Do Angels Exist?

There are some people who doubt the existence of angels. What does the holy Scriptures say about angels? Is it true, as some say, that the stories about them are fictitious ? Several people have asked this question. During this month of October, dedicated to angels, such questions are quite relevant.

 

In the Holy Bible there are more than three hundred references to angels. Titles like sons of God, saints, armies and messengers are used in the Bible to refer to angels. The word angel comes from the Greek "angelos" which means messenger. This name denotes only their mission. These superhuman beings are often described in an anthropomorphic manner in the Bible.
 

Angels in the Old Testament

In the life of the chief personalities of Israel and in the most important events of their life, the presence and the help of angels are very evident. Here they often stand in the place of God himself. These messenger appear to men in a visible manner. 

It is the angel of the Lord who finds Hagar and comes to her aid (Gen 16:7-16). 

When God calls Moses, the angel of the Lord appears to him in the burning bush (Ex 3:2) . In the passage from Judges it is the Lord's angel who gives directions to the people. 

He speaks to Jacob in his sleep (Gen 31:11) and saves him from every harm (48:16). We can also see Jacob wrestling with the angel in Gen 32:24. 

It is the angel of the Lord who leads Israel through the Red Sea and the desert (Ex 14:19; 23:20;33:2; Num 20:16). 

Again, the angel prevents Balaam from going to Balak (Num 22:22 ff) and Abraham from sacrificing his only son (Gen 22:11 ff). 

The Old Testament usage, the angel of the Lord, is also seen in passages like Mattthew 1:20,24; 2:13;19). Through the angels the link between heaven and earth is established (Gen 28:12).

In course of time the Old Testament began picturing angels as beings distinct from God. The people of the Middle East depicted God as an emperor enthroned in great majesty (1 Kings 22:19;Is 6:1). 

The members of his court were his servants (Job 4:18). They were angels, called saints and sons of God(Deut 32:3; Ps 29:1-2;89:7). 

Among the angels are Cherubs who bear the throne of God and move the wheels of his chariot (Ps 80:2;99:1; Ez 10:1). These angels guard the gates of paradise (Gen 3:24). 

The Seraphs (fiery beings) sing his praises (Is 6:3); one of them touches the prophet's lips and cleanses him (Is 6:7). The heavenly armies sing the glory of God (1 Kings 22:19;Ps 148:2; Neh 9:6). 

God uses his angels to rule the world and to put into effect his directions (Ps 103:20). Cherubs are also seen to protect and guard the ark of the covenant with their wings (1 Kings 6:23-29; Ex 25:18 ff).

The nature of angels was not delineated clearly during the pre-exilic period. It is possible to see angels of good and angels of evil (for example Job 1:12;Ex 12:23;23:20; Ps 75:49). 

In the post-exilic period only the good angels are referred to. These keep battling against Satan and his powers (Num 3:1 ff). 

In the book of Tobit there is reference to the seven angels (12:15). The same idea can also be seen in Rev 8:2. 

The picture of angels deciding the future of the nations is presented in the book of Daniel (10:13-21). 

The angels protect individuals (Tob 3:17; Ps 91:11; Dan 3:49 ff) and take their prayers up to the presence of God (Tob 12:12). 

They also interpret the visions of the prophets (Ez 40:3; Num 1:8 ff). 

The angels have names appropriate to their mission. 

The angel Raphael's name means "God heals" (Tob. 3:17;12:15). 

Gabriel means "Hero of God"(Dan 8:16; 9:21). 

The name Michael denotes "Who is like God?" The entire Jewish nation is dedicated to this angel (Dan 10:13, 21;12:1). Michael is the head of the whole army of angels.    

 

Angels in the New Testament

The perspective on the angels in the Old Testament is continued in the New Testament. 

The role of the angels in the life of Christ is highly important. At the time of Christ's temptation, the heavenly messengers maintained a deep relationship with Jesus (Mt 4:11). 

It is clear from Mt 22:30 that they are heavenly beings and are above physical exigencies. They will help the Lord to conduct the last judgement (Mt 13:39,49;24:31). When sinners repent, they too partake of the joy of the Lord (Lk 15:10). At the Second Coming of the Lord, the angels will accompany him (Mt 25:31). 

Those who are condemned for eternal punishment will be expelled by them from the kingdom of heaven (Mt 13:41 ff) and the chosen ones will be led by them to the happiness of heaven (Mt 24:31). 

The scene where the angels of God descend on the Son of man and ascend into heaven (Jn 1:15) is based on Gen 28:10. This scene highlights the divinity of Christ. 

During the passion of Christ, the angels stand ready to come to his aid (Mt 26:53; Lk 22:43).

The angels are below Jesus, the Son of God. They are obliged to adore him (Heb 1:6 ff; Ps 97:7). They are created in him, through him and for him (Col. 1:16). 

The angels accept his dominion and worship him (Rev 5:11 ff; 7:11 ff). On the last day they have to accompany him (2 Thes 1:7; Rev 14:14-16). 

References to the Archangels are seen only in 1 Thes 4:16 and Jude 9. Indications regarding the fall of the angels are given in 2 Pet 2:4, and Jude 6. That the angels are present at the common worship and adoration is clear from 1 Cor. 11:10.    

 

Man's salvation and angels

Angels are appointed to give divine revelations to the children of men. 

It is the angel Gabriel who gives the message of the annunciation to Zechariah and Mary(Lk 1:19,26). 

The Good News of Jesus' birth is given by the angels of heaven (Lk 2:9-14). 

They are also the messengers of the great mystery of Jesus' resurrection (Mt 28:5 ff). 

It is they who make the apostles understand the meaning of the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:10 ff). 

Heb 1:14 clearly states that the angels are heavenly messengers who help Lord Jesus in his salvific mission. 

The angels also have the duty to protect individuals from spiritual and physical dangers (Mt 18:10; Acts 10:4; 12:15;27:23). 

In the Psalms this idea is very prevalent (for example, Ps. 34:7;35:5-6;91:1,11-12 etc.). Angels take the prayers of the saints to God's presence (Acts 5:8;8:3). It is they who lead the souls of the dead to paradise (Lk 16:22). 

"May the angels lead you to paradise", is a prayer the Church says for the dead. In the fierce battle of the Church with Satan, the angels, along with their leader Michael, help and protect her (Rev 12:1-9).

The activities of the angels tell us that heaven and earth are indivisibly connected. The liturgical prayers of the Church are in consonance with the eternal adoration and worship of the angels in heaven (for example, Glory to God in the highest, Sanctus etc.). The heavenly dwelling of the angels is around us-this truth is revealed to us in the book of Revelation. 

The holy Scriptures offer to us the call to live in God's presence, before his messengers in holiness and reverence (for example, Dan 10:9; Tob 12:16). 

The teaching of the Bible is to honour and revere the angels. It is also clear that adoring them as beings equal to God is prohibited (Rev 22:8; Col. 2:18 ff). 

Excessive devotion to them is also not to be fostered. Devotion to one's guardian angel has been prevalent in the Church from the time of St Bernard.  

   

Conclusion The lines a renowned artist wrote to Oscar Wilde are remarkable: "As science becomes more and more materialistic, the more numerous will be the angels that I draw. Their wings will remain as my witnesses of the eternal soul." 

Modern man who has become a slave to materialism and evil, needs to rediscover the teaching of the Bible regarding angels. The profound teaching in the Bible holds that angels guide, console and protect the people of God in suffering and persecution. Angels are not figments of the imagination. 

Through them God is ever ready to guard his people. He expresses his glory and power through them. As the presence of those spiritual beings is around us (Eph 6:12), we are not alone in marching forward in the spiritual battle. The truth is that there will be no one who has not experienced the touch of God's invisible angels in his soul and body at some time or another.

Rev. Dr. Paul Kariamadom V.C

Muslim Iysha Beevi and whole family is baptized into catholic faith

Here is the testimony of Iysha Beevi, born and bred in the Islamic faith. When she received Jesus into her life as Lord and Saviour, her husband and three children were born again in the faith. It happened five years ago.

Illness and God's plan for Iysha Beevi

Twelve years ago, severe chest pain and ulcer in the intestines afflicted me badly. When the ulcer began festering, the pain became unbearable. Every possible type of treatment by medical experts did no good. Reduced to skin and bones, I was confined to the hospital bed. When I was found to be an incurable case I was discharged. Even my family members were tired of me and hated me.

Doctors give up hope  
The situation became worse when I was again admitted in the hospital. A slight movement in the throat was the only sign of life. The doctors lost hope and discharged me. I made a sign to my husband to take me to Potta Ashram. He agreed. The moment I made the decision, I regained my suppleness of body and agility.  

Divine Retreat Centre 
I arrived at Potta. God gave me the grace to accept Jesus as Lord. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts16:31). These words touched me. If so, I shall accept you as my Lord and God, I told him. It was in an ambulance that I had been taken to Potta for I had all but collapsed. But now I knelt down with those who had come to hear the word of God and praised him. The doctors had feared that all my life I would have to be sustained only on glucose drips. I could retain nothing. But now here I was eating the four slices of bread given at Potta, with no difficulty whatsoever.  

Lord gives me the gift of reading  
In the ensuing weeks I went to Potta to participate in the one-day prayer. Before my eyes there appeared words as on a TV screen. To me, an illiterate, uneducated woman, the Lord gave the great gift of reading the Bible and other publications on spiritual matters.


Lord reveals her "You shall not have any other God but me" 

In 1994 I went to Assissi Retreat House at Bharananganam for a couples' retreat. Vomiting and other signs of my illness became worse. My mouth was festering. I was being prepared for the touch of the divine hands of my Lord. I heard Jesus whispering, "You shall not have any other God but me". This experience happened on the third day of the retreat. The Great Healer was working in me. He healed me completely and let me know I was fully in his providential care. At that retreat centre I began eating all kinds of food.   


Baptism into the Catholic faith

On June 26, 1997, my husband, three children and I received Jesus into our hearts, our lives and home forever by receiving baptism. Thus were we able to proclaim to all the world with all our heart and with all our life that there is no Saviour but Jesus Christ. 


Zeal now guided to "The Way, The Truth and The Life"
My husband, a cooly and my school-going children, are zealously living in the love of Jesus. The Lord gave me the grace to give witness to his love and power at Potta and Divine. 


Mission for Jesus
I am now fully involved in the activities of the choir and other church organisations at Chunangamvaley in Ernakulam district. To be an instrument in God's hands, guiding numerous people to retreat centres, has made my life rich and beautiful and happy. 

Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! 

Lydia (Iysha Beevi P V)

Peedikaparambil, Keezhmadu,

Alwaye, Kerala, India

Also read this amazing testimony of Ahmed who became a catholic

http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2010/03/muslim-ahmed-encounters-jesus-and.html

Hindu Brahmin Rajashekar embraces the only Saviour Jesus Christ

"COME TO ME, ALL YOU THAT ARE WEARY AND ARE CARRYING HEAVY BURDENS, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST" (Mt 11:28).

JESUS, YOU ARE LORD!

I hail from a conservative Brahmin family. I had been worshipping idols, gods and goddesses all my life. Right from childhood, I was not a healthy person. 

At the age of 22 I contacted tuberculosis and became very ill. I could not move about normally, nor keep my balance. In the meantime, I lost all faith in God and stopped worshipping him.

At Nimhans Hospital, Bangalore, I was prescribed heavy doses of costly medicines for one year. I was depressed.

One day a friend of mine who had attended the retreat at Divine was narrating the miracles and the wonderful works of God. I just happened to overhear him. Suddenly I became curious and instantly I had a desire to visit the place. On the train to Chalakudy I heard a person saying that in Potta they brainwash people and convert them to Christianity. For a moment, I thought I should turn back. But having come so far I decided to continue my journey.

The retreat was the most wonderful experience in my life. For the first time I realised there is a God who loves me, who died for me. I found the true God Jesus Christ - the one and only Saviour for all mankind.

The gifts I received from him were realised only later. When I went for the regular check-up, the doctors told me to stop all my medicines. I was completely cured. I experienced tremendous peace of mind. Later on I sent my brother to Divine. 

I am praying that my whole family will come to Lord Jesus and experience his loving touch. Please pray for my family. Now I take every opportunity to tell people to stop worshipping idols and performing meaningless rituals to gods who do not exist and embrace the only Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!

"How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God" (Ps 84:1-2).

Testimony as given by 

Rajashekar,
 

High Land Computer Systems,Sri Sadguru Prasanna Nilaya,
1st floor D No. 149/2, Old Post,
Office Road, Hassan - 573 201

Also Read:

Testimony of a Hindu Witch Doctor into Catholicism
http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2009/12/witch-doctor-experiences-jesus.html 

Testimony of Muslim Munira to Catholicism
http://christtotheworld.blogspot.com/2010/02/muslim-girl-encounters-jesus-and.html 
 

LEARN THE HOLY ROSARY SIGNS OF THE END OF TIMES

June 2, 1988 (Fête Dieu)

(I prayed now the third day, the whole Rosary, and of course the three prayers the Lord wishes us to pray.)

Lord?

I am; My Vassula, by persevering, ¹ the devil weakens; evil diminishes; learn the Holy Rosary, embellish My Church;

(The Lord means that the Orthodox and Protestants and other Churches who do not pray the Holy Rosary should learn it, thus enriching the Holy Church and banishing the devil, crushing him; heresy will diminish as well as apostasy in the Church which has infiltrated because of the unfaithfulness and disobedience.)

yes, Vassula, love will increase and evil will decrease; and for those who argue, saying that this was not said by Me, ² I will show you how meaningless their arguments are; their zeal is misguided and they do not seem to see My Righteousness; they are declaring only their own ideas; they would be ready to disown Me; ³⁴ "I have been found by those who did not seek Me and have revealed Myself to those who did not consult Me"; so I, the Lord, tell you: open your hearts, not your mind! surprised by the poor instrument I chose to manifest Myself, they will deny you as coming from Me; they have forgotten what Scripture says; Scripture says:

Vassula of My Sacred Heart, you have heard Me whisper in your ear, ⁵ I want to show you in Timothy I and II everything that has been predicted for the last days of your era; My creation has degenerated and has fallen lower than the Sodomites; Darkness came upon them as a deadly veil, sent by Satan; Satan has sent many false teachers, false prophets who appear today as philosophers, teaching dogmas which do not come from Me your Lord, and My children, blinded by their ignorance, fall into these traps set up by Satan; I wish that these parts of Timothy be read in public as a warning: 1 Timothy 4:1-16, and 6:20-21 and 2 Timothy 2:14-26; these prophecies were especially pronounced for your times; then in 2 Timothy 3:1-17 in this passage it foretells the state of your era, to be found now; for these are the last days before the end of Times;

solemnly, I request from you all to redouble your prayers for a 'come back'; My Sacred Heart is open for any soul who will repent and who wills to return to Me;

flower, seek always the Spirit of Truth and Discernment before you write with Me; Love loves you and will guide you; come, rest in My Sacred Heart; I will never forsake you; we, us?

Yes, Lord. Yes, Holy Mother.

1 Trying hard to please St. Mary and Jesus by praying the Holy Rosary, obeying Their will.

2 To learn the Rosary.

3 Declaring that these writings are not from God, because many things written by God in here do not suit them.

4 Is. 65:1.

5 Two nights ago Jesus whispered into my ear that I should read in the Holy Bible, 1 and 2 Timothy.

What does the Catholic Church say about TLIG Messages.

http://www.tlig.org/en/testimonies/churchpos/

 

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