Angels (Part Four)

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

This writing will consider two specific angels who are mentioned by name in the Bible.  Let’s consider –

Gabriel

Gabriel is explicitly mentioned in four contexts in the Bible (Daniel 8:15-27; 9:20-27; Luke 1:5-20; 1:26-38).  The name Gabriel means “Man of God” or “Strong man of God.”  He may be viewed as a great announcer for God.  He announced the future difficulties of Israel the coming Messiah, His rejection, and the fall of Jerusalem (Daniel 8:15-27; 9:20-27).  He announced the birth of John (Luke 1:5-20).  He announced the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

Michael

Michael is explicitly mentioned in four contexts (Daniel 10:10-21; 12:1-3; Jude 9-10; Revelation 12:7).  The name Michael means “Who is like God,” or “Who is like God?”  He is called “the archangel” or chief angel (Jude 9).  Michael alone is so-called in the Bible.  Some believe that he is one of the chief angels and not the only chief angel, since he is called, “One of the chief princes” (Daniel 10:13).  “The Jews have taught that there are four: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael (angel who receives the dead), and Uriel (angel who summons the judgment).  Uriel is also called Phanuel… the last two belong to legend and tradition” (Charles Hodge, Angel, p. 18).  Michael stands watch over God’s people (Daniel 12:1).  He is a warrior for God (Revelation 12:7-10).

Michael teaches us how to deal with evil adversaries.  Jude writes, “Yet Michael the archangel in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘the Lord rebuke you’” (Jude 9 cf. Jude 4).  What was the contention about the body of Moses?  The Bible does not say.  Some have speculated that the devil may have wanted the location of Moses’ grave made known to Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 34:6), hoping that they would begin to worship him.  Others have other suggestions.  The Bible does not say.  However, the point is: Michael did not take things into his own hands.  He rebuked the devil by the authority and word of God (cf. Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2; Titus 1:9).  This is teaching us how to respond to a spiritual adversary (Jude 9 cf. Jude 4).  When confronted by a spiritual adversary do not be rash with the tongue.  Do not say something which you will regret later.  Do not cuss and resort to foul language. Do not attack the person (e.g. ‘baldy,’ ‘four-eyes,’ ‘fatty,’ ‘shorty,’ etc.).  Stick with the Bible.  Simply say, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Some have wondered if Michael the archangel is Jesus.  They make a couple of arguments. (1) It is pointed out that Jesus will descend with the voice of an archangel. Paul writes, “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).  Eric Lyons has written, “This verse does not teach that Jesus is an archangel, but that at His second coming He will be accompanied ‘with the voice of an archangel.’  Just as He will be attended ‘with a shout’ and ‘with the trumpet of God,’ so will    accompanied ‘with the voice of an archangel.’  Question: If Jesus’ descension from heaven ‘with a voice of an archangel’ makes Him… the archangel Michael, then does His descent ‘with the trumpet of God’ not also make him God?”  (Lyons, Is Jesus Really Michael the Archangel?, apologeticpress.org). (2)  It is pointed out that Michael said to Satan “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9), and the Angel of the LORD said the same (Zechariah 3:1-5). Some infer that Michael is the Angel of the LORD, and they further infer that Jesus is the Angel of the LORD (see part three).  However, Jesus and Stephen said similar things (Luke 23:34 cf. Acts 7:60), but they were not the same person. Peter and paul some times made the same point (Acts 2:25-36 cf. 13:35-37), but they were not the same person. Stephen and Paul made the same point (Acts 7:48-50 cf. 17:24-25), but they were not the same person. similar words between Michael and the Angel of the LORD does not logically imply that they are the same person.

Jesus is described as “the Messenger of the covenant” (Malachi 3:1).  Messenger could be rendered angel.  There is a sense in which He is an angel; just as, there is a sense in which He is an apostle (Hebrew 3:1). However, such does not mean that He is one of the created angels of heaven (cf. Psalms 148:1-5; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16).  We’re told of Jesus, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3); “by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).

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Angels (Part Three)

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

This writing will consider some questions about specific angels.  Let’s consider –

The Angel of the Lord

“The Angel of the LORD” or “The Angel of God” appears several times in the Old Testament (Genesis 16:7-14; 21:17-18; 22:11-18; 31:11, 13; Exodus 3:2-5; Numbers 22:22-25; Judges 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:11-24; 13:2-25; 2 Samuel 24:16 cf. 1 Chronicles 21:15-17; 1 Kings 19:5-7; Isaiah 63:9; Zechariah 1:12; 3:1; 12:8).  Who is this mysterious angel?  This angel seems to be called “God” and “LORD” or “Jehovah” (Exodus 3:2 cf. 3:4; Judges 6:12 cf. 6:14, 16, 20); though, it is also possible that this is language of agency.  This angel seems to call himself “God” (Genesis 31:11 cf. 31:13; Exodus 3:2 cf. 3:5); though, it is also possible that this is language of agency.  This angel is named “wonderful” (Judges 13:16-17 cf. Isaiah 9:6-7).  Some believe that this angel received worship (Joshua 5:14); though, such is not clear.  Many infer that this messenger was no ordinary messenger, but the pre-incarnate Christ.  I will only say, “Perhaps.”

Guardian Angels

Many think that an angel is assigned to each person to watch over him.  Does the Bible teach this?  It is true that angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).  However, I know of no passage which teaches that each of us have a specific guardian angel assigned to us.  Some have appealed to Matthew 18:10.  This certainly does teach that angels have a role in caring for us.  Does it teach that there is one angel assigned to each of us?  Such is not clear.  Others have appealed to Acts 12:15.  However, this reports what those in the house thought.  It does not necessarily endorse this view.  Some believed that one’s guardian angels could assume the form of the one to whom he was assigned (McGarvey, A Commentary on Acts).  Do we each have a guardian angel?  I will only say, “Perhaps.”

The Death Angel

Some believe that there is a death angel who comes to separate the spirit from the body at the time of death.  Does the Bible teach this?  Angels can certainly kill (Exodus 12:23 cf. Psalm 78:49-51).  Angels carried the beggar, Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).  However, the Bible nowhere clearly teaches that there is a death angel.  There is so much that we do not know.  There is so much that has not been revealed.  Let’s just make sure that we are right with God before we die.

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Make Disciples or Baptize?

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Did Jesus instruct His disciples simply to baptize or to make disciples?  The answer should be clear.  He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:18).  Yes, baptism is necessary for salvation.  However, the instruction of Jesus was, “Go… make disciples.”

Alan Adams wrote, “In the summer of 1977, I was asked to participate in a camp sponsored by Christians for young people.  I was a high school teacher at the time.  Several counselors, usually preachers, used this occasion to ‘baptize’ a lot of kids, some very young.  There would be special campfire sessions where attention would be focused on particular people.  Then there would be the whispered promises of, ‘She said she would if you will.’  I vividly remember a preacher taking two giggling teenage girls down to the lake, solemnly raising his hand above their heads, quoting Matthew 28:19, and then ‘baptizing’ them.  I was disgusting.  I was also wrong for not speaking up.  Had the preacher baptized a rock that day, it would have had as much meaning as it had to those two immature, untaught, ignorant girls.  Baptism without prior knowledge of its meaning, purpose, result and implication is meaningless” (Adams, What Must I Know To Be Saved?, Part 2, Banner of Truth, August 1995).  Is he correct in his assessment?

Alan Adams suggested that too often our goals are wrong.  He wrote, “There is a ‘dirty little secret’ loose in our land.  Kids who cannot read and write in a proficient way are graduating from school.  People will asked, ‘Have you gotten your diploma?’  The answer will be, ‘Sure, I have my diploma.’  Change the question to: ‘Have you been educated?’  Answer: ‘Well, I have my diploma.’  Response: ‘That’s not my question’… Now what does this have to do with ‘being saved’?… Brethren, we are also failing to ask the right question.  We often hear, ‘Has he been baptized?’… Change the question to ‘Is he a Christian,’ or ‘Has he been saved,’ or ‘Has he been converted?’” (ibid).  He suggests that it is all about the numbers.  “The desired outcome in modern education has everything to do with numbers.  By tinkering with the test scores… and ‘dumbing down’ the curriculum, so-called educators do nothing more than meet an artificially contrived goal… We have ‘outcome based evangelism’ …with many it is about the numbers” (ibid).

What is the motive?  I can think of a few possible reasons. In some cases, it may be a zeal to save souls that caused some to rush people, before they are ready, into baptism.  In some case, it may be about ego.  Let me put another notch in my belt.  In other cases, it may be about money.  Alan Adams wrote, “Numbers are about money.  In education, the receipt of federal funds is based on numbers.  In the church, the receipt of support, airfare to foreign lands, funds for professionals or specialists (e.g. counselors, special designated ministers), meeting appointments and so on, are likewise based on numbers” (ibid).  Is he correct in this assessment?

Do not misunderstand him.  He added, “No doubt about it: Baptism is an essential step unto salvation; one cannot be saved without having finally taken this step.  However, I confidently affirm that if correct and sufficient teaching have taken place relative to the other steps unto salvation, then baptism, the final step, is virtually a given thing” (Adams, What Must I Know To Be Saved?  Part 3, Banner of Truth, September, 1995).

Jesus wants us to make disciples.  Discipleship involves much more than merely being dunked in water (Luke 14:25-33).

What should one understand before baptism?  Here are some things which should be understood: (1) He should have faith in God (Hebrews 11:6).  (2) He should understand that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God (Mark 8:37; Acts 2:36-38).  (3) He should believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:15-16 cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Romans 6:3-5).  (4) He should be taught the name of Jesus Christ (His authority; how He authorizes is also an important thing to know) and the Kingdom of God (the church).  Philip taught these things prior to baptizing (Acts 8:5, 12).  (5) He should be taught what it means to repent of one’s sins (Acts 2:38; 3:19 cf. Luke 3:7-14; Matthew 12:41; cf Jonah 3:10).  (6) He must confess Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37).  (7) He should know that he has a sin problem (Acts 2:36-38; 3:14-15, 19; Roman 3:23).  (8) He should be baptized for the proper purpose, that is: in order to have his sins washed away (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 22:16).  If he was baptized to please a girlfriend, parents, wife or some other, such is the wrong motive.  If he was baptized thinking that he was already saved, such is not New Testament baptism.  Sometimes people are baptized to obey God, without understanding that it is for the remission of sins.  Is this acceptable?  Compare this to one who takes the Lord’s Supper in order to obey God, but does not understand what the bread and cup represent, and does not discern the Lord’s death, while partaking.  (9) He should understand the “mode” of baptism.  Baptize means “to dip.”  When one is baptized, he is buried and raised (Colossians 2:11-13 cf. 3:1-2; Romans 6:3-5).  It is commanded that one be baptized in water (Acts 10:47-48).

Objections

“There are examples, in the book of Acts, of seemingly rapid conversions” (Acts 2:41; 8:26-40; 16:13-15; 16:25-34).  No disagreement here.  However, there are still certain things which must be understood.  It does not necessarily take days to teach such.; though it may, depending upon where the person is.  If they do not believe that God exists and that the Bible is the word of God, it may take a great deal of time. If they need help out of their denominational thinking (e.g. Calvinism, Catholicism), it may take some time.

“All these things (the nine points you listed earlier) were not taught on Pentecost” (Acts 2). A couple of these points did not have to be taught (i.e. they already believed in God; they no doubt already understood what repentance meant).  The truth is: we do not know what all was taught on Pentecost.  What we have is an abbreviated record (Acts 2:40).  Alan Adam has written, “It take about two minutes and forty seconds to read Peter’s powerful sermon in Acts 2.  Does anyone seriously believe that one sermon is all that was involved in the conversion of these folks?  For one thing, verse 40 says, ‘with many other words did he testify and exhort.’  And for another thing, the audience was made up of ‘Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven’ (v. 5).  Reckon how much teaching these people had had during their lifetimes?  My grandparents took me ‘to church’ from the time I was a little kid.  Many years later, at the end of a particular sermon, I asked to be baptized.  Did it take one sermon?  No” (Adams, August, 1995).

“Philip did not teach all this to the Ethiopian” (Acts 8).  How do you know?  This same Philip taught the Samaritans about the name of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God before baptizing them (Acts 8:12).  Alan Adams wrote of a preacher who said of the record on the Ethiopian’s conversion, “See, there is no mention of the church anywhere in there.”  Alan Adams replied, “Of course, neither does the passage specifically say that Philip mentioned the subject of baptism, but I know that he did because the eunuch asked, ‘What doth hinder me to be baptized’ (v. 36)” (Adams, September, 1995).  He had to be taught about baptism at the same time.  Moreover, this was not a man who was without belief in God, or in a man-made religion.  He was a Jew, or a Jewish proselyte, who read the Old Testament.  He was a committed worshipper of God, who traveled hundreds of miles to worship.  This is not an atheist.  This is not an agnostic.  This is not a man who must be untaught a false belief system.

“Teach them enough for them to know that they need to be baptized.  You can teach them the rest later.”  It already has been shown that there are things that should be understood before baptism.  This philosophy has led some to be baptized, who will never attend.  It has led some to be baptized on one day, and attend still the denomination, which they have been attending, the next Sunday.  It has led some to be baptized, but continue their life of sin.   One certainly does not need to know everything about every subject in the Bible before he is baptized, I still do not.  However, there are some things one should know and understand before baptism.  Moreover, it does not seem fair to baptize them without them understanding the responsibilities and cost which comes with being a Christian.  Shouldn’t they be allowed to count the cost?  (Luke 14:28-30). It is almost like saying “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.”  Or, “Buy this house. I will tell you about your taxes, and home owner association dues and other matters later.”

“What about Matthew 28:19-20?”  It reads, “Go therefore and make disciples (teach KJV) of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”  Some suggest that this is saying, “Teach them about baptism, baptize them, and then teach them the rest of what Jesus commands.  It is true that teaching should occur before baptism (Acts 8:5, 12) and after baptism (Colossians 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Titus 2:4; Hebrews 5:12). However, Matthew 28:19-20 does not mean this.  Moreover, Matthew 28:19-20 is not teaching that some things are not to be taught until after baptism.  The words “baptizing” and “teaching” are present participles.  The Greek present participle expresses action contemporaneous with the action of the main verb, “make disciples.” These words show how a disciple is made.  There is no order of time expressed by these words.  An illustration: “The church showed hospitality to the hurricane victims by feeding, clothing, and providing shelter.”  No chronological order is implied.  Another illustration: “They serviced my car airing up the tires, changing the oil, and topping off the fluids.”  No chronological order is implied.  Alan Adams, “It is interesting the word teach in verse 19, and the word teaching in verse 20 are not translated from the same word.  In verse 19, the Greek word is matheteusate which is the verb form of the word ‘disciple,’… In verse 20, the Greek word is didaskontes which is the word commonly used for teaching or instructing.  So on the surface it’s clear that this passage does not have the teach – then baptize – then teach some more idea… Reach way back and remember one of your grammar lessons.  Now look at the two words “baptizing” (v. 19) and “teaching” (v. 20).  Notice that each has an –ing on the end.  These two words are present participle; they are not verbs.  The main verb is ‘teach (make disciples of).’  Here there is no –ing.  The point of all this is: our job is to ‘make disciples’ out of people.  We ‘make disciples’ by ‘baptizing’ them and ‘teaching them to observe…’  In other words, it is within the same frame of reference that I both baptize and teach a person in order to make him a disciple.  There is not this – then that  – then that idea in this passage; rather it is do this, by doing this and this… No, we don’t teach a person everything in the Bible before he is qualified to be baptized for the remission of sins, but, we must impress upon that person whom we hope to baptize that he is amenable to, obligated to every commandment of the Lord” (ibid).

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Angels (Part Two)

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The word “angel” means “messenger.”  This is true of both the Old Testament word (malak), and the New Testament word (angelos).  These words are used of human messengers (e.g. Genesis 32:3; Numbers 21:21; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Haggai 1:13; Malachi 1:1 (note: “Malachi” means “My messenger”); 2:7; 3:1; Mark 1:1-4; Luke 7:24; Galatians 4:14; James 2:25; cf. Joshua 2; possibly, 1 Peter 1:12 cf. 1:10], including prophets (2 Chronicles 36:15; Haggai 1:13; Mark 1:1-4; cf. Luke 7:28), and priests (Malachi 2:7).  These words also are used of non-human, heavenly messengers (e.g. Genesis 19:1; Exodus 3:2; 2 Chronicles 32:21; Daniel 3:28; 6:2; Matthew 13:49; Luke 1:11-13, 19; 1: 26-28; 2:8-15; 16:22, etc.).  Context helps one determine the usage.  In this series, the subject is non-human angels.

The Work of Angels

Angels have functioned as messengers from God to man.  Angels spoke about the births of Ishmael (Genesis 16:7-12), and Isaac (Genesis 18:1-5, 16, 22; 19:1 cf. Hebrews 13:1), and Samson (Judges 13:3-24), and John (Luke 1:11-20), and Jesus (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:8-15); An angel communicated with Joseph to protect the child Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15; 2:19-23).  Angels had a role in delivering the law of Moses (Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:1-3; Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17).  Angels declared the resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12).  Angels communicated with the apostles (Acts 1:9-11; 5:17-20; 27:22-26).  Angels helped make sure that the Gospel went to all including: eunuchs (Acts 8:26-27 cf. Deuteronomy 23:1; Isaiah 56:3-5), and gentiles (Acts 10:1-8; 10:30-33; 11:12-14).  While revelation was being revealed, God used angels as His messengers.

Sometimes people claim that they can follow a different gospel than the one which has been revealed and confirmed.  They justify such by claiming that an angel has appeared to them.  Some have even said, “I don’t care what the Bible says, an angel has told me that I am OK in my practices, though they conflict with the Bible.”  However, Paul wrote, “If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9).

Angels have been used to aid and protect man.  Angels aided Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:14-21), and the Israelites during the Exodus (Exodus 14:16-20; 23:20-23; 32:30-35; 33:2; Numbers 20:15-16; Psalm 78:25), and David (Psalm 34:4-7), and Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego and Daniel (Daniel 3:23-25, 28; 6:22).  Angels aided and protected Jesus (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 22:42-43), and Peter (Acts 5:17-21; 12:5-10).

Angels have served as God’s army.  Cherubim guarded the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).  Angels brought destruction to Sodom (Genesis 19:1, 12-14), and Jerusalem (2 Samuel 24:15-16), and the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35-36), and Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:20-23).  Moreover, Angels will be involved in the judgment (Matthew 13:47-50; 25:31-32; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

Angels are with the righteous at death.  They carried the beggar to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).  There is no mention of angels connected with the death of Lazarus (Luke 16:22).  Do the unrighteous have to die alone?

Angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).  Wayne Jackson has written, “But how do angels accomplish these missions?  One may not conclude that this phenomenon is miraculous, because the New Testament clearly teaches that the age of miracles has been terminated (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:8-16).  Since the super-natural era is gone, and only God’s providential activity (i.e. the divine manipulation of natural law) remains, one must conclude, I believe, that God employs angels in the implementation of his providential will on behalf of his saints in today’s world.  This seems to be a reasonable conclusion, but beyond this we should not speculate” (christiancourier.com, Do Angels Minister to Christians Today?).

What Angels Do Not Do

There are times when angels intervened to get a preacher and a hearer together.  This is the case with the eunuch (Acts 8:26-27).  This is the case with Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8; 10:30-37; 11:12-14).  Jesus, Himself, appeared to Saul (Acts 9:1-6).  However, no heavenly messenger ever tells one, in the New Testament, what one must do to be saved.  The message is always delivered by men (Acts 8:26-40; Acts 22:6-16).  Do not wait for an angel or Jesus to appear to your friends or family and teach them the Gospel.  You do it.

Good angels do not accept worship from men.  John twice fell down before an angel and was corrected for such (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9).  God alone is worthy of such.

 

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Angels (Part One)

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible.  They are mentioned in Genesis.  They are mentioned in Revelation.  The word “angel(s)” appear 285 times in the King James version (108 times in the Old Testament and 177 times in the New Testament).  The word appears in 35 books of the Bible (17 Old Testament books and 18 New Testament books).  Moreover, these counts have not considered other terms for angels such as: “sons of God” (e.g. Job 38:7; Daniel 3:35); “saints” or “holy ones” (e.g. Deuteronomy 33:2; Zechariah 14:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:13 cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7); “hosts” (e.g. Joshua 5:14-15; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalm 103:20-21; 148:2; Luke 2:13; James 5:4 – “Sabaoth” means hosts).

Let us consider what the Bible teaches, and doesn’t teach concerning angels.

Characteristics

They are a part of God’s creation (Psalm 148:1-5; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16).  They were created before man (Job 38:4-7).  Many angels exist (2 Kings 6:16-17; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22).

They are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14 cf. Luke 24:39).  Man cannot see these beings unless God makes such possible by opening the eyes of man (Numbers 22:31-ff; 2 Kings 6:16-17), or unless they appear unto man in human form (Genesis 18:1-3; 16, 22, 33, cf. 19:1-5).

Their existence is very different from man’s current state.  They are not subject to physical death (Luke 20:35-36).  They do not marry or give in marriage (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35-36).  They evidently are sexless beings, without reproductive ability.

They are powerful and excel in strength (Psalm 103;20).  An angel can shut the mouths of lions (Daniel 6:22).  An angel can destroy a mighty army (2 Kings 19:35-36 cf. 2 Samuel 24:15-16).  An angel rolled the stone back from Jesus’ tomb revealing an empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-8).  Angels “are greater in power and might” than man (2 Peter 2:11).

They are intelligent beings.  They have the ability to discern good and evil (2 Samuel 14:17).  They have awareness of what happens on earth (2 Samuel 14:20; 1 Corinthians 4:9).

They have limitations.  They are not omniscient (Matthew 24:36).  They are not omnipresent (Daniel 10:10-14, 20).

Misconceptions

They are not depicted in the Bible with halos.  “The halo, which has become associated with angels, was adapted from mythology.  Originally, the halo was rejected by the artists of Christendom because of its pagan origin.  It was not used to exemplify angels until about the fifth century A.D.  There is no mention of halos in the scriptural teaching” (Wynelle Main, An Investigation of Angels, p. 103).  “According to mythology, a radiant light surrounded the heads of gods and goddesses when they came down from Olympus… Because it originated in paganism, it was at first rejected by early Christian artists.  About the middle of the fourth century, however, the circle of light was used in depicting Christ.  It was used to represent angels about the fifth century, but was not used for Mary until the sixth century” (ibid, p. 126).

They are not depicted in scripture with a pair of wings.  Seraphim are depicted with three pair of wings (Isaiah 6).  Cherubim are depicted with two pairs of wings (Ezekiel 1, 10).  Angels are described as flying (Daniel 9:21; Revelation 14:6), but if and how many wings they have – the scriptures do not tell us.

They do not appear as women in the Bible.  When angels appear to man, they did so in the form of men.  The two angels who are named have masculine names: Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19; 1:26), and Michael (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7).  The truth is they appear to be sexless beings (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:5; Luke 20:35-36).  Where did the idea of winged female angels originate?  Wynelle Main remarked, “We find a strong resemblance in the depiction of victory, and the feminine, beautiful winged angel.  Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, is usually represented as a beautiful, winged woman” (ibid, p. 103).

Some think that dead saints become angels.  However, angels are a distinct creation, created before man (Job 38:4-7).  We’re told that we will in some ways be like the angels (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25 Luke 20:35-36).  We are not told that we will be angels.

There is a good lesson to be learned from these common misconceptions (and others which we could have mentioned).  We need to be careful Bible students.  Charles Hodge has written, “This error simply says that artists have influenced men more than scripture” (Hodge, Angels, p. 2).

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The Self-Destructive Sting

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

A honey bee colony has three types of bees associated with it: the queen; the workers (females); the drones (males).  It is the worker bees which sting.  “A honey bee will sting when it perceives a threat to its hive, but when it’s away from the hive foraging, it will rarely sting unless someone steps on it or handles it roughly.  And when it does sting it dies.  A honey bee stinger is made up of two barbed lancets.  When the bee stings, it can’t pull the stinger back out.  It leaves behind not only the stinger, but also part of its digestive tract, plus muscles and nerves.  The massive abdominal rupture is what kills the bee” (earthsky.org).  Not all bees or wasps have this problem when stinging, but the honey bee does.

Some people are like the honey bee.  Their attitude and action toward others actually destroy them (physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually).  (1) Some harbor envy and hatred for others in their hearts.  The Bible says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).  “Anger rests in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).  S.I. McMillen has written, “Man doesn’t ever seem to learn that the high cost of getting even may be toxic goiter, strokes of apoplexy, and fatal heart attacks… The moment I start hating a man, I become his slave.  I can’t enjoy my work any more because he even controls my thoughts.  My resentments produce too many stress hormones in my body and I become fatigued after only a few hours of work.  The work I formerly enjoyed is now drudgery.  Even vacations cease to give me pleasure. It may be a luxury car that I drive along a lake fringed with autumnal beauty of maple, oak, and birch. As far as my experience of pleasure is concerned, I might as well be driving a wagon in mud and rain. The man hounds me wherever I go.  I can’t escape his tyrannical grasp on my mind.  When the waiter serves me porterhouse steak with French fries, asparagus, crisp salad, and strawberry shortcake smothered with ice cream, it might as well be stale bread and water.  My teeth chew the food and I swallow it, but the man I hate will not permit me to enjoy it…The man I hate may be many miles from my bedroom; but more cruel than a slave driver, he whips my thoughts into such a frenzy that my innerspring mattress becomes a rack of torture. The lowest of the serfs can sleep, but not I” (McMillen, None of These Diseases, pp. 68, 72).  “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:17).   (2) Some people allow their own words and actions to harm them.  “Hatred stirs up strife.  But love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12).  “The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his own lips” (Proverbs 12:13).  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).  Be careful before you decide to sting!

Moreover, sometimes the fight is just not worth it.  S.I. McMillen tells of a grizzly bear that tolerated a skunk.  He writes, “There was only one animal the grizzly would allow to eat with him – a skunk.  Of course, the grizzly could have won in any fight with a skunk.  He resented the skunk and yearned to get even with him for his imprudence.  But he didn’t.  Why?  Because he knew that there would be a high cost of getting even” (McMillen, None of These Diseases, pp. 67-68). “An angry man stirs up strife” (Proverbs 29:22). Make sure it is worth it, before you get sprayed!

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Demons (Part Two)

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“Demon(s)” are mentioned over 70 times in the New Testament.  The King James Version is confusing, using the word “devil(s)” for the original word.  There are many demons (daimon), but there is one devil (diabolos).

Other words are also used.  They are called “evil spirits” and “unclean spirits” over 20 times.

Could Demons Foretell the Future?

Luke writes of “a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination… who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling” (Acts 16:16-ff).

We know that demons had incredible strength (Mark 5:1-4).  We know that demons knew that Jesus was “the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24), and “Son of the Most High God” (Mark 5:7).  We know that they knew the inspired servants of Jesus (Acts 16:17; 19:15).  We know that they knew torment awaited them (Matthew 8:29).  The word “demon” may mean “a knowing one” (Vine’s).  But, could they really foretell the future?

I have serious doubts about this.  It appears that God alone can declare the future.  Consider: “It am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God.  And who can proclaim as I do?” (Isaiah 44:6-7 cf. 41:21-23).  “I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel” (Isaiah 45:3).  “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done…” (Isaiah 46:9-11).  If demons could really prophesy, then how would one know if a message of a prophet were from God or a demon?  How would prophecy confirm the message as being from God?

What about the girl with a spirit of “divination”?  The word translated “divination” literally translates “Python.”  Plutarch used this word to describe ventriloquists (Thayer).  The oracles at Delphi claimed to be inspired by the spirit of a python.  They spoke by ventriloquism (timothyarends.hubspages,com/hub/ventriloquism-facts).  “According to historical records one of the earliest ventriloquists… was Pythia, a priestess at the temple of Apollo in Delphi.  The Greeks called this practice ‘gastronomy’ or ‘gastromancy.’  They were thinking that the voice of the dead took of residence in the stomach of the ventriloquists (learnventriloquism.net). Darrell Conley has written of the Acts 16 record: “That the girl was actually possessed by a demon is clear.  That the demon caused her to claim the power to divine is also clear.  That the demon itself may have spoken these things from within her (‘speaking from the belly’) is likely.  That the demon was able to actually divine the future is not substantiated by the text” (Conley, The Gospel Versus Occultism, pp. 20-21).

Could One Call Up The Dead?

Did the witch at En Dor really have the power to call up Samuel? (1 Samuel 28:6-25).

I have serious doubts about this.  The LORD said through the prophet Jeremiah, “Do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers… for they prophesy a lie to you” (Jeremiah 27:9-10).  Where is the clear passage which indicates that anyone other than God can foretell the future?

What about the witch at En Dor?  Darrell Conley commented, “There is no doubt that Samuel appeared… It was God that caused him to do so, and not the witch, who was surprised as anyone when Samuel actually appeared.  She was so astonished and frightened she ‘cried with a loud voice,’… The fact that Samuel here speaks from God and prophesies correctly regarding the death of Saul and his sons, should be enough to convince anyone that Samuel appeared by the power of God” (Conley, The Gospel Versus Occultism, pp. 19-20).

A Parable

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’  And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order.  They he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked that himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26; Matthew 12:43-45).

No doubt this parable is teaching that one must be constantly on guard, and that it is not enough to remove evil.  True lasting change is found in filling oneself with good.  William Wilder commented, “As the evil spirit was cast out by Christ, it would return to take possession again unless the house is guarded diligently.  Once we are converted, we must guard our hearts with all faithfulness.  The Spirit was banished, but not destroyed.  Evil is ever-present, always lurking at our hearts… An alcoholic may be reformed; he may decide that he will no longer drink intoxicating drinks; but, he must fill his heart and mind with positive thoughts and resolve to stay away from things that tempt him to drink.  He must find something wholesome to do and fill his heart (empty house) with pure practices… Satan finds ways of penetrating the heart, especially when it is empty” (The Book of Matthew, Spiritual Sword Lectures, pp. 364-365).  Burt Groves commented, “Let every follower of Jesus understand the importance not only of repenting of sins but also of doing good.  The idle Christian invites temptation…” (Groves, The Gospel According to Luke, p. 125). One should seek to not only put off the bad, but also to put on the good (Ephesians 4:21-32; Colossians 3:5-16).

What does this tell us about demons?  I am not sure.  does it tell us that demons want bodies for a dwelling place?

Once I spoke with a woman who was concerned that she could be lost in the end because an evil spirit might make her sin.  If one is lost in the end they will have no one to blame but self (James 1:14-16; 1 Corinthians 10:13).  “If I should die and be lost in the end, it is no body’s fault but mine” (Youth song I heard in Jamaica).

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Demons (Part One)

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

Demon possession is mentioned in the Bible.  It is mentioned: 8 times in Matthew (4:23-25; 8:16; 8:28-34; 9:32-34; 12:22; 12:43-45; 15:21-28; 17:14-28); 8 times in Mark (1:21-28; 1:32-34; 1:39; 3:10-12; 5:1-20; 7:24-30; 9:14-29; 16:17-20); 9 times in Luke (4:31-36; 4:40-41; 6:17-19; 7:21; 8:26-39; 9:37-42; 11:14-15; 11:24-26; 13:10-17); 5 times in Acts (5:16; 8:4-8; 16:16-24; 19:11-12; 19:13-20).  There are 12 general references to demon possession (Matthew 4:23-25; 8:16; Mark 1:32-34; 1:39; 3:10-12; 16:17-20; Luke 4:40-41; 6:17-19; 7:21; Acts 5:16; 8:4-8; 19:11-12).  There are 9 specific cases of such recorded [1.  Man in synagogue (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37); 2. Man to swine (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39); 3. Mute (Matthew 9:23-34); 4. Blind and mute (Matthew 12:22; Luke 11:14-15).  5. Daughter of Greek woman (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30); 6. Son with convulsive attacks (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42); 7. Woman with a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:10-17); 8. Girl with a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-24); 9. Man who attacked some would be exorcists (Acts 19:13-20)].

What Was Demon Possession?

Some have suggested that “demon possession” was simply a superstitious way to explain physical and mental illness, and strange behavior.  It is true that “demon possession” is associated with physical illness (Matthew 9:32-34; 12:22; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 13:10-17), and not being in a right mind (Luke 8:26-29; 9:37-42).  However, such is an inadequate explanation.  Demons spoke (Mark 1:24; 5:7-8; Acts 16:16-18; 19:15).  Demons knew Jesus and His servants (Mark 1:24; 5:7-8; Acts 16:16-18; 19:15).  Demons believe in God and tremble before Him (James 2:19).  Roy Lanier Sr. commented on Mark 5 saying, “I am not a physician, but I do not know of any human disease which could so quickly be contracted by hogs that would cause the hogs to jump into the sea… I am unaware that insanity can be transferred from a man to hogs” (Lanier, 20 Years of the Problem Page, Vol. 1, p. 124).

Some have suggested that demons are fallen angels.  Fallen angels are mentioned in the Bible (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).  Moreover, demons are a part of’ the kingdom of Satan (Luke 11:14-23).  Torment awaited demons (Matthew 8:29).

Some believe that demons are disembodied spirits of wicked men.  Guy Woods said, “So strongly did Alexander Campbell believe this that in his lengthy and intricate discussion of the theme in his ‘Lectures and Addresses’ he wrote ‘we conclude that there is neither reason nor fact – there is no canon of criticism, no law of interpretation – there is nothing in antiquity, sacred or profane – that in our judgment weighs against the evidence already adduced in support of the position that the demons… were the ghosts of dead men, and as such have taken possession of men’s living bodies, and have moved, influenced and impelled them to certain courses of action.’  This was the view of the Jewish historians Josephus and Philo… Early Christian writers, such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen, and many others may be cited to this same effect… and brother McGarvey, in his commentary on Matthew and Mark says that, ‘In the Jewish usage of the term it is applied exclusively to departed spirits of wicked men.  This usage was adopted by Jesus and the Apostles, and consequently all that is said of demons in the New Testament agrees with it” (Woods, Questions and Answers, Vol. 1, pp. 232-233).

Many are unsure.  Rex Turner Sr. remarked, “Man probably will never know in this life for certain just who demons are.  The two greatest likelihoods are that they are either fallen angels, or the departed evil spirits of the present order of creation.  Of these two the latter is the more likely…” (Turner, Systematic Theology, p. 100).

The Effects of Demon Possession

Demon possession sometimes brought much suffering.  It could cause physical illness [1. Muteness (Matthew 9:32-34; 12:22-23; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 14:14-15);  2. Deafness (Mark 9:25-29); 3. Blindness (Matthew 12:22-23); 4. Convulsions (Mark 9:14-29)].  It could cause strange and self-destructive behavior (Mark 5:1-20; 9:14-29).  The effects seem to have been, at least sometimes, intermittent (Mark 9:17-18).

Why Did God Allow Demon Possession?

Why did God allow demons to possess people?  Dave Miller has suggested, “A careful study of the New Testament will disclose the fact that demon possession was divinely permitted to show the supreme authority of Christ and His inspired representatives” (Miller, Exorcism, Demons, Witchcraft, Astrology, Transcript for “The Truth in Love” Television Program). This does seem to be the answer (Luke 11:20).  It is interesting that the Old Testament does not mention such [Note: When Saul had the Holy Spirit removed from him (1 Samuel 16:13-14 cf. 1 Samuel 10:10; 11:6-7; Psalm 51:11), a distressing spirit troubled him (1 Samuel 16:14).  This distressing Spirit could be calmed with music (1 Samuel 16:15-23); at least sometimes (cf. 1 Samuel 18:10-12; 19:9-10).  I do not think that this is demon possession but madness. If this is demon possession, it is the only example of such in the Old Testament.]  Such seems to have begun near the time of Christ.

Does Demon Possession Still Occur?

Does demon possession still occur today?  First, Zechariah 13:1-2 speaks of a time when Jehovah would “cause the prophets and unclean spirit to depart from the land.”  Homer Hailey commented, “once the foundation was laid and the new revelation was complete, the need for prophets would cease… Likewise, unclean spirits, the antithesis of the prophets, would cease.  In the conquest of Christ over Satan and his forces, unclean spirits have ceased to control men as they did in the time of the ministry of Christ and the apostles” (Hailey, A Commentary on the Minor Prophets, p. 392).  Franklin Camp agreed writing, “In the passing away of the miraculous, there also would be the cessation of demon possession” (Camp, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Redemption, p. 312).  Second, it should be remembered that it took miraculous power to cast out demons (Mark 6:14-15; 16:17-20).

Strange behavior, today, is sometimes attributed to “demon possession.”  However, many times this behavior is not how the Bible describes demon possession.  “Modern demoniacs frequently are described as uttering ‘fierce curses’ and ‘burst of blasphemy.’  In the New Testament record, demons are always very respectful of deity (Mark 1:24; 3:11).  There is not a solitary case of a demon blaspheming either God or Christ in the biblical narrative” (Wayne Jackson, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 394).   Some today claim that it takes many hours, days, or months to exorcise a demon.  However, “The Lord could expel evil spirits with but a word, and the effect was immediate (Luke 4:36; Matthew 17:18)” (ibid).  Yes, people can live under the control of Satanic influence today (cf. Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 2:13), but such is not the same as demon possession.

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False Brethren

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“False brethren” are twice spoken of in the New Covenant, both times by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4).  Who were these “false brethren”?  What practical lessons can we glean from the mentioning in scripture of them?

A common view is that these were brethren, but they were not behaving very brotherly.  Clearly, there were brethren of disappointing behavior then, and surely there are now.  Multitudes in Asia abandoned Paul, while he was imprisoned (2 Timothy 1:15-18 cf. 4:16).  Demas was a sad disappointment (2 Timothy 4:10).  Some brethren were fickle (Galatians 1:6).  They ran well and then got tripped up by false teachers (Galatians 5:7).  Diotrophes was too desirous of preeminence to work with John (3 John 9).

Another view is that these were not brethren at all, only pretending to be.  McGarvey, “certain Jews, who were members of the church and yet not Christians at all, but had entered the church to further Jewish interests, and who were… spies of the Jews (Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, p. 257-258).  Crouch, “They were likely Jews, pretending to be Christians… they were enemies of the cross in the guise of friends… to take away our liberty from the law of Moses which we have in Christ, that they may bring us into bondage to the Jewish law (Studies in Galatians, p. 17).  Franklin Camp speculated that these were those who John would write, “They went out from us, but they were not of us” (1 John 2:19).

This second view seems to fit.  Consider these points: (1) 2 Corinthians  11:26 speaks of “false brethren.”  Yet, earlier in this same book, and even this same chapter “false apostles” are mentioned (2 Corinthians 11:13).  Clearly, these weren’t misbehaving apostles.  They were not apostles at all.  Consistency would seem to suggest the same concerning “false brethren.”  (2) Paul lists “perils among false brethren” separate from “the care of all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:26 cf. 11:28).  (3) These “false brethren” are said to have “sneaked in” (Galatians 2:4 NASB), or “came in by stealth” (Galatians 2:4 NKJV).  They clearly were binding the Mosaical law on Gentile converts (Galatians 2:4 cf. Acts 15:1, note the distinction between “certain men” and “the brethren”).

It seems at least possible to me that the early church had to deal not only with Jewish and other opposition from without, but that they also had to deal with Jewish infiltration.  Such tactics are not unheard of even in this day.

The early church  did something that should be done more today.  They introduced faithful brethren with a letter of commendation (Acts 18:27; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Corinthians 8:16, 23-24; Philippians 2:19-24; Philippians 2:19-24; 2 Corinthians  3:1-3).  Such letters no doubt solidified trust and confidence in the one coming into a local church and it helped the local church and her elders avoid a plague of problems.

We need to be cautious.  We should not use people in classrooms, Gospel meetings, ladies day, youth programs, to fill the pulpit, etc. without truly knowing with confidence who they are, and in what they believe and for what they stand.  If we don’t have first hand knowledge, a letter of commendation from a faithful member or church is both Biblical and beneficial.

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What Can Be Done With A Tract, C.D., or DVD?

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Bryan Hodge
  1.  Keep specialty tracts written on specific religious groups (Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah Witnesses, the Latter Day Saints, etc.) near the door, so that they may be shared with these groups when they come knocking (The Jehovah Witnesses usually will not take or read your material, yet they want you to take and read material from them. Tell them that you will take and read their material, if they will take and read your material. Hold them to this).
  2. Leave basic tracts on fundamental themes (Plan of Salvation, the Church, etc.) in public places such as restaurants, motels, airports, hospitals, nursing homes, etc..  You may never know whose hands they’ll find themselves in.
  3. Mail tracts in with your bills (make sure you pay them on time –  lol).  Again, you never know in whose hands the tract may find itself.
  4. If you have a non-believing spouse, you might try leaving tracts around the house in plain view.  Perhaps they’ll pick it up and read out of curiosity.
  5. Order quantities of tracts.  Get a city directory organized by street.  And then begin to mail these tracts out a little at a time to those who live in close proximity to you.  I have known several members of the church that have, by this means, a little at a time, covered an entire community and even city.
  6. Keep tracts with you, in your car, purse, etc..  If you do  this, you may be better prepared for the defense of the Gospel, when religious discussions come up at work, family reunions, etc.
  7. Order tracts in quantities, and pass them out, door by door, before Gospel meetings, (or anytime).
  8. When you sent gifts for various occasions, such a birthdays, etc., include a tract.  Let them know that you not only love them, you are concerned for their soul.
  9. Use tracts to help formulate basic outlines for family devotionals, Sunday morning Bible class, etc. Caution: while you may organize your thoughts this way,  do your own study. Too many Bible teachers and preachers borrow their lessons from others without doing much study of their own. Entire Gospel meetings have been preached this way. Little growth comes this way and such may even be dangerous.
  10. Use tracts to investigate subjects on which you have questions.  Remember tracts are not inspired, but use them for their evidence. Never use a tract as a substitute for personal Bible reading and  study. Do not let the quick answers in a tract substitute for investigating the matter in scripture.
  11. Memorize the basic contents of the tract that you have just reviewed.  If you do this, you can pass it on to others who may benefit, and yet still retain information.
  12. Give tracts (and books) to new converts.  Many new converts are hungering for information and such may help them.  However, my advice is to never pass to someone else what you have not personally reviewed and verified to be good (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). Do not blindly trust a tract just because it was written by some brother.

This is just another means by which you can help carry the Gospel into all of the world (Mark 16:16).  Brethren, let us use every legitimate means available to do so.  Let us use every opportunity we have to tell others about Christ, His church, and His plan of salvation!

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