15 is a verse singled out to suggest this.  Peter coming to the home of disciples following an angel releasing him from prison is heard from behind the gate by Rodda.  She runs to the disciples stating Peter was there.  They do not believe her and say it is his angel.  The problem in accepting such a statement is it is not provided as an inspired answer, but rather the conjecture of uninspired men during the time of Peter.  Matthew 18:11 is also utilized to suggest the doctrine of guardian angels.  The context suggests children have angels before the face of the Father.  Questions arise as to why they are not staying near to guard the children.  Others consider the term children to refer to Christians who do not have individual angels but angels in general who minister to those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).  The truth is there is no answer that can be garnered with complete certainty from the authority of scripture regarding the concept of guardian angels.

All angels do not have the interest of man at heart.  Some are disobedient and serve Satan (Revelation 12:9).  Is Satan an angel?  Some have attempted to apply verses regarding the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28 to Satan calling him an angel, but even then these verses do not identify Satan as an angel.  Nor does the passage in 2 Corinthians 11:14 which speaks of Satan transforming himself into an “angel [messenger] of light”.  The context identifies this as Satan simply disguising his evil motives as goodness, his false teachings as truth.  Within the Bible there is no scripture which identifies Satan definitively as an angel.  He may be, but no authority within scripture can be found to validate such a claim.

One misunderstood aspect of Angels is the belief they are sons of God.  This is a distinction which Christ and man share.  Christ according to John 3:16 is the unique or “begotten” Son of God.  Christians through the blood of Christ are sons as well (John 1:12).  However, Hebrews 1:5 states: ““For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?”  The term “begotten” (gennao) is not the same as in John 3:16 (monogenes).  It is not pointing out the uniqueness of Jesus rather it is stating angels are not even metaphorically sons of God.  They have never been called sons.  All forty-seven New Testament verses using the term “son of God” relate to Christ as the Son of God.  Nine New Testament verses confirm men, not angels, as “Children of God” and therefore sons.  The only verses in scripture misunderstood to make the case of calling angels “sons of God” are the Old Testament verses Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; and 38:7.  Rather than demonstrating the short comings of these verses in making such a case, a detailed analysis on this topic can be found at http://www.thatchristianwebsite.com/articles/sonsofgod.html.  Nowhere within scripture can angels be found to be called sons, brothers, children, uncles, grandparents, or family (Note: Ephesians 3:15 refers to men and the Church).  Man should not attempt to assign a designation to angels for which there is no authority by God.

In conclusion, may it be understood that the angels of God have been an active part of the salvation of mankind even though they themselves have not understood the mystery of God’s plan of salvation from the beginning.  Their role has been huge and from various glimpses of their activity in scripture, goes widely unobserved by man.  Angels are immortal beings who minster to God and man dutifully.  Man himself will share traits with the angels in eternity being both immortal beings, unmarried, and in heaven.  As they carry us into Hades, certainly our mind will be full with even more questions.  Perhaps we will know them in their true form then and come to know the answers to the questions we have.  However, for now, it is enough to know that our salvation does not depend upon that knowledge.  What God has authorized we know.  Our greater concern is to come to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for which we should consider all other things but loss (Philippians 3:8).

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Who or What are Angels?

Memorial Stones

Early in our life, my wife and I lived in Springfield, Oregon.  When my wife and I lived there, we lived in an undesirable location.  We were young, in college, and couldn’t afford any better.  The apartments we lived in certainly did not house the upper echelon of society.  Drugs, foul language, fights, crime, and yes, even shootings were characteristic of the area.  Despite the chaos surrounding us, we created two little 5×8 strips of lawn next to our back patio.  We tried to make lemonade out of lemons.  Years after having moved, we would drive by where we once lived. Amazingly enough, things became filthier, rougher, and more run down.  The return trips we made each time served as memorial stones to us.  They were reminders of how God had blessed us and delivered us away from those former times.  Man observes many memorials, even marking their own graves with memorial stones.  The practice of memorializing an event or entity does not correspond only to modern day observances.  The Bible records many memorials.

Israel had not yet separated itself as a nation when God called Moses to deliver them from Egypt.  When Moses addressed Israel he was to declare he was sent by “The God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”.  This moniker stands as a memorial stone to all generations (Exodus 3:15).  It represents the loving kindness of God and those who would be faithful to Him.  He offered Israel salvation from Egypt if they would obey His Words and follow Him.  The name of God memorializes the fulfillment of God’s promises and the rescue from despair.  There are a number of items in the lives of the Israelites that served as memorials.  Feasts such as the feast of Passover and feast of Unleavened Bread, stones in the high priest’s ephod, sacrifices, offerings, written testimony, altars, these are a few of the memorials that Israel kept.

In the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, there exists a great border from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.  That border is the Jordan River.  When the children of Israel came out of the Wilderness of Sinai to the Jordan River they were not able to cross by their own efforts. In Joshua 3-4, God commanded Joshua to direct the Levite Priests to carry the Ark of God to the Jordan.  When their feet touched the waters, the river piled back in a heap.  This enabled the children of Israel to cross to the other side as they did when leaving Egypt by the Red Sea.  They crossed from a wilderness of loss to a promised land of plenty.  In memorial of this event, God decreed that the people set up two sets of twelve memorial stones.  The first set was placed in the midst of the Jordan and the second set in the city Gilgal.  When future generations would ask what the stones memorialized, they were to be told of the mighty deeds of God in that place.  The purpose of the memorial stones was that all men of the earth would know of God and revere Him.  God blessed and delivered his people.

The evening of His betrayal, Jesus sat with his disciples.  He knew he would not be able to partake of the Passover with them.  With knowledge of this, He partook of a Passover meal with them at that time (Luke 22).  During this time, he gave them unleavened bread which they were to partake in memory of Him.  This memorial serves as an ordinance for the Christian of Christ’s life.  The apostles partook of it (Acts 20:7) and commanded Churches to keep it (I Corinthians 11:23ff).  During the time Christ gave the apostles unleavened bread, he also gave them grape juice which signified His blood which would be shed.  To this day, the faithful of God keep this memorial each first day of the week.  Christians understand Christ’s sacrifice as God’s offer of salvation to those who would obey His Words and follow him.  The memorial of the Lord’s Supper causes people to remember the deliverance provided by Christ from the captivity of sin and death.  Through this memorial, men of the earth know of God and revere him.  Christ is not just a memorial stone, but he is the cornerstone and foundation of Christianity (Ephesians 2:20, I Corinthians 3:11).

While there are many memorial stones in our lives and examples of such within the Bible, have you ever considered yourself to be a memorial stone?

1 Peter 2:1 -6 – Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation; if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.

Every Christian is a living stone in the temple of God (I Corinthians 3:12-16).  Each Christian stone stands as a memorial of the life that is given in Christ (Galatians 2:20).  Christian stones imitate the strength of the cornerstone which stands strong, good, and true (3 John 1:11).  Following the example of Christ, as living memorial stones, Christians cause the world to know God and revere Him (John 13:15, I Peter 2:21-25).  They demonstrate the blessing of God in their lives.  What an amazing responsibility and honor it is to be memorial stones of God!

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Memorial Stones

Cowboy Boots

To say that I like cowboy boots would not be the revelation of some long kept secret.  The look and feel of boots is great!  The sound of them on a wooden floor brings comfort to my heart.  The cowboy boot stands as a staple of western wear.  They all have a unique design and function.  Some boots get duded up pretty nice and only see special nights on the town.  Other cowboy boots are designed to get worn throughout a day’s work.  Like the boots, Christians also have a special design and function.  Christians are purchased to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 1:9-12) and serve by doing good works (Ephesians 2:10).  However, this is not the only area that there are parallels.  Consider the other areas boots and Christianity share similarities.

Have you ever warn a pair of shoes into a barnyard or area with muddy ground.  Likely, your shoes and socks ended up soaked and full of mud.  Cowboy boots don’t allow that to happen.  The leather keeps the moisture and muck out leaving your feet free from the filth.  Does the Christian life not have a parallel to this?  When a person leaves the world and becomes a Christian he first immerses himself in the waters of baptism.  This immersion is not a cleansing of dirt from the flesh, but a cleansing of sin from the soul through contacting the blood of Christ (I Peter 3:21, Romans 6).  The Christian purposely slipped himself into the boots of Christ so that he can maintain purity in his life as Christ did in His.  Thus, a Christian finds himself free from the filth of the world as long as the boots remain on.

The design of boots keeps the lower legs from being harmed.  Often when working, brush, burrs, thorns, rocks, and even rattlesnakes embody the potential hazards to the cowboy.  Yet, the tall leather shaft of the boot not only keeps out filth, but it shields from risks of a greater nature.  The boots of Christ designed by the shield of Faith, God’s Word, deflect all the fiery darts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:6).  With this protection, Christians avoid adultery, fornication, alcohol and drug use, lying, improper worship, gossip, grumbling, homosexuality, greed, and all other forms of sin.  Protection only exists with the boots on (John 8:31-32).

Why do cowboy boots have high heels?  Not only does the cowboy need to get into the saddle quickly, he needs to be able to get out of the saddle quickly.  The heel of his boot keeps him from getting hung up in the stirrup.  Consider a cowboy whose foot slips through the stirrup as he falls from his horse in rough terrain or a rough ride.  Without the proper boot, a cowboy may be dragged to his death because his foot won’t let free of the stirrup.   The heel of the boots of Christ represent a properly trained conscience (I Peter 3:16).  It is a conscience that catches the individual before he slides and gets hung up by temptation.  It enables the Christian to flee and escape danger.  The boots of Christ must be on to avoid a terrible death.

Do you know why the cowboy boot displays a narrowed forefoot?  This design enables the cowboy to easily fit his foot into the stirrups of his saddle.  When a cowboy rides he sits in his working position. Most folks ride for entertainment or leisure these days.  The cowboy’s job supports itself from the back of a horse.  It all starts with being able to fit into the saddle well. It’s not much easier to fit a camel through the eye of the needle then to fit a wide ended boot through the stirrup of a cowboy’s saddle.  A cowboy who cannot get into the saddle may find himself in the way of destruction.  People of the world try all the broad roads of human behavior to get to God. Yet, Christ makes it clear that only the narrow way takes a man to life (Matthew 7:13-14).  The narrow way succeeds because it is God’s design.  The boots of Christ must be on for the Christian to properly fit into their position in the kingdom of Christ.

Yes, Christians have similarities with Cowboy boots.  They clothe themselves in Christ (Galatians 3:28) so they can stay pure, have protection, avoid a terrible death, and fit properly into the kingdom of God.  This article states over and over the boots of Christ need to be kept on.  Let it be said of the Christian what is said of the cowboy, “Cowboys sleep with their boots on”.  Always be prepared (Ephesians 6:15), but remember this… by goofy human wisdom, in Tulsa, Oklahoma it is illegal to sleep with your boots on.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Cowboy Boots

Sons of God – “Angel Food for Thought”

Oh the joy of being called sons of God!  Man has this special title given by believing in Christ and being born by the will of God (John 1:12-13).  The Bible uses different terms both in the Hebrew and Greek for the word “son” or “sons”.  One particular Hebrew word, “bane”, designated by Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries “H1121” appears 4924 times in the Old Testament. It is translated in many ways, the majority of which are not “son or sons”.  Consider these few: children (Genesis 3:16), old (Genesis 5:32), one born (Genesis 15:3), people (Genesis 29:1), colts (Genesis 32:15), bough (Genesis 49:22), of the first (Exodus 12:5), young (Leviticus 1:14), of the breed (Deuteronomy 32:14), one (I Samuel 13:1), worthy (I Samuel 26:16), soldiers (2 Chronicles 25:13), men (Job 1:3), sparks (Job 5:7), arrow (job 41:28), branch (Psalm 80:15), corn (Isaiah 21:10), ones (Jeremiah 48:45), and robbers (Daniel 11:14).  Indeed, a great number of other translations exist and this will be central to the issue about to be examined.

Hebrews 1:5 – “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?”

The context of the above verse is a contrast between Jesus and angels.  The text accomplishes at least two important tasks.  First, it confirms Jesus as being the Son of God.  This declaration is confirmed throughout the New Testament by men (Matthew 27:54), demons (Luke 4:41), unclean spirits (Mark 3:11), angels (Luke 1:35), John the Baptizer (John 1:34), Apostles (Mark 1:1), Jesus (John 11:4), and God the Father (Matthew 3:17).  Second, the Hebrew author eliminates the possibility that Jesus was an angel by noting no angel was ever called God’s Son.  However, many individuals declare angels have been called sons.  To get to the bottom of this concern, verses used to support the claim angels have been called “sons of God” must be examined.

Utilizing the King James Version of the Bible, forty-seven verses use the term “son of God”: Daniel 3:25; Matthew 4:3,6; 8:29; 14:33; 26:63; 27:40,43,54; Mark 1:1; 3:11; 15:39; Luke 1:35; 3:38; 4:3,9,41; 8:28; 22:70; John 1:34,49; 3:18; 5:25; 9:35; 10:36; 11:4,27; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 8:37; 9:20; Romans 1:4; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 4:14; 6:6; 7:3; 10:29; 1 John 3:8; 4:15; 5:5,10,12,13,20; and Revelation 2:18.  All New Testament usages are clear references to Christ.  The single Old Testament reference (Daniel 3:25) is a statement by King Nebuchadnezzar about the appearance of a fourth entity in the fiery pit where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had been thrown.  While the observation about the image was that it appeared like “a Son of God”, it is by no means an inspired confirmation of the entity’s identity.  The term as used by the pagan king was common in identifying what he believed to be Deity.

There are nine scriptures using the term “children of God”: Matthew 5:9; Luke 20:36; John 11:52; Romans 8:16, 21; 9:8; Galatians 3:26; and 1 John 3:10; 5:2. Only one involves angels: Luke 20:36.  The verse declares Christians will be equal to angels in that they will have eternal life.  It then calls the Christians Children of God, not the angels.

There are no verses in the Bible using the terms “a son of God” or “child of God”.

There are eleven verses in scripture using the term “sons of God”.  The New Testament contains six of these and each of them represents a reference to Christians: John 1:12; Romans 8:14, 19; Philippians 2:15; and 1 John 3:1, 2.  This leaves us with five verses from the Old Testament: Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; and 38:7.  The conflict as to whether or not angels are called sons of God lies within these verses.

 Genesis 6:2-4 – “That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.  And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.  There were nephilim in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

The claim that the sons of God in these verses are angels cannot be validated by scripture.  Scripture clearly refutes this as an option.  How?  Mark 12:25 – “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.”  Angels do not marry, but the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 did so.  Rather than angels, the sons of God in this passage are followers of God who married those who were not.  The result was unrighteous people.  Thus, the context of Genesis 6 ends in God’s disgust with sinful mankind and the creation of the Ark by Noah.  Please note:  Some suggest these “sons of God” were angels who were not from heaven and therefore could marry with men.  In simple perspective and rejection of this notion, if the angels were not from heaven, they were not from God.  Rather, they would be angels of the devil (Matthew 25:41, Revelation 12:9).  However, the concern is moot for the “sons of God” here are men not angels.

 Job 1:6-7 – “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”

 Job 2:1-2 – “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.  And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”

The great majority of scholars proclaim the sons of God in these verses to be angels in a gathering in heaven.  If so, the validity of Hebrews 1:5 would have to be questioned for angels would be called sons of God.  Additionally, it must be accepted that Satan, a very corrupt being opposed to the righteousness of God, would be present in heaven.  Why would scripture not be consistent and refer to man as sons of God as it did in Genesis 6 and the whole of the New Testament?  Why refer to angels as sons when it is man who was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)?  Why refer to angels as sons when it is man who is heir and angels ministers unto them (Hebrews 1:14).  Is it too difficult to imagine the faithful of God gathering at an appointed time to present themselves before God?  The Patriarchal age does not provide us with much information regarding the worship at that time.  However, as early as Genesis 4, Cain and Able came together to present offerings before God.  Unless, the final text of scripture mentioning “sons of God” can be determined with certainty to refer to angels, no reason can be ascertained as to why  Job 1:6-7 and 2:1-2 would do so.

The final passage of scripture to examine regarding “sons of God” is Job: 38:7.  The context of this verse is Job before God and God speaking.

Job 38:1 -12 – “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?  Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;…”

This passage seems to be a lockbox of hope to those who want angels to be sons of God.  The context is that of creation.  Notably, the time is before the creation of man.  Thus, man cannot be the sons of God spoken of here.  Yet, this does not certify that the sons are angels.  While certain scholars see this as a certainty, the possibility of an alternative eliminates certainty of a solution.  Recall the opening paragraph of this article.  H1121 is the term “sons” used here in Job 38.  Recall also the great number of translations for H1121.   Are there any that could be alternative to “sons” in the passage and still fit the context?  Consider that both “ones” and “first ones” can easily replace the term son, being thus: “ones of God” and “first ones of God”.   What are these “first ones of God”?  I submit to you these are other physical elements of creation. That would include planets, moons, and all the heavens.  There are a number of inanimate objects that are referred to by H1121.  Such a translation would not be out of order.  Thus, an alternative removes certainty about translating H1121 “sons” and therefore “sons of God” leading to a belief they are angels.

The text of Job 38:1-12 also stands as a refutation to angels being present.  In the above text, it will be noted there are a number of words underlined.  They are all physical elements of the creation.  All of them are inanimate, that is without life.  All of them are surrounded with figurative language.  A foundation fastened, a cornerstone laid, morning stars singing, seas needing doors, clouds being a garment, darkness a swaddling band, and dayspring personified as if to know his place fit together well.  How do literal angels literally shouting for joy fit the text?  It is like a puzzle children are given where they are to point out the one thing that does not belong with the others.  In this text, angels or “sons of God” do not belong.  Rather, the “first ones of God”, His creation which is inanimate, figuratively shouts for joy.  This is text which is sound and in accordance with Hebrews 1:5.

In regard to the thrust of Hebrews 1:5 the following question has arisen: “What if Hebrews 1:5 presents its text only to demonstrate the uniqueness of the Sonship of Jesus as compared to that of angels; not to exclude them as metaphoric sons?”  The uniqueness of Jesus can be found by the term “begotten” (monogenes) in John 3:16.  However, the term “begotten” in Hebrews 1:5 (gennao) according to Thayer’s Greek definitions is different and can have a metaphoric meaning.  It does not ask when the angels were ever considered unique sons like Christ, but rather when they were even considered metaphorically to be sons.”  The text means exactly what it says. God has never called angels (uniquely or metaphorically) sons.  The designation of son rests only with Jesus.  Consider an affirmation of this from Hebrews 2:11-16:

“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  For verily he took not on angels; but he took on the seed of Abraham.”

This text clearly identifies that man is considered brothers to Christ.  Here he could have called angels his brothers, but he did not (nor does he elsewhere).  He became as man, not as angels.  There is a special relationship between God and man that angels do not share.  If men are brothers to Christ, they are sons of God.  This is born out in scripture.  However, it is never seen of angels.  Both Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 identify angels as servants of the brotherhood of men, but not brothers.  Hebrews 2 strengthens Hebrews 1:5 which stands as a guideline to other scriptures where men mistakenly want to use the term “sons of God” or interpret it as “angels”.

Though scripture does not call angels sons or brothers, there is a desire to argue for them as God’s spiritual family.  They are sentient, freewill beings, who live eternally, and dwell in heaven.  Should they not be considered family?  Christians must use the Bible to determine what has authorization and what does not.  Are angel’s family?  The verse used in attempt to affirm this belief comes from Ephesians:

Ephesians 3:14-15 – “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”

Who is this “family”?  The context does not discuss angels.  Rather, the discussion revolves around the gospel being applicable to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.  This is the family being discussed – the Church!  How can angels be under a heavenly roof with man and not be considered family?  Abraham found himself without an heir in Genesis 15:2-3.  He did not consider the steward of his house (Eliezer) family.  Did he have a bond of trust with Eleizer?  Certainly he had a bond of trust with his house steward; however, that did not make Eleizer family.  Unless, God identifies angels as family or sons, man cannot assume to bestow the title upon them with authority.  The same is true for other beings in heaven such as Cherubim and Seraphim.

What is the importance of showing “sons of God” are not angels?  First, it demonstrates that all scripture is in accordance and does not disagree.  Second, it helps bring passages which are misunderstood into the proper light.  Finally, understanding that Jesus is the only Son of God, the begotten and unique, who is Deity, enables man to properly direct his worship to the right target.  Angels are ministers to God and man and they need to be observed as such.  If God does not call them sons, brothers, or family, man should not tread upon that ground.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Sons of God – “Angel Food for Thought”

You Can Do Better

Watching the election year primaries unfold, it is clear disgust surrounds the individual in the White House and the top two challengers for the office of President of the United States.   The man in the White House characterized his last three years with deception, poor stewardship, and immoral decision making.  One of his challengers has a past characterized by philandering and broken trust while the other has demonstrated immoral choices involving support of homosexuality, abortion, and stem cell research.  This speaks completely to their moral fiber; it does not address their failures of ideology or misdirected spirituality.  Presently and historically, America stands as a land of many moral people with sound ideologies; however, the current abomination presented before the nation represents their choice to accept something less than great.  America could do better.

I Samuel 5b-7 – “…now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”

The false choice society often believes to be their only choice is:  “Choose the lesser of two (three, four, etc.) evils.”  Consider a young boy presented with two choices for a dinner vegetable.  The first choice is creamed spinach.  The second choice is brussel sprouts.  Yuck!  He has been down that road before and knows he doesn’t like these vegetables.  The child, believing these to be the only choices, feels miserable.  Yet, not all children believe this scenario to be true.  They know other good vegetables exist.  When not offered other choices, some children see a bigger picture where they refuse to swallow what has been presented.  They know they can do better.

Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Again consider the child who won’t eat the choices of vegetable put before him.  Will there be pressure for the child to accept the choices?  Yes!  The voices telling America to swallow what they know they don’t like, come from sources of power.  For instance, the media with far reaching access tries to force its own choices down the throat of the citizenry.  They coax, cajole, and try every tactic they can to get Americans to accept their choice.  “This item looks the same but try it again, you will like it”.  “Don’t worry, this choice only sat in the garbage for 30 seconds”.   Because they have the power to put their choices before Americans while ignoring other better choices, they do.  They have their own agendas and they get money or favors to put forth specific agendas by other sources of power.  Unfortunately, these human sources of power do not put forth the best interests of the people.  They choose the rich or powerful.  They choose the good looking or well articulated.  Their standards are not built upon foundation, but upon fascia.  They could do better.

1 Samuel 16:6-7 – “And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

 Though America chose the motto, “In God We Trust”, in 1956, a wide swath of the country chooses not to follow God’s precepts.  In doing so, they follow their own notions of what seems right.  The citizenry allows human sources of power to limit the field of governing choices based upon faulty criteria. In 2008, Americans were presented with two lousy choices to fill the office of president.  One of those choices was picked and America suffered for it.  In 2010, Americans came out in droves supporting the choices of morality, justice, and honesty across the land.  In most cases, they were successful.  They chose from the ground up to choose representatives who represented a godly model.  Yet, now, in the presidential election year of 2012, the presidential choices placed before them appear so souring the citizenry agonizes.  What happened?  Americans once again gave over the decision making for their choices to others.  They could have done better.

Deuteronomy 12:8 – “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes for ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.”

The scenario looks bleak.  On Election Day, many will choose simply not to swallow the choices.  By this, it is meant they will not vote at all.  They will not make a false choice.  This will likely mean many good candidates will not be elected in state and local positions, because votes will be absent.  Evil will abound!  Yet, there is a scripture from the Bible which says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)  Those who claim to follow God should be present on Election Day to provide votes for those who will lead in a righteous manner.  But doesn’t this then force the individual to accept a distasteful choice for president?  No.  Acting in that fashion would be a false choice.  Americans can show up to their polling places, vote for the righteous men in local races and either write in an appropriate choice for president or refrain from voting for the poor choices.  No “lesser evil” exists.  Choosing something against God’s Will is always wrong.  Americans can do better.

1 Samuel 13:11-13 – “And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of Jehovah: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would Jehovah have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.”

 In the I Samuel text, King Saul of Israel was faced with a dilemma.  The Philistines were preparing to attack.  A prophet of the Lord, Samuel, told King Saul he would come and present offerings to God.  Yet, the time had come and no Samuel.  God had not given Saul permission to offer a sacrifice himself, but there was no one around to do it.  Saul’s apparent choices: Offer sacrifices to entreat the favor of the Lord or not.  In Saul’s mind it seemed right to sacrifice to God.  However, his human reasoning was wrong.  Doing something which God has not authorized is evil.  Man may not reason it as evil, but this does not alter the facts.  Applying this to the political situation in the United States, when only an unrighteous choice for president seems to be present, it is really a false choice.  Do not be like Saul and make the false choice.  Do not swallow the poison.  Is it possible the citizenry will choose evil?  Yes.  That would be quite likely.  However consider:  first, the individual will not have done evil offending God.  Second, God will cause the result to work out for good (Romans 8:28).  If Americans truly believe the motto “In God We Trust”, then they will indeed approach it not only in word, but deed also.  When Americans return to only accepting Godly choices from the beginning, the choices will be far more abundant and tasteful than present.  American can do better.

Joshua 24:15 – And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on You Can Do Better