ANGELS: Elect
For one reason or another, angelology has become the proverbial redheaded stepchild of systematic theology classes and books.1 Though angelology is not the most important doctrine in the Scriptures, it is an important doctrine nonetheless. Angels are referenced in the Scriptures no less than 300 times. There is essentially two types of angels; elect and evil. This paper will primarily focus in on the elect side of angels to the neglect of the evil angels. There will at times be many things that crossover between elect and evil, but the primary scope of this paper will be toward elect angels.
Introduction
Perhaps ones time could be better spent studying some other aspect of theology, but this paper will show why and how important the study of angels are and how they integrate into other parts of theology. The first and foremost reason why one studies this topic, is to gain insight into the wonders of God’s person, power and program.2 Pertaining specifically to angelology, understanding the nature and activities of the spirit world will increase ones appreciation of a sovereign God whose creative ability, control of the universe, and interventions on our behalf assure His glory and the elect’s greater good.
The study of angels also magnifies the grace of God. God could judge all at once, but He patiently delays. And, out of the midst of wicked men influenced by Satan and demons, He rescues all who trust in Jesus Christ and delivers them from demonic power right now. One day, in righteousness and grace, He will establish a new heaven and new earth in which Satan and demons will have no more influence and the occult will be dead.
Another reason one studies angels is to combat all the false misrepresentations that the world has ...