There are several types of angels mentioned in the Bible. The word “angel” can be used to refer to both good and evil angels (Satan is called an “angel of light” in II Cor. 11:14). We are told about the cherubim and the seraphim, and the four beasts that surround the Throne of God. Only the names of two good angels are known – Michael and Gabriel.

The Bible does not reveal exactly when the angels were created. It is known that they were present at creation and saw at least some of it happen, according to Job 38:6,7. In those verses, the angels are called the “sons of God.”

Sometime after creation, Satan fell. He was God’s wisest and most beautiful being. His sin was that he was not satisfied with his given position and desired to be worshiped as God (Isaiah 14:12-14) – wanting to usurp His position. When he transgressed, he took one-third of the angels with him.

As far as Satan’s power goes today, he is no match for the power of God. Jesus said He saw Satan fall as lightning from Heaven (Luke 10:18). God gives us His armor which can completely protect us from all of Satan’s darts (temptations – Ephesians 6:10-18). Satan’s power is limited by God for our protection – but he is still smarter and more powerful than we are, which means we can still fall to his deceptions and lies. Some angels (locust demons) are bound in the “bottomless pit” (Hell) now (Revelation 9:1-3).

God’s good angels – which are never mentioned as being female or little cherubs! – are always present around the believer (Psalm 34:7). Although invisible, they interact with humans all the time, and some may take on human form and appear briefly for some Divine purpose (Hebrews 13:2). We may never know how often they have helped us!

Angels are much stronger than humans – one killed 185,000 soldiers in one night! They are never to be worshiped! Hollywood’s depiction of angels and demons is a farce and far from reality. We must get our truth from the Word of God.

After believers are in glory, Paul tells us that we shall judge angels (I Corinthians 6:3). What their ministry will be after we get to glory is unknown.

The Lord Jesus Christ was never an angel and Lucifer is not His brother – both are blasphemous lies of the Devil. Also, Satan is not the Master of Hell – Jesus is and He has the keys (Revelation 1:18).

In the Bible’s record of how God came to earth, the Luke’s account of the Christmas story reveals that God sent the angel Gabriel to tell the virgin Mary what God was going to do. As Gabriel addresses Mary, he twice mentions (vss. 28,30) that she was “favored” by God. These words refer to grace, and grace is a favor that is given without merit.

It is important to know that although Mary was particularly blessed by God, that she also realized her need to be saved. She plainly says in Luke 1:47, when speaking to Elisabeth, that God is her Savior: “And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

As the angel reveals God’s plan to Mary, he explains that God has chosen her to bring forth God’s Son (vs. 31). He tells her that she will become pregnant with God’s Son, and that she is to call His Name Jesus.

Gabriel goes on to say that her Child will be the One that will fulfill the prophecies of a coming King given to David. He said: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32,33).

Mary wonders how this will happen since she is not married. She did not ask because of unbelief or because she was not willing to be chosen for this purpose. She was said to be favored, which means she was obedient to God and was likely saved as a child.

It seems that in order to help her faith, Gabriel tells her about her cousin – Elisabeth (vs. 36). Even though she is old and had never had any children, Gabriel tells her that God did a miracle in Elisabeth’s life and she is now expecting a child. This was after she had given up hope.

The angel reveals that God will do it through His power. He then reminds her that “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (vs. 37).

Mary responds with a servant’s heart. She tells Gabriel that she wants God to do His will to her. Her willingness to do what God wants – even though she did not understand how – demonstrates the attitude that God wants all His people to have toward Him.

We also need to be willing to do what God wants. He has a purpose for every believer. Remember that He has all power and He is able to keep us as we obey Him. Are you willing to let Him use you as He sees fit?

You may also want to read:

The Prophecy of the Savior’s Unique Birth

The Chosen Place of Christ’s Birth