The article by Don Fortner addresses the theological understanding of angels within a Reformed framework, emphasizing their roles as messengers of God. Fortner highlights the distinction between the unfallen angels, who serve believers, and the fallen angels, or demons, who seek destruction, drawing on Scripture such as Hebrews 1:14 and Revelation 12:4. He identifies Christ as the "Angel of the Covenant," fulfilling the covenant of grace as both God and human, which underscores His central mediatorial role. The practical significance of this teaching includes recognizing the importance of gospel ministers, referred to as angels in Revelation, who are ordained by God to deliver His message, thus shaping believers' understanding of salvation and church leadership.
Key Quotes
“An angel is essentially a messenger from God, one created and sent of God.”
“The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is called the Messenger Angel of the covenant.”
“Gospel preachers are essential to both the salvation of chosen redeemed sinners and the edification of his church.”
“Let no one despise or lightly esteem the ministry of the Word.”
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? - Hebrews 1:14What Do You Know About Angels
I had a visit with my family doctor this morning. Before I left, he asked me, “What do you know about angels?” I responded, “Not much.” Then, I proceeded to tell him what little I do know. The following is basically what I told him.
The word “angel” means “messenger.” An angel is essentially a messenger from God, one created and sent of God. Without question, there is a specific order of heavenly beings called “angels.” The fallen angels (Rev. 12::4), are commonly referred to as “devils” or demons (James 2:19). Those fallen angels are messengers of Satan, bent upon the destruction of our souls. Whereas the angels of God are described as “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.”
The Angel of The Covenant
The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is called “the Messenger (Angel) of the covenant” (Mal. 3:1). Commonly, in the Old Testament, when we read of “the Angel of the Lord” appearing to men, as he did to Abraham, Monoah and his wife, etc., the one appearing was the Son of God himself. Those pre-incarnate manifestations of Christ were preludes to the coming of our great Savior to accomplish the redemption of his people. To say that Christ is “the Angel of the Lord” does not, in any way, contradict the fact of his eternal Deity. He is both Jehovah and Jehovah’s Messenger. In his eternal Deity, our Savior is God himself, over all and blessed forever. In his mediatoral capacity, as our Surety and Substitute, he is “the Angel of the Lord.” As the Angel of the Lord, “the Messenger of the covenant,” the Son of God comes to men to reveal and fulfil all the stipulations of the covenant of grace for us (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:6-13), thereby securing our “eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12). Having fulfilled all the requirements of the covenant as our Substitute, our Savior now sits upon the throne of universal monarchy, ruling all things according to the purpose of God as our God-man Mediator, to give eternal life to his people (John 17:2; Rev. 10:1-6). He and he alone is able to fulfil the book of God’s decrees (Rev. 5:7). He who rules the universe is God in human flesh, our Savior and Redeemer, “the Angel of the covenant.” Rejoice!
The Angels of The Churches
In Revelation 1:20, and in chapters two and three, the pastors of local churches are called “angels,” because faithful men, gifted and called of God to the work of the ministry, are God’s messengers to his people. Not all pastors are designated “angels;” but all who are truly God’s messengers to the souls of men are to be esteemed as such. Why? Because God has ordained the salvation of his elect by the hearing of the gospel (Rom. 1:16-17; 10:17; 1 Co. 1:21-24; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). Let no one despise or lightly esteem the ministry of the Word. Gospel preachers are essential to both the salvation of chosen, redeemed sinners and the edification of his church (Eph. 4:11-16).
People often say, “I follow the Lord. I will not follow a man.” Certainly, there is a sense in which this is right. Every man is responsible for his own soul. Each one must search the Scriptures, and make certain that the preachers he hears are true to the Word of God. God’s servants are not inspired, infallible instructors to be blindly followed, or priests to whom you trust your soul. Yet, if anyone follows
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