THE ROLE OF ANGELS

"But to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:13-14, NRSV )

Devotion 11 of 11

INSTRUMENTAL IN SATAN'S EXPULSION FROM HEAVEN

Commensurate with the exaltation of Christ, the "accuser of the brethren" has been cast down. Until the accomplishment of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-21), the devil trafficked in the heavenly court. Although he could not operate at will, he vehemently opposed God's people. The patriarch Job stands as an example of Satan's effort to accuse believers (Job 1:8; 2:3). But it is different now!

Revelation is the apocalyptic Gospel; the Good News in symbols. When Jesus was exalted to heaven, the devil was cast out in his condemning capacity. Jesus had taken the sin of the world away, making an end of it and putting it away (John 1:29; Heb 9:26). As soon as this occurred, the angels of God expelled Satan and his angels from the heavenly precincts. "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven" (Rev 12:7). No longer is there an "accuser" before God! Rather, there is a glorious Intercessor that "ever lives to make intercession" for us (Heb 7:25).

The significance of this event is seen in two considerations. First, the former power and dominance of Satanic hosts. In the time of Daniel, an angel was sent from heaven in answer to the prayer of the prophet. That angel was detained for three full weeks by a Satanic power (not
even the devil himself). It required Michael the mighty angel to free the dispatched angel to
deliver the message of the Lord to Daniel. What is more, following the delivering of that message, the heavenly messenger returned to join with Michael against the evil power (Dan 10:12-20).

The dominance of sin gave power to the adversary! With the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, however, the reign of sin was brought to a grinding halt. Michael and his angels did not engage a mere principality when sin had been put away, but the old Serpent himself, and his angels. And what success they did have! He was cast out of heaven, together with his entire diabolical host. What a day of rejoicing that must have been!

Second, we know from the heavenly response what occasioned this victory. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Rev 12:10- 11). Salvation came as a result of Christ's death and resurrection! Strength is now afforded the sons of men because of that death and resurrection. The kingdom of God is now accessible to humanity because of that death and resurrection. The devil has been "cast down," mortally bruised by the Savior! Now men can overcome the wiles of the devil. Now the word of their testimony carries weight. Now they are willing and able to lay down their lives for Him! The holy angels prove to be our ministers even in this key area.

THE DAMNED WILL BEHOLD THEM

It is tragic to consider the state of the lost. Had they but believed the Gospel, the angels could have been their ministers. But now the "summer is gone and the harvest is passed," and they "are not saved" (Jer 8:20). Their refusal of the Gospel will result in a state too dreadful to fully explain. Scripture apprizes us that they will be tormented in the very presence of angelic hosts. "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb" (Rev 14:10).

I recognize that it is not fashionable to speak in this manner; but that has little to do with reality. This is a Divine affirmation, and it is to be taken seriously. Let men end their foolish speculations about the text, and be reconciled to God. Rest assured that the states of both the saved and the lost are exceeding great!

CONCLUSION

We have only scratched the surface of this great subject. My intent has not been to draw inordinate attention to the angels, but to affirm the greatness of our salvation. Take care that no one deceives you into worshiping angels, affording them the honor due only to Christ Jesus. As it is written, "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God" (Col 2:18-19).

The salvation you have been afforded in the Son has no weakness, no flaws, no inadequacies! You can throw yourself into the work of the Lord without fear of disappointment. Even though your personal vigilance is not sufficient to protect you, you have the angels as your ministers, and they will not fail to do their work with heavenly dispatch!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You that we have not been left to battle on our own. I know if it were not for the angels, I should have been overpowered a long time ago. Even though He that is in me is greater than He that is in the world, I thank You for the surrounding angelic hosts that faithfully minister in Your behalf. Receive my praise in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

-- TOMORROW: new Series, SOMETHING BETTER --