Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Starting with this verse; I thought it would be a good study to explore the role of angels in the plan of salvation.

I see their roles as two fold.

One, they can be viewed in a great controversy context and function; and two; they seem to have some personal involvement with people in every age, atleast, as depicted in the Bible.

What is the scope of the ministry of angels? How are they involved with us today?

I have found another passage that speaks to their ministry a bit; but what other details are there that we should know about?

Psalms 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Psalms 103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

One of the things that I get out of Luke 15:10 above is that the right kind of service to God brings joy.

GW.513.001
“ While the great final reward is given at Christ's coming, true-hearted service for God brings a reward, even in this life. Obstacles, opposition, and bitter, heart-breaking discouragements, the worker will have to meet. He may not see the fruit of his toil. But in face of all this he finds in his labor a blessed recompense.

All who surrender themselves to God in unselfish service for humanity are in co-operation with the Lord of glory. This thought sweetens all toil, it braces the will, it nerves the spirit for whatever may befall. Working with unselfish heart, ennobled by being partakers of Christ's sufferings, sharing His sympathies, they help to swell the tide of His joy, and bring honor and praise to His exalted name. In fellowship with God, with Christ, and with holy angels, they are surrounded with a heavenly atmosphere, an atmosphere that brings health to the body, vigor to the intellect, and joy to the soul.”

What do the rest of you think re the ministry of angels? What is the nature of this fellowship with angels, spoken of by the above quote in Gospel Workers? Or, should I say, what should be the nature of this fellowship with God, Christ, and holy angels?

I believe there is good reason to study this topic, as we are told in the Bible that evil angels, even Satan himself, will appear “as an angel of light.” So, I thought it would be good to contrast the “ministry” of evil angels, with the ministry of “angels in heaven,” (Luke 15:10), within this thread.

Have you any experience with angels that you could share?

What lessons do you draw from the texts supplied above; or with other texts that would be related to this topic?

I could have been killed in the car accident I was in. Later on after my accident, 60 minutes did a segment about car accidents and I discovered that people have been killed at lower rates of speed than I was hit with, in the same type of accident that I had (I was rear-ended). Yes, sometimes our guardian anagels don't save us and we suffer harm or death. But, I've learned that God knows best, whether we live or die. We can trust Him completely with our lives.

[ March 09, 2002: Message edited by: Jean Miller ]