The Bible is a revelation of Almighty God and His concern and relationship with mankind as He works for man's good upon this earth and His glory throughout eternity. Jehovah is revealed in the Bible as the creator of the universe and mankind.
"By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth" (Ps. 33:6, NKJV). This universe in which man lives shows design, purpose, and orderliness which proves that it came from the hand of an intelligent creator who possesses a purpose for this world and mankind. God Almighty is the creator, sustainer, and controller of this wonderful world where mankind lives.
The word "providence" is generally used to describe God's working in the natural and spiritual realms. In reference to God, providence means foresight and forethought which enables the infinite God to create a universe that He could control by His laws and give man the freedom of choice, but God is able to overrule in that universe and still achieve His purpose. God rules in three areas: (1) the physical creation (inanimate-material); (2) the animal creation; and (3) the moral creation (mankind).
What Is Providence?
The Biblical concept of "providence" carries the idea of God's forethought and foresight in creating a material world where He has the ability to exercise His control and will, while at the same time providing mankind the freedom of choice to exercise His will. The necessary components of God's providence are:
God is the divine creator of our universe and He has the power to control His creation (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 148:5; Rev. 4:11).
God continues to oversee and sustain His universe today. He now "upholds all things by the word of His power" (Heb. 1:3).
God has provided mankind laws to govern and guide his life upon this earth both in the physical and moral worlds. The laws by which man's world operates is an expression of God's will for man.
Mankind is subject to all laws of nature and will suffer consequences upon violation of natural law. Blessing is the result of obedience; accidents, suffering, and death are the consequence of disobedience.
The laws of God are designed for the moral and spiritual training of mankind (James 1:2-5; 1 Pet. 1:5-6).
God has the power and ability to allow mankind the freedom of choice in his daily life, but also to use man's choices to accomplish his purpose.
God can directly alter the course of human events, if He wills, in answer to the prayers of His children (James 5:13-18; 1 Pet. 3:12).
God is the creator, lawgiver and governor of the universe in which mankind lives. God does not make mistakes; but always performs what is righteous and His purpose is always for man's benefit. God will always operate in harmony with His will and His character. God does not force mankind to obey His will. Mankind has the God-given freedom of choice to do with his life as he desires.
What Is an Angel?
The root word translated "angel," in both the Old and New Testaments, means "messenger." The Hebrew word, mal'ak, emphasizes the fact that angels are God's agents who represent the One who sends them. Similarly the Greek word, angelos, represents angels as divine messengers, ambassadors sent by God. Faithful angels are obedient servants of God. These words describe an office rather than a nature; they tell us what angels do rather than what they are. The Word of God presents angels as a company or host of heavenly beings who are subordinate to God and who share His company and reflect His glory and majesty. "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will" (Ps. 103:19-21, NASB).
Angels are the elect ambassadors or emissaries of God. Angels are presented and discussed only in relation to their function as dutiful servants of the sovereign God. Angels direct our attention to God and not to themselves. Hebrews 1:13-14 tells us that these spiritual beings were created by God to serve as ministers to us, the heirs of God's salvation. "But to which of the angels has He ever said: 'Sit at My right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool'? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb. 1:13-14, NKJV). The variety of functions of these spiritual beings can be summarized in their title of Hebrews 1:14, i.e. "ministering spirits."
What Is the Function of Angels?
In general, angels simply do God's bidding, whatever that may be. Angels are not bound by natural laws that limit humans, and they symbolize God's active involvement in the lives of mankind.
What do angels do?
Angels are helpers and protectors to God's people in need (Pss. 34:7; 91:11).
Angels come to reassure God's people and to offer hope (Jesus, Matt. 4:11).
Angels come to give us guidance and direction (Old Testament, Gal. 3:19).
Angels come to call men to special missions (Moses at the Burning Bush, Exod. 3:2)
Angels come to rescue God's people from some great danger (Lot, Gen. 19).
Angels, as intermediaries between God and man, bridge the gap between the unseen world of God and the created world inhabited by man, in order to communicate God's word and will to mankind. Angels have been involved in the world's most important events.
Angels were involved in the miracles that won Israel's release from slavery in Egypt.
Angels observed the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.
Angels administered Old Testament Law.
Angels announced the Savior's birth.
Angels ministered to Jesus Christ at Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion.
Angels rolled the stone away from the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried.
Angels announced Christ's resurrection to the women who came to minister to the body of Jesus Christ.
What is the Function of Angels Today?
God's plan of salvation for mankind is complete. The divine revelation of God's word is complete and perfect (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God is still active in the lives of His children today. "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" (Eph. 3:20, NASB). Divine providence is a distinctive feature or attribute whereby the omniscience and omnipotence of the infinite God is expressed toward His creation, with special consideration for those of the creation who are faithful and obedient children. Let us believe in God's providence and walk by faith in it. There is no indication of how God uses angels in the lives of Christians today. We know there are no miraculous appearances of angels today.
Michael Hardin recently moved to work with the Mill Street congregation in Leitchfield, KY. Michaelhardin230@windstream.net