Angels seem to be organized according to rank and authority, which include archangels, angels, seraphim, cherubim, principalities, authorities, powers, thrones, might, and dominion (Colossians 1:16). Medieval theologians divided angels into ten different grades. We may not know for sure how angels are ranked; however, we can be sure that they have different jobs and duties and vary in power and authority.
Archangel
Only Michael is mentioned in scripture as an archangel (Jude 1:9). Some Bible scholars believe Lucifer was an archangel before his fall. We can not know for sure whether he was or not, but we do know that the scriptures refer to Michael as “the” archangel, so obviously, he is the only one now. Daniel 10:21 refers to Michael as our prince. He is the angel above all angels, the prince of heaven. He leads the fight against the devil and his demons (Daniel 10:13). Michael will be the primary angel during the end times. He is a warrior without equal, except the Godhead. Whether this is his main job or not, we do not know. But as we see in the Scriptures, Satan is no match for him.
“At that time, Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” (Daniel 12:1).
The archangel Michael will return with Christ at the rapture.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Michael and his angels cast Satan and his demons out of heaven
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels…lost their place in heaven.” (Revelation 12:7-9)
He and his angels will fight against Satan and his forces in the end-time battle. John was probably referring to Michael when he wrote this.
“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:1-2).
Angels
Gabriel is one of the most prominent angels mentioned in scripture. Gabriel appears to be God’s primary messenger of hope and promise, and good news. We first see Gabriel in Daniel 8:15-16. There, he explains God’s vision to Daniel of the end-time events. Gabriel again comes to Daniel to give him insight and understanding about future events in Daniel 9:21-22.
In Luke 1:11-20, Gabriel appears to Zacharias to announce the birth of John the Baptist and describe his life and ministry as the forerunner of Jesus.
“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.” (Luke 1:19)
Gabriel then appears to Mary, telling her about the birth and ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:30-33).
“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin……The virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27).
Throughout the Bible, there are many accounts of angels coming to the aid of God’s people, delivering God’s messages, and delivering justice and punishment to the unjust. Sometimes it was to individuals, and at others it was to whole armies or nations.
Seraphim
We find the Seraphim mentioned by name only in Isaiah 6:1-6. What an awe-inspiring sight the six-winged Seraphim must have been hovering above the throne of the Lord.
“Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.” (Isaiah 6:2)
The name Seraphim means “burning one” or “shining one”. God makes his angels “flames of fire” (Psalm 104:4, Hebrews 1:7).
The Seraphim constantly glorify God. It’s no wonder they shine with brilliance, being so close to God’s majestic glory.
Cherubim
Cherubim are powerful guardians, and like the Seraphim, they constantly glorify God. Cherubim are stationed on both sides of God’s throne (Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1, 2 Kings 19:15).
The first angels mentioned in scripture (Genesis 3:24) are the Cherubim. After Adam’s fall, God placed Cherubim at Eden’s gate to guard the way to the tree of life. The next time Cherubim are mentioned is in Exodus 25:18 when Moses is instructed to place two Cherubim made out of hammered gold on the Ark of the Covenant. The author of Hebrews calls them “cherubim of the glory” (Hebrews 9:5). Sculptures of cherubim were placed in the Most Holy Place when Solomon built the temple (2 Chronicles 3:10-13).
Ezekiel 10:9-22 gives a detailed description of Cherubim. Ezekiel does his best to describe them, but the picture he paints is hard to grasp with their intersecting wheels shining as topaz, their fire within, their wings, and many eyes. The power and beauty of these angels are probably beyond our human understanding. Several times, Ezekiel refers to them as “living creatures”. Many believe that the” living creatures” referred to in the book of Revelation are Cherubim.
Books by Jerry, many of which you may read for free on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jerry-Blount/author/B06XK4GJT1
- Things You Probably Didn’t Learn in Church
- Basic Christianity: Living a Joy-Filled Life and Making a Difference
- The End Times: Signs and Prophecy
- Noah and the Great Flood: Proof and Effects
- Following Jesus and Fishing Along the Way: Stories of God’s Great Outdoors
- The Rapture: Coming Soon
- Delighting in the Lord: Enjoying a Close Walk with Jesus
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