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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.

1. The nature and number of angels

   1. They are created beings -- created by, through, and unto the Son of God
      Col. 1:16; Ps. 148:2, 5; Neh. 9:6.

   2. They are mighty in power, stronger than men,
      2 Pet. 2:11; 2 Thes. 1:17; Acts 5:19.

   3. Their number is great,
      Mt. 26:53; Dan. 7:10; Rev. 5:11; Heb. 12:22; Ps. 68:17.

   4. They have great knowledge,
      but are not omniscient, Mk. 13:32.

   5. They neither marry nor die,
      Mt. 22:30; Lk. 20:35-36.

   6. They are not proper objects of worship,
      Rev. 22:8-9.
      They are worshippers of Christ, Heb. 1:6.

   7. They are glorious beings,
      Lk. 9:26, cp. Mt. 28:2-3; Rev. 10:1.

   8. Their natural abode is heaven,
      Mt. 22:30; Jn. 1:51; Eph. 3:10; Lk. 2:13, 15; Heb. 12:22.

   9. 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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