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BY THE AUTHOR
Dr. Clarence E. Mason, Jr.
Philadelphia College of Bible
1970
ANGELOLOGY (Doctrine of Angels)
INTRODUCTION
Angelology is the consideration of the doctrine of angels. The root meaning of
the term angel is messenger. Angels are mentioned 103 times in the OT and 165
times in the NT.
The nature and number of angels
They are created beings -- created
by, through, and unto the Son of God
Col. 1:16; Ps. 148:2, 5; Neh. 9:6.
They are mighty in power, stronger
than men,
2 Pet. 2:11; 2 Thes. 1:17; Acts 5:19.
Their number is great,
Mt. 26:53; Dan. 7:10; Rev. 5:11; Heb. 12:22; Ps. 68:17.
They have great knowledge,
but are not omniscient, Mk. 13:32.
They neither marry nor die,
Mt. 22:30; Lk. 20:35-36.
They are not proper objects of
worship,
Rev. 22:8-9.
They are worshippers of Christ, Heb. 1:6.
They are glorious beings,
Lk. 9:26, cp. Mt. 28:2-3; Rev. 10:1.
Their natural abode is heaven,
Mt. 22:30; Jn. 1:51; Eph. 3:10; Lk. 2:13, 15; Heb. 12:22.
They are essentially spiritual
beings in contrast to physical.
This would appear evident from the fact that they are not always seen when
they are present: 2 Ki. 6:17; Jn. 20:5,12. It is to be acknowledged,
however, that they have "appeared" many times during the course of history.
Whether their bodies which were seen on those occasions were assumed
physical bodies or only visionary appearances is a much debated problem. It
is to be noted, however, that three of them ate "roast veal" with Abraham:
Gen. 18:7-8.
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