Heaven and Angels

This shows that the Son (Jesus Christ) is far greater than the angels, …. angels are only servants — spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:4, 14 (NLT)

The true and living LORD God is the eternal King and Judge of heaven and earth, and He is Almighty and without equal (e.g., see Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 10:16; Psalm 47:7, 11; Psalm 50:6; Psalm 58:11; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 4:9-10; Revelation 15:3). The living LORD God is not simply the greatest of many gods — He is the only true God and everlasting King and LORD of lords (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 10:6, 10). As the King and Judge, the true and living LORD God sits on His royal throne overseeing and ruling the whole world (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19; 2 Chronicles 18:18; Psalm 47:8; Isaiah 6:1; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:2; Revelation 20:11). The living and eternal LORD God is holy as His All-powerful Spirit radiates from His throne (e.g., see Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 4:5, 8).

Surrounding the Almighty LORD God’s throne are all the armies of heaven (hosts) on His right and His left (e.g., see Deuteronomy 33:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 2:1; Psalm 89:5-8; Hebrews 12:22). The Holy Scriptures also call the armies of heaven surrounding the LORD God the “heavenly council,” “heavenly court,” “hosts of heaven,” or the “Sabaoth” (e.g., see Job 1:6; Job 38:7; Jeremiah 23:18, 22; Luke 2:13; Romans 9:29; James 5:4). The Holy Scriptures speak of a “heavenly court” or “heavenly council” (e.g., see Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Job 15:8; Psalm 82:1; Isaiah 6:8). Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give a beautiful picture of the throne room of God with His heavenly council (see Revelation 4:1-5:14). Because of the LORD God’s mighty armies, the Holy Scriptures will sometimes translate the living God the “LORD of Hosts,” “the God of the armies of Israel,” “LORD of Heaven’s Armies,” or “LORD Almighty” (e.g., see 2 Samuel 5:10; 1 Samuel 17:36, 45; 1 Kings 18:15; Isaiah 6:3; Zechariah 4:6, 9).

The armies of heavens consist of God’s holy angels, elders, heavenly bodies such as the stars, sun, elements, and moon, and living creatures that surround His royal throne (e.g., see Joshua 10:8, 11-14; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 68:17; Revelation 4:4, 6; Revelation 5:6, 11). The living God controls these armies of heavens (e.g., see Psalm 65:7; Psalm 107:23-25; Matthew 8:26-27; Mark 4:37-41; Luke 8:24-25). For example, Psalm 104 speaks of the storm-wind, moon, clouds, and the lightning as agents of God’s purposes (see Psalm 104:3-4, 19-22). These heavenly bodies are created by the living God and are NOT to be worshipped, trusted, or consulted (e.g., see Genesis 1:16-17; Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 4:19; Deuteronomy 5:7-9; 2 Kings 17:16; 2 Kings 21:3; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9). Only the living LORD God is to be worshipped, trusted, and consulted (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 14:7). The armies of heaven are only servants of the living God that worship and serve the living LORD God, carry out His instructions and will for His earth, and protect His people (e.g., see 1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 91:11-12; Psalm 103:20-21; Psalm 148:2; 2 Kings 6:16-17; Daniel 7:10; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:7, 14; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 19:10).

The Lord Jesus Christ is Commander of God’s armies of heaven as the Firstborn Son of the living LORD God (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 16:16; John 20:30-31; Revelation 19:11-16, 19). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ is One with His Father the LORD God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; John 14:9-10; John 17:11, 21-23). The New Testament rightly proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Christ (the Anointed One, Messiah) filled with the Spirit who currently sits in the throne room of heaven (e.g., see Acts 2:36; Revelation 5:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is seated “on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” the place of honor beside His Father, the LORD God (Hebrews 1:3, 13; see also Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 22:43-44; Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:68-69; Acts 2:33-34; Acts 5:31; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the LORD God indicates that He is actively ruling and reigning with His Father as Lord of All (see Hebrews 1:2, 13). The hosts of heaven worship the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8, 11-14). One day coming soon, EVERYONE will worship in heaven and on earth and under the earth the Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father (see Philippians 2:9-11). Moreover, one day the Jesus Christ as the Great I AM will come on the clouds of heaven at His second coming (advent) with the heavenly hosts (e.g., see Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Revelation 1:7). Most importantly, faith in God’s only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ is the only doorway and entrance into the throne room of heaven (e.g., see John 3:16-17; John 10:9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

A true prophet of the living LORD God has had the privilege of seeing the LORD God sitting on His throne with His heavenly council or court (e.g., see Exodus 24:9-10; 1 Kings 22:19-22; 2 Kings 2:11-12; Isaiah 6:1-7; Jeremiah 23:16-22; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9-14; Amos 3:7). Long ago the LORD God again and again spoke through His faithful prophets in many and various ways, including visions, dreams, and even face to face (Hebrews 1:1; see also see Numbers 12:6, 8; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 7:3, 13; Jeremiah 25:4; Jeremiah 26:5; Jeremiah 29:19; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:30). The living LORD God gave the prophets His plans, warnings of repentance, divine will, and purposes for all people (Hebrews 1:1; see also 2 Kings 17:13; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 18:31; Amos 3:7).

Then finally, the living LORD God sent His only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior (incarnation) in the last days to reveal His glory, instruct the people, and bring eternal salvation (Hebrews 1:2-3, 5-6; see also Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; John 17:3, 6, 8, 18, 21, 23, 25; Colossians 1:15). The book of Hebrews frequently quotes from the Old Testament starting from chapter 1 and continuing throughout the book. The unknown author of Hebrews is making the point that God’s plan has been unfolding since Genesis chapter 3 with His prophets and then finally His Son the Lord Jesus. One day all of human history will culminate with Jesus’ second visit to earth!

The Lord Jesus Christ has received the whole world as an inheritance from His Father, the living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies (Sabaoth) (Hebrews 1:2; see also Psalm 2:8; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; John 1:3). In other words, the LORD God, who is the Father of Jesus Christ, has given and entrusted everything to His Son (e.g., see Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; John 13:3). Jesus Christ has become the Firstborn and Royal Heir of God (Hebrews 1:6; see also John 1:18; John 3:16; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18). The living God has given Jesus a Name far greater than the angels and a Name that is far above every name (Hebrews 1:4-5; see also Matthew 3:17; Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 5:5). Therefore, the Lord Jesus is far greater, superior, and higher in rank than the angels and the prophets (Hebrews 1:2, 4-5; see also Hebrews 2:9). The victorious Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the right Heir to David’s throne, and He is Son of the living God (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11; Acts 13:32-35; Revelation 5:5).

The throne of the Lord Jesus Christ will last forever and eternally, and He rules His Kingdom with justice and fairness (Hebrews 1:8; see also Luke 1:33). The Lord Jesus Christ loves right and hates wrong (see Hebrews 1:9). Therefore, the living God has anointed and poured out His Spirit upon His Son Jesus Christ more than anyone else and without measure (Hebrews 1:9; see also Isaiah 61:1, 3; John 3:34; Acts 10:38; Philippians 2:9). Furthermore, the living LORD God called His Son Jesus “Lord” when He said, “Lord, in the beginning You made the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands …. They will disappear into nothingness, but You will remain forever” (see Hebrews 1:10-11, TLB). Jesus Christ is Lord and God (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14; John 20:28; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13). Even more, the living LORD God declares that His Son the Lord Jesus Christ will never change, and His years will never end (Hebrews 1:12; see also Hebrews 13:8).

What are angels?  Angels are spiritual messengers or servants who stand in the very Presence of the living God (Hebrews 1:7; see also Genesis 18:1-2; Judges 13:3; Luke 1:19, 26). The living LORD God speaks of the holy angels as His messengers who are swift as the wind and His servants of flaming fire (Hebrews 1:7; see also 2 Kings 2:11; 2 Kings 6:17; Psalm 104:4; Luke 1:11; Luke 2:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). Sometimes God’s holy angels also appeared in human form (e.g., see Genesis 16:11; Genesis 18:1-5; Judges 6:11-14; Luke 1:11; John 20:12-13; Hebrews 13:2). The holy angels served Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Balaam, and Daniel. Moreover, the living LORD God used His holy angels to send our His moral laws and commandments at Mount Sinai and the Gospel at the end of the age (e.g., Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Revelation 14:6).

As mentioned earlier, angels are servants that are NOT to be worshipped (e.g., see Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9). Angels are sometimes called “sons of God” in the Old Testament (e.g., see Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; Job 2:1).  While the angels collectively may be termed “the sons of God,” no angel would be given this title individually as the Lord Jesus Christ. Only Jesus Christ has been given the Name and Title the Firstborn Son and Royal Heir of God (Hebrews 1:5-6; see also Luke 1:32-35; John 1:18; John 3:16; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18). The Lord Jesus Christ is the Sustainer, Creator, and Heir of the universe (e.g., see Hebrews 1:2-3). In fact, the angels worshipped and served Jesus as at His birth, temptation with evil, and just for His sacrificial death (e.g., see Matthew 4:11; Matthew 26:53; Mark 1:13; Luke 2:13-15; Luke 22:43; Hebrews 1:7). The worship of any object or being – no matter how noble – other than the living LORD God is idolatry, a sin the Holy Scriptures strongly warn again (e.g., see Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:20-21).

As servants, the living God sends out His holy angels as spiritual messengers to help and care for those who are to receive God’s salvation (Hebrews 1:14; see also Psalm 46:7, 11; Psalm 103:21; Luke 1:11-13, 19, 26-28; Acts 5:19). The angels of the living God surround, guard, and protect those who love, honor, and obey the living God (e.g., see Psalm 34:7; Psalm 91:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10). The angels of God are thousands and upon thousands (e.g., Daniel 7:10; Luke 2:13; Hebrews 12:22; Jude 1:14), and these angels of God surround the throne of God and His Son Jesus (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19; Revelation 5:11). Sadly, some of these heavenly angels revolted against the living God and fell from heaven. For these falling angels, their allegiance is now with the evil one – liar, deceiver, and murderer.  

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Butler, Trent C. Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1991).