The article “He Took on Him the Seed of Abraham” by Don Fortner delves into the biblical doctrine of angels as ministering spirits designated by God to serve His elect. Fortner emphasizes that all angels are created to minister to God's chosen people, ensuring their protection and guidance until their ultimate calling by grace, referencing Hebrews 1:14 and Ezekiel 16:6-8. The author challenges popular misconceptions regarding guardian angels, asserting that rather than individuals being assigned personal guardians, all angels collectively serve the elect, based on Psalm 91:9-11 and Luke 16:22. The practical significance of this teaching lies in the reassurance it provides believers of their divine protection and the unseen ministry of angels throughout their earthly pilgrimage, culminating in their escort to glory.
Key Quotes
“These heavenly ministering spirits were created and sent forth by our heavenly Father to minister to serve the needs of those who shall be the heirs of salvation.”
“The angels of God do not serve individuals as personal guardians, but they are our guardians given charge from our Heavenly Father to guard his chosen.”
“Only in eternity will the heirs of salvation begin to discover what we owe to the perpetual ministry of these ministering spirits.”
“Well may the heirs of salvation rejoice with such heavenly protectors surrounding them and ministering to them with unceasing joy.”
What does the Bible say about angels and their role?
The Bible describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
Angels serve not only during the life of the elect but also possess significant functions related to the entirety of God’s redemptive plan. They have been present at pivotal moments, such as the announcement of Christ’s birth and His resurrection, demonstrating their integral part in the unfolding of God’s plan throughout history. Ultimately, the full measure of the angels’ ministry will be revealed to the heirs of salvation in eternity, where one can appreciate their guardianship and service in leading souls to Christ, as illustrated in Luke 16:22, where angels carry Lazarus to glory.
How do we know God's elect will be saved?
God's elect are assured of salvation through His sovereign grace and appointed calling.
The security of the elect also finds foundation in the unwavering promise of God’s faithfulness. Romans 8:28-30 articulates that those whom He predestines, He also calls, justifies, and glorifies, ensuring that His redemptive plan for the elect is both purposeful and infallible. Therefore, the combination of sovereign grace and divine providence guarantees that all of God’s elect shall be saved, illustrating the assurance believers have in the character of God and His sovereign will.
Why are angels important for Christians?
Angels play a vital role in God's providential care for His people, guarding and ministering to them.
Moreover, angels serve as servants and messengers in God's redemptive work, as evidenced by their roles in announcing Christ’s coming and His resurrection. Their perpetual ministry reveals God's meticulous attention to the welfare of His elect while fostering a deeper appreciation for the divine assistance provided. Thus, the existence and activities of angels emphasize God’s omnipotent care and providence, leading Christians to rejoice in the knowledge of their heavenly guardians.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? - Hebrews 1:14“He took on him the seed of Abraham.”
There is a special order of heavenly, spirit beings called “the angels of God,” who were specifically created to be "ministering spirits" to God’s elect. These heavenly, ministering spirits were created and sent forth by our heavenly Father to minister to (serve the needs of) those who shall be the heirs of salvation.
An Elect People
God almighty has an elect people scattered through all the human race, through all parts of the earth, who must and shall be saved. For every chosen, redeemed sinner there is an appointed time of love when he must be called by grace (Ezek. 16:6-8). It is the work of the heavenly angels to preserve and protect chosen sinners until the time of their calling. They are instruments of God in prevenient grace, whereby the elect are kept, provided for, and secretly directed through all the days of their rebellion, until they are brought at last to the feet of the Savior.
Heavenly Guardians
The angels’ ministry to God’s elect is not over once the chosen are called. The superstitions regarding each person having a guardian angel is as foreign to the Scriptures as the idea that babies who die in infancy become angels. God’s elect do not have a guardian angel. All God’s angels are our guardians, given charge from our Heavenly Father to guard his chosen (Psa. 91:9-11). None of us will ever know, this side of eternity, what wonders the angels of God have done to protect and care for us during the time of our sojourn on this earth. When our pilgrimage here is over, the angels of God carry God’s Lazaruses away to glory (Lk. 16:22). The angels of God are highly intelligent spirits, excellent in wisdom and power. They are the secret servants of Emmanuel’s kingdom, ministering to all who shall be heirs of God’s salvation. Could we see how they watch over us, how they guard us from countless evils, did we but know how safely they keep us in the midst of countless foes, we would like the prophet’s servant see the mountains around us full of horses and chariots (2 Kgs. 6:17).
Angelic Ministry
A single angel destroyed seventy thousand at God’s command (2 Sam. 24:15), and a hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians who came against Israel (2 Kgs. 19:35). How safe God’s elect must be who are protected by the angels of God, kept by the power of God, and are secure in the hands of our omnipotent Savior! Only in eternity will the heirs of salvation begin to discover what we owe to the perpetual ministry of these ministering spirits. Well may the heirs of salvation rejoice with such heavenly protectors surrounding them and ministering to them with unceasing joy. It was an angel who first announced the purpose of Christ’s coming. It was a chorus of angels who first sang the praise of the incarnate God.It was an angel who first announced the resurrection of Christ our Redeemer. It was an angel who sent men to fetch Peter to Cornelius that he might show him the words whereby he must be saved. The angels of God kept us all the days of our rebellion. The angels of God watch over us every hour. The angels of God meet with us in the assembly of the saints. The angels of God always behold our Father’s face in heaven. The angels of God will carry us home. There is a far more intimate relationship between the saints of God and the angels of God than any of us yet know (Heb.12:22-24).
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