ORIGIN OF ANGELS
Throughout history, man has often wondered whether he is indeed the only intelligent being in this universe, and whether life as we know it is confined to the earth alone. One of the most recent scientific attempts is the search for extraterrestrial life. If life is out there, will it prove friend or foe?
In light of all this, it seems tragic that man does not turn to the Word of God in his search, for the Bible clearly answers this question, as it does all other questions which confront humanity.
Is there intelligent life in the universe? Are there other living and rational creatures “out there” besides man? There are indeed. Are they friend or foe? They are both. Is their “civilization” older than ours? It is. Will we ever learn to communicate with them? We not only will, but a number of human beings already have met and talked with them.
Who are these cosmic creatures? They are called angels. Belief in angels is found in the history of all nations. The ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and others all expressed their belief in angels.
What does the Bible say about angels? Let’s begin this study on angels by studying the origin of angels.
The Source
Angels, like everything else in this universe, were made by God.
Nehemiah 9:6
Colossians 1:16
The Method
Since we now know that God created angels, how did He create them? Angels, like man, were created by a special act of God. They did not evolve into being.
Psalms 148:2, 5
Each angel is therefore a direct creation from God. This is perhaps why they are referred to as sons of God.
Their number, once completed at creation, was forever fixed. This is assumed because we never read of God creating more of them and Jesus said they do not reproduce themselves (Matthew 22:30). Furthermore, since we are told they cannot die (Luke 20:36) we conclude the original number of angels will never increase or decrease in size. For these reasons they must be considered a company of beings, and not a race.
The Time
When did God create angels?
Job 38:1-7
In these verses God declares that creation of angels took place before the creation of the earth.
The Purpose
We have seen the source, the method, and the time of the origin of angels; but what was God’s purpose in creating angels?
Colossians 1:16
Hebrews 1:6
Series: Angelology [#1]
Wednesday Evening Bible Study August 6, 2003
Bel Aire Baptist Church
