The article "Christ and His Angels" by Don Fortner examines the relationship between Christ and angels, highlighting the supremacy of Christ as the Creator and Redeemer. Key arguments emphasize the unchanging nature of Christ in contrast to the transient creation, supported by Hebrews 1:10-14, which discusses Christ's eternal existence and the temporary nature of the universe. Fortner also points to Romans 8:19-22 and other scriptures to illustrate that while the heavens and earth will ultimately perish, Christ remains immutable and dependable. The significance of this doctrine is profound, offering comfort to believers that their salvation is secure in an unchanging Savior, while acknowledging the role of angels as ministering spirits, designated to serve God's elect, without detracting from the worship due solely to Christ.
Key Quotes
“Christ our Savior... is the sovereign Creator. Everything in this sin cursed earth is marked for destruction.”
“When it has served its' purpose he will fold it up, put it away, and create something better.”
“The angels are servants to the Father, to the Son, and to his people... but we do not worship them. We worship Christ.”
“To rest and trust in him is never to die or be ashamed.”
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? - Hebrews 1:10-14Christ And His Angels
Christ our Savior
Christ Jesus is the Creator of all things (v. 10). Our Redeemer, our Mediator, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ is the sovereign Creator. These verses (10-14) are addressed to our Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout this passage great emphasis is laid upon his deity, eternality, wisdom, excellence, and glory as God the Son.
Everything in this sin cursed earth is marked for destruction (v. 11). How I wish we could learn this. It is all going to be burned soon. The heavens and the earth in their present form shall pass away (Rom. 8:19-22).
Soon, our Lord will come again. He will purge all creation with fire. He will remove the curse. He will create a new heaven and a new earth, purified and without sin. But Christ remains as he is, without change, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Isa. 51:6; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8).
When our clothes wear out and lose their beauty and usefulness, we fold them up, lay them aside, and replace them with new garments. That is what our Lord is going to do with this world (v. 12). When it has served its’ purpose, he will fold it up, put it away, and create something better. Yet, he is forever immutable, unchangeable in his nature, in his person, in his offices, and in the virtue of his blood and righteousness. What a consolation this is for our souls! To rest and trust in him is never to die or be ashamed (Job 19:23-27).
Sent Forth to Minister
"To which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (v. 13). God the Father never said anything like this to a mere angel. He never promised dominion to them. He did not prepare a throne for them. This high honor is reserved for Christ, alone.
What, then, are the angels? How do we account for them? What is their purpose? Read verse 14. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” The angels are servants to the Father, to the Son, and to his people (his elect “who shall be heirs of salvation”). But how do the angels of God minister to those who shall be the heirs of salvation? They serve God’s elect before conversion in prevenient grace, protecting their lives. After conversion, they secretly and constantly continue to watch over and care for believing sinners. At death, the angels of God carry God’s Lazaruses up to Glory. And at the resurrection, they will gather the dust of our flesh into our bodily forms again.
Let us ever thank God for his holy angels; but we do not worship them. We worship Christ, who created, rules, and sends the angels to keep us in our ways and bring us safely into glory, where we shall be the heirs of salvation forever!
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