Guardian Angels in The Bible: Do They Intercede on Our Behalf?
Guardian Angels in the Bible. Are they present in our lives today, and do they intercede on our behalf?
Guardian Angels. Are they real or products of our imaginations? Have you seen a guardian angel? What did it look like?
Did it look like wispy clouds with outstretched wings?
Did the angel come in the form of a kind neighbor or
a stranger who stops to fix your flat tire in the rain?
Most people I know believe in guardian angels, and nearly all have a story about them. I am one of them, especially in recent months. But does that make them real? First, let's see what the scriptures say about angels.
What Does the Bible Say About Guardian Angels?
The Bible is far from silent on the topic of guardian angels. Some critics get picky and say that "guardian" is not mentioned, only angels. However, they are linked together in the notes attached to specific Bible verses. I'll mention those when we talk about the verse in question. Besides, when we look at the form and function of angels, we clearly see God's intent for making them, guardians.
I counted 18 New American Standard Bible verses that talk about angels. I've only included the scriptures that directly addressed our question, "Are Guardian Angels Present in Our Lives, and Do They Intercede on Our Behalf?" Let's take a look at them.
"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14
This verse speaks directly to the presence of angels in the lives of believers today. God calls them "ministering spirits," spirit beings who serve rather than rule over us.
In Believer's Bible Commentary, William MacDonald makes a few interesting comments,
Angels minister to those who are not yet converted;
Angels minister to believers who are still on earth;
There are "Guardian Angels" for believers, just as there are evil spirits who wage war against those who are called to salvation.
Angels are always inferior to Jesus. We do not worship angels. We worship God.
MacDonald's last two points are worth looking at further. First, suppose we acknowledge God provides guardian angels for our good and allows evil spirits to test us. But, then, how can we discern the difference between good and evil? After all, sometimes bad looks really good.
This is where the supremacy of God comes in. Remember, we have the Holy Spirit within us always. And scripture reassures us,
"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as His anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in Him." 1 John 2:26-27
Therefore, asking the Holy Spirit for discernment will lead you to the correct conclusion about angels or demons. I believe guardian angels are the Holy Spirit's way of confirming our belief that God is with us. Angels provide tangible proof that God will intervene in the lives of His people.
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of the Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10
This reference to angels is associated with the parable of the wandering sheep. If we assume that MacDonald is correct and that angels minister to believers at all stages of spiritual maturity, it makes sense that God would
seek after the one lost sheep among the 100,
Be protective of those who are new to the faith. After all, He is the Good Shepherd.
We talked earlier about critics who say the Bible doesn't mention "guardian angels." However, in the note to Matthew 18:10, the NIV Study Bible explains "their angels." "Guardian angels are not exclusively for children but for God's people in general."
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12
This one is particularly relevant to one of my own stories. As I drove across town one morning, a car ran a stop sign. Based on the vehicle's speed and proximity, it was sure to impact my driver's side door at about 50 mph. I braced for impact. It never happened. It was as if my car was lifted up the moment before the crash or the other vehicle somehow evaporated. It was incredible and, in my mind, the hand of God's guardian angel(s). Who knows, perhaps there was more than one.
We can also see guardian angels as force multipliers. I wrote about "How One Person Can Be a Force Multiplier" yesterday.
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2
Here we see a Biblical reminder that angels are among us. It could be that friendly neighbor, the stranger who changes your tire, or the homeless person you gave a bottle of water. Even Jesus hid His identity from the disciples while walking to Emmaus after His resurrection.
"And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heaven to the other." Matthew 24:31
We have the assurance that God is with us today and until the end. He will use His angels to gather us up at the last trumpet.
Conclusion
Based on our review of the scriptures, we are assured that guardian angels are present in our lives today. They intercede on our behalf because they are God's messengers. They come to us in many forms, perhaps even online. However, we should never forget that angels are subordinate to Jesus. Therefore, the angels in heaven and believers on earth give all honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
