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Guardian AngelsOne Suggested Rank of Angels in the Celestial Hierarchy |
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There are thought to be nine celestial orders of Angels: Colossians 1:16 1. Seraphim 2. Cherubim 3. Thrones 4. Dominions 5. Principalities 6. Powers 7. Virtues (Falsely Suggested) 8. Archangels 9. Guardian Angels (Suggested by the Catholic Church) There is however, no concrete Biblical proof of the exact ranking order or importance of the different angel groups. The same could be said of the members of the body. “18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-21). Only the Lord GOD can say what the orders of importance the angels take. Guardian angels are not mentioned in the Bible. The term Guardian angels come from the tradition of the Catholic Church and the Catechism as recorded in -“The angels in the life of the Church. #336 -"From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession." #202 - "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." #203 -"Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.” Catholic believers use Matthew 18:10 “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” as proof for the existance of guardian angels in the lives of human. They also cite Psalm 91:10-13 “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” If an example of a guardian angel is one who gives advise or delivers a message then there are a number of Biblical examples of what could be understood as the role of guardian angels. Guardian angels are not mentioned specifically in the Bible. Angels mentioned in the Bible include... It was an angel who advised Joseph to not to fear taking Mary for his wife. (Matthew 1:20). Warning of danger was given to Joseph by an angel to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because they were in danger from Herod, who wanted to destroy Jesus. (Matthew 2:13). To fulfill prophecy once Herod was dead, an angel told Joseph to return the land of Israel to Galilee. Joseph dwelt in the city of Nazareth, this was to fulfill what the prophets had said “He shall be called a Nazarene”. (Matthew 2:19-23). The angel of the Lord was sent to announce the Birth of Jesus to the shepherds. (Luke 2:9-15). The angel of the Lord also appeared to Zacharias and announced the expected birth of John the Baptist. This angel identified himself as being Gabriel who stands in the presence of God. (Luke 1:11-19). An angel came to the Virgin Mary telling her she had found favor with God. That she would conceive in her womb and bring forth a son who shall be called JESUS. (Luke 1:26-31). These examples of an angel were called by name. “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.” (Luke 1:19). The angel Gabriel also appeared to the prophet Daniel at the banks of Ulai and interpreted the vision of the ram and goat. (Daniel 8:16). Gabriel also appeared to the prophet Daniel and gave him skill and understanding of the prophecy of the 70 weeks. (Daniel 9:21-27). Other accounts from the Bible of the angel of the LORD: It was the angel of the LORD who appeared to Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. The angel of the LORD told Hagar should call her sons name Ishmael. (Genesis 16:7-11). The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven and not to sacrifice his son Isaac to the God. Because Abraham listened to the angel, the angel of the LORD spoke from heaven the second time to confirm the Abrahamic covenant. (Genesis 22:11-15). The angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. (Exodus 3:2). The angel of the LORD appeared to Balaam ass and stood in the way, and the ass crushed the foot of Balaam against the wall. (Numbers 22:22-35). Philip was given instruction by the angel of the Lord, to go to Gaza. There were specific instructions given to preach to an Ethiopian man, a eunuch of great authority under the queen of Ethiopians, the message of Jesus. This ended with his baptism. (Acts 8:26-40). Peter was let out of prison by the angel of the Lord and his chains were released. (Acts 12:7-12). The angel of the Lord smote Herod because Herod did not give God the glory; and Herod was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. (Acts 12:23). All these accounts of angels do not match the accounts of personal related experiences of guardians angels told by people today. Use caution when believing the accounts of reported relationships with guardian angels in these times. Even though there is a warning not to worship angels it is also reasonable not to degrade them by humanizing them with petty, carnal and worldly responsibilities, actions, and appearances. We are warned NOT TO WORSHIP ANGELS! Let no man defraud your reward by delighting in false humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. (Colossians 2:18). John saw the prophecy of the book of revelations and after which he saw and heard all that he was permitted he fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which had showed him all those things. The angel told him NOT to bow down he was a fellow servant, and a brother of the prophets, he should worship the LORD GOD. (Revelation 22:8-9). We are warned not to get caught worshiping or serving the sun, moon, stars, or the host of heavens (angels). This is an abomination. Anyone worshiping the sun, moon, stars or the host of heavens shall be stoned till they die. (Deuteronomy 17:3-5; Deuteronomy 4:19). |
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