The character of Angels
The previous article on angels discussed the nature of angels. In this article, we are going to discuss the character of angels. The word character as used here means the mental and moral qualities unique to an entity or group of entities.
Relative to worship, elect and holy angels do not accept the worship of men. However, fallen angels always seek the worship of men. Elect angels have the habit of directing all worship to the most High God and they symbolize the church in Heaven. Angels always worship God (Hebrews 12:22-24; Psalm 103:20; Nehemiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:6; Matthew 22:30; Psalm 29:1,2; Luke 2:13; Revelation 4:8; Luke 2:13).
Elect and holy angels are obedient to God. Their obedience is unquestionably perfect, however, fallen angels are always disobedient to God’s will and His word (Matthew 6:10; 26:53; 1 Peter 3:22; Psalm 103:20-21; Jude 6).
Angels are wise but not as wise as God Almighty. Their co-habitation with God has improved their wisdom over the ages (2 Samuel 14:17; 19:27; Ephesians 3:9-10; Matthew 24:36). They also have knowledge but they are not omniscient (Mark 13:32; 1 Peter 1:12).
Elect angels are meek and this is a character they have from God Almighty. Fallen angels are proud. One of the reasons they fell was because of their pride (2 Peter 2:11; Jude 9).
Angels have strength and power though not almighty (omnipotent) as God. Within one night, an angel slew 185,000 Assyrians during the deliverance of King Hezekiah from danger (Psalm 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11; 2 Kings 19:35; Revelation 18:1, 21; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Acts 5:19; 12:7, 23; Matthew 28:2; 2 Kings 6:17).
Angels have derived holiness. Angels of God now have sinless perfection and now not possible for them to fall. This is because they had victory over the appeal of Lucifer to self-will (Revelation 14:10; Mark 8:38).
Furthermore on the character of angels, elect angels are patient and because of their patience, they wait on God to do His instructions (Numbers 22:22-35; Matthew 18:10).
Elect angels are reserved and decent in their attitude towards God Almighty and the children of God (1 Corinthians 11:10).
Angels have the ability to speak and communicate with God and with men. As messengers of God, they are able to speak the languages of men on earth when God sends them (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Angels rejoice when a sinner or sinners accept(s) Jesus as Savior. They expressed joy at the creation of the earth (Luke 15:10; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Job 38:7).
Scripture demonstrates that angels are clothed in white raiment as bright as light. There is no darkness in elect angels (Revelation 15:1-8). Before the Almighty God, angels are clear and transparent. Angels exist and therefore it is important for us to know the character of angels.
