by Chris Steele

In a discussion about the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ with his superior position of authority, the Hebrew writer brings up the subject of angels. In comparing the two (Christ and angels) he asked, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).

We understand the passage to say, “Yes, angels are spirit beings who are sent by God to minister to his people.” The original language indicates that God continually sends angels to assist us as the need arises. What a wonderful thought!

Certainly there is a tremendous amount of misunderstanding these days about God’s spiritual messengers. So we must ask ourselves, “How do angels help or assist those who are making their way to that heavenly home with God?”

It cannot be in a direct way or a miraculous one. First, although in times past angels were sent to speak God’s message directly to certain people, Jesus Christ is our mediator now, not angels (1 Timothy 2:5). He speaks to us through his word, which is all-sufficient and will be that which will judge us in the end (2 Timothy 3:15-17; John 12:48). Second, angels do not do anything miraculous today because the New Testament clearly teaches that the age of miracles came to an end when the New Testament was completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:8-16). We can see also how the miraculous gifts were given in the first century (Acts 8:14ff). If the apostles were the only ones who were able to pass on this power, it stands to reason that when they all died, miracles would end with that second generation of miracle workers.

Since we believe Hebrews 1:14 to be true (that is to say, God sends his angels to minister unto faithful believers in their journey to heaven), we must conclude that their work is in the realm of providence. Angels work behind the scenes, so to speak — under God’s direction and through the use of his natural laws.

Although we cannot see or know exactly how angels serve and assist us, we can be confident that they are serving and assisting us. Since we do not know the details of their work, this question must be put in the realm of faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).