Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels, did He say at any time, "Sit on My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool?"
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation.
btw, Brotherly Love - if I may interject some thoughts here - I am not sure who Thomas Bruscha is but he seems to be presenting a rather confused view point.
For instance, the reference of Eph 3 which states:
8 This grace was given to me, I being less than the least of all the saints, to preach the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations,
9 and to bring to light all, what is the fellowship of the mystery having been hidden from eternity in God, the One creating all things through Jesus Christ,
10 so that now to the rulers and to the authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God,
11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through His faith.
13 Therefore, I ask you not to faint at my troubles on your behalf, which is your glory.
The rulers and authorities in the heavenlies in this passage does not refer to God's angels, but to the rulers of darkness and the powers of the prince of air which is satan. Eph 6 refers to this and so does 2Cr 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Angels have no authority or power in the heavenlies. They are servants of the Most High God. They also war in the heavenlies against the angels or spirits of darkness [see Dan 10] This is why Paul said that we war not with flesh and blood, but against the rulers of darkness. It is a spiritual battle not only for us, but also for the angels of God against the evil forces which are all around us unseen. God's angels are servants sent to protect us from evil and to minister to us as God wills - referenced by Gracey.
Jesus was also ministered to by angels both after His tempation and in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Also stated in the article is that we teach the angels - I have looked at the scripture references and cannot see a link to this. I am not clear as to why we would teach the angels about the salvation process - Gabriel announced the birth to Mary and thousands of angels sang at His birth. I believe, again, that this reference is to the ignorance in which the demons were in, before Jesus died and arose, and therefore "needed an education"
Another thought that was expressed in the article:
"Interestingly, Colossians 2:18 implies that those who would have you believe a message from an angel or to adore the Angels in worship, have never seen an Angel, though they may testify that they have seen an Angel."
Again, I believe Paul was referring to satan coming with a message that is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus.
2Cr 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Obviously, he did not mean no one would see an angel, because Peter certainly did.
1 Cor 4 was quoted as angels being a "spectacle":
8 Already you are full! Already you are rich! You have reigned as kings without us! And oh that indeed you did reign, that we also might reign with you.
9 For I think that God has set forth us last, the apostles, as it were appointed to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised.
11 Even until this present hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no certain dwelling place.
12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;
13 being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.
In the context of this passage, Paul is referring to his witness of the Gospel to the world and to the spiritual realm. It is not a "put down" to the angels, it is merely stating that Paul is "exposed" for his testimony of the Gospel and willing to be persecuted for it. His "witnesses" are the angels, the world, and all men.
Quote:
"Our position "in Christ in heavenly places" is a show of the kindness and grace of God to the Angels who never had seen such grace - Ephesians 2:4-7"
This is a statement that is not defined by this passage - God's grace does not change - He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Quote:
"As God's purpose for Israel centers around His kingdom in the earth, so God's purpose for us - the Body of Christ - centers around His kingdom in the heavens. Angels were used to help Israel by informing them and protecting them as a nation, in fulfillment of God's intent for the earth. However, today God is using the church, which is His Body, to help the Angels by informing them and warring against the spiritual wickedness in high places in fulfillment of God's intent for the heavens."
We do not "help" or "inform" angels. Angels are sent by God. They have no contact with humans, unless God directs them.
Angels are also warriors instructed by God to wage war in the heavenlies against the rulers and principalities of darkness.
Quote:
"Instead of protecting us from all the evils that may befall us in life we are instructed to be "filled with the Spirit" and to learn that God's grace is sufficient. In fact, we begin to understand that in our weakness God is made strong in us so that while we may suffer need, go hungry, be afflicted with pain, or suffer loss; we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!" What a testimony this is to the power of God's grace in us, both unto man and the Angels. (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22,23; 2 Corthinians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:11-13)"
Angels *do* protect and deliver. Again, Gracey referred to this, and Heb 1:13 as quoted at the beginning of this post proves as such. Being filled with the Spirit; being led and controlled by the Holy Spirit; walking in the strength of Messiah is for our spiritual empowerment, refinement, and growth doing that which we are called to do. Angels are employed by God and at His total command to ensure our safety, according to God's will, from intervention by the powers of darkness - and to accomplish all other acts of obedience that God asks of them.
Quote:
"There is an amazing truth which can only be received by faith. We are told in scripture that our afflictions in this life are working for us. As we walk by faith, motivated by grace, strengthened by God's Spirit, guided by His Word through all the difficulties of life we will be rewarded "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." If guardian Angels prevented such afflictions, they would be working against you, robbing you of rewards, and the glory God receives through His working in your life. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:16-18; 2 Timothy 2:9-13; 4:6-8)"
Guardian angels do not prevent all afflictions. They are the servants of God and obedient to His will alone. When angels protect us from something, it is because it is God's will in that particular case. It is by God's grace that we do not endure all that satan has planned for us. God alone decides what afflicitons we must face and walk through, aided by His Hand -whether that be by the power of the Holy Spirit and/or by His angels.
Lastly, the seven churches in Revelation all had an angel that was assigned to them - angels are part of the realm in which we walk. They are ministering spirits sent by God for those of us who are inheriting salvation - Heb 1:13
Shalom, MalkyEL
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