Angels
Understanding the angelic dimension — by Apostle Perets Tatap
The Origin of Angels
Angels are created by GOD (YHWH). Angels live in Heaven, for
most of them. Angel literally means “Messenger”. Angels are known to be creatures shining dazzling white, having a pair of wings. Job 38:6–7 “To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,When the morning stars sang together,And all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (KJV)
The Choir of Angels
There are three hierarchies of angels each of which contains three orders: First Choir: Seraphim-Cherubim-Ophanim(Thrones), Second Choir: Dominions-Virtues- Powers, Third Choir: Principalities-Archangels-Guardian Angels.
1 Seraphim
These are the highest order or choir of angels. These particular angels serve as guardians or attendants before God’s throne.
Isaiah 6:1–3 “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;the whole earth is full of his glory.’”
2 Cherubim
Following Seraphim in the angelic hierarchy comes Cherubim. These angels are manlike in appearance, double-winged and guardians of God’s glory. In the New Testament, they are often considered to be celestial attendants in the Apocalypse,referenced in Revelation.
Revelation 4:7 “The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.”
3 Ophanim (Thrones)
They are the wheels seen in Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot (Hebrew merkabah). They are a class of celestial beings who (along with the Cherubim and Seraphim) never sleep, but guard the throne of God.
Ezekiel 1:15–17 “15 As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. 16 This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. 17 As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went.”
4 Dominions
These angels are also known as the Lords and it is through them that God’s majesty is revealed. Their job is to assign duties and missions to the angels of the lower spheres and to maintain the cosmic order. They are occupied by their concern for the interests of God and with any functions having for their end the government of the world or of the human race; they exercise a high control over the ministry of the lower angels directing them in the discharge of their offices to do the will of God. Dominions also teach us that only those who serve God are fit to rule others. Obedience is a necessary qualification; we must learn to obey before we can rule others.
“For in Him [that is, in Christ] were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and in him.” (Colossians 1:16).
5 Virtues
The Virtues (Strongholds), also called Malakhim or Tarshishim, lie beyond the Thrones/Wheels (Ophanim) and are the fifth ranking Order or Choir in the Second Hierarchal Sphere of the Hierarchy of Angels and are
part of the Heavenly Governors. They specifically preside over the elements of the world and the process of celestial life. This order of Angels are also called the Angels of miracles, encouragement, and blessings and are said to be the chief bestowers of grace and valor.
1 Corinthians 13 “1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
6 Powers
In their celestial forms, powers appear like brightly colored, hazy fumes. Powers are border patrol agents between heaven and Earth. They are the angels of birth and death. Some believe that they also preside over demons who wish to overthrow the world, while others, namely St. Paul, thought the powers themselves were the evil ones. In any case, powers are a group of experts who serve as advisers in terms of religion, theology and ideology. Powers are warrior angels against evil spirits defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. These spirits hold one of the most dangerous tasks and are responsible for maintaining the order between heaven and earth.
Revelation 7:1–4 “After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back uthe four winds of the earth, vthat no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending wfrom the rising of the sun, with xthe seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, y“Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God zon their foreheads.” 4 And aI heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:”
7 Principalities
Purity of intention is the virtue ascribed to Principalities. In their high functions they never seek but honor the interest of God alone. Principalities teach people to honour their rulers and influence the hearts of rulers to use their power worthily for the glory of God and the good of their subjects; guiding events under God’s direction for the benefit of a country or district committed to their care.
“Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).
8 Archangels
Archangels are the second-lowest rank of angel in the Christian hierarchy of angels, put forward by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 5th or 6th century in his book De Coelesti Hierarchia (On the Celestial Hierarchy). Because archangels serve as intermediaries between God and humans, one of their main roles is to serve as messengers who deliver God’s word to humans. Archangels also have command over lesser angels of God, who serve as the Guardian Angels for humans.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
9 Guardian Angels
A guardian angel is a type of angel that is assigned to protect and guide a particular person, group or nation.
Acts 12:15 KJV “And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.”
The 7 Main Archangels
The four most common Archangels mentioned in various religious texts are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. The remaining three vary depending on the text or church.
Pseudo-Dionysius, a Greek Christian theologian, philosopher and disciple of Apostle Paul, is known to have been favored by the Lord to see the entire choir of angels in Heaven, and he refers to Chamuel (Camael), Jophiel, and Zadkiel as the remaining three of the Seven Archangels.
1 Archangel Michael [colour: red]
Michael in the Hebrew language means Who is like God. Michael has been depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his right hand a spear/sword with which he attacks the Dragon (Lucifer/Satan) whom he tramples under his feet. He is commonly depicted as a warrior or leader who is in charge of leading God’s army into battle.
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world — he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Revelation 12:7–9).
2 Archangel Gabriel [colour: orange]
GABRIEL means God is my strength or Might of God. He is perhaps the most widely known of all the Archangels and is the chief messenger of God.
Luke 1:19 “And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.”
3 Archangel Uriel [colour: yellow]
URIEL means God is my light or Light of God. He is often depicted holding a sword in his right hand, and a flame in his left. He is also known as a master of knowledge and the Archangel of wisdom and is depicted carrying a large book. In the Anglican tradition, he is regarded as the keeper of beauty and light.
Isaiah 63:9 “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”
4 Archangel Raphael [colour: green]
RAPHAEL means It is God who heals or God Heals. He is considered the Archangel of Healing and the patron saint of those on Earth who heal the sick (i.e doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers). Raphael is mentioned in the book of Tobit as the angel that healed Tobit of his blindness.
Tobit 5:5–6 “Then Tobias going forth, found a beautiful young man, standing girded, and as it were ready to walk. 6 And not knowing that he was an angel of God, he saluted him, and said: From whence art thou, good young man?”
5 Archangel Chamuel (Camael) [colour: blue]
His name means ‘He Who Seeks God’ or ‘One Who Seeks God’. He is the Angelic Master of the most beautiful, peaceful and loving relationships between people. Archangel Chamuel is on a special divine assignment to reunite soul mates and twin flames. He guides people to have the most beautiful relationships at all times. Chamuel will bring strength and empowerment where equality and balance is missing within a relationship. Giving confidence and courage to leave, change or create a new space for your own love where a relationship becomes unhealthy.
Luke 22:39–44 “39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
6 Archangel Jophiel [colour: indigo]
Jophiel’s name, which means “beauty of God,” reflects her role as an angel of beauty. She is believed to help individuals see the beauty in themselves and the world around them, enabling them to appreciate the wonder and majesty of creation. Through her guidance and inspiration, Jophiel leads people towards a deeper understanding of the beauty of the universe, instilling a sense of awe and wonder in their hearts.
Genesis 3:24 “24 After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”
7 Archangel Zadkiel [colour: violet]
His name means ‘Righteousness of God’ and he is also known as ‘Grace of God’ under the Hebrew name Hesediel. Zadkiel can also be written as Sachiel, Zedekiel, Zadakiel, Tzadkiel, and Zedekul. Archangel Zadkiel is the Archangel of Freedom, Benevolence and Mercy; and is the Patron Angel of all who Forgive. In the Bible and Torah, he is mentioned as the Angel of God. This is because Zadkiel appears to the prophet Abraham when he proves his faith to God by getting ready to sacrifice his own son, Isaac. Zadkiel stepped forward to stop this occurring as God would not wish for faith to be proven this way, however some believe it was Archangel Michael or even God who stopped Abraham.
Genesis 22:10–1310 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram.”
Honorable Mentions
I) Zehanpuryu YHVH
One of the highest ranking of the angelic princes, even greater than
the angel Metatron. He is the angel of the Divine Presence, one of the
gatekeepers of the palace of the Lord in the seventh heaven.
II) Metatron
One of the most powerful and important angels, so much so that he
has over 72 titles in the angelic hierarchy. He was once the mortal
Enoch, who was so loved by God that he was transported to heaven
and made an angel. He is considered by some to be the most superior
of angels, even above Gabriel, Michael and Uriel.
Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
III) Sandalphon
The tallest angel, and twin brother of the angel Metatron. He is
believed to have once been the prophet Elijah before the prophet was
taken to Heaven, just as his spiritual twin Metatron was once the great
patriarch Enoch. He is the angel of prayer, who carries the prayers of
mortals to God. Patron angel of glory, tears and the unborn embryo.
2 Kings 2:11–12 “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.”
V) Raziel
The name Raziel translates roughly to “Secret of God” and is known in Jewish Mysticism as the keeper of secrets and the Angel of Mysteries. His name alone indicates the importance of his being. Archangel Raziel is typically credited for helping to unlock creativity or enhance your spiritual path or abilities. He is also there to help you understand any complex situation or puzzle you need help solving.
The Role of Angels in Salvation
1 Care and Protection
1 Kings 19:3–9 “3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.”
2 Carrying of Prayers
Acts 10:4 “Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
3 Revelation of God’s Mysteries
Matthew 2:19–21 “19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.”
How to get Closer to Angels
1 Through Jesus-Christ (Hebrews 1:14)
2 Excersing Hospitality (Hebrews 13:2)
3 By Fearing GOD the more (Psalm 34:7)
4 By dwelling in a state of purity and humility (Isaiah 57:15)
5 By praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Conclusion
Hebrews 1:14 “ What are angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.” (Good News Translation)
