Angels and Demons Angels •Latin = Angelus •Greek = Aggelos •Meaning: One Sent ; Messenger Can humans become angels? Catholics believe in Angels – The Nicene Creed! What is an Angel? To understand true angels, we must understand: • Meaning of the term in the Bible • Office of the angels • Names assigned to angels • Distinction between good and evil spirits • Divisions of the angelic choirs • Question or angelic appearances, and, • Development of the scriptural idea of angels What we know from the bible: 1. They are a body of spiritual beings intermediate between God and men. 2. “You have made him [man] a little less than the angels.” – Psalms 8:6 What we know from the bible: Like men, they were created by God – (Psalms 148:2, 5; Colossians 1:1617) What we know from the bible: They are spiritual beings – (Hebrews 1:14) What we know from the bible: •The function of the angelic host is “assistance” (Job 1:6; 2:1) ; and, •Jesus refers to it as their perpetual occupation – (Matthew 18:10) What we know from the bible: Seven angels whose special function is to “stand before God’s throne.” – (Tobit 12:15; Revelation 8:2-5) What we know from the bible The angels of the Bible – Role of God’s messenger to mankind. What we know from the bible: •Judges 13 •Daniel 8:16 •Luke 2:9 Guardian Angels 1. Genesis 24:7 – “He will send His angel before thee.” 2. Matthew 4:6 – “As the Lord lives, His angel has been my keeper.” 3. Matthew 18.10 – “See that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in Heaven always see the face of My Father who is in • Three Primary Hierarchy of Angels = 9 Choirs of Angels o Hierarchy 1 – “Councilors of God” o Hierarchy 2 – “Governors” o Seraphim Cherubim Thrones Dominations Virtues Powers Hierarchy 3 – “Messengers of God” Principalities Archangels Angels Lowest – Order 9 - ANGELS Order 8 - Archangels Order 7 - Principalities Order 6 - Powers Order 5 - Virtues Order 4- Dominions Order 3- Thrones Order 2- Cherubims Order 1- Seraphims Angel Encounters … Angels with names: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael Fallen Angels Fallen Angels – Lucifer What is our defense against evil? Guardian Angel Angel of God, My Guardian dear, To whom His love commits me here, Ever this day be at my side, To light and guard, To rule and guide. Amen.