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Question: Discuss the Origin, Nature.

Origin: Angels are created beings. Only deity possesses the
intrinsic quality of eternality. Psa. 148:2,5; Neh. 9:6.

Nature: They possess the nature of neither deity nor humanity.
Scripture does affirm that they are "spirits" (Heb. 1:14). A spirit
is not physical, i.e., it does not possess flesh and bones (Luke
24:39). Angels thus do not engage in physical relationships, such
as marriage (Mt. 22:30.
     Accountable to God, for some sinned (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6), and
sin is defined as transgression of divine law (1 John 3:4). When
angels sin, the Gospel plan of redemption is not applicable to
them: "For verily not to angels does he give help, but he gives
help to the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16, ASV).



Related question: "As a child we're taught about guardian angels.
Are there really guardian angels? Where is it in the Bible? 

1. As to the idea that each person has a guardian angel who remains
with him for life, protecting him from harm and helping him in
various ways, there is no Scriptural support or basis.

2. The Bible does have much to say about the function of angels.
     a. Lk.15:10: "There is joy in the presence of the angels over
one sinner who repents."
     b. Lk. 16:22: At death, Lazarus was carried by the angels into
Abraham's bosom.
     c. Speaking of angels, Heb. 1:14 says, "Are they not all
ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them
that shall inherit salvation?

3. As stated last week, Matt. 18:10 is sometimes considered as
supportive of the idea of personal guardian angels. "See that ye
despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in
heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is
in heaven." 
     a. See context. Note first that the "little ones" of. v.10 are
the same as those of v.3. Not speaking of infants, toddlers, young
children, but people of an age of accountability, who are humble,
and teachable (as He wanted the apostles who asked the question of
v.1 to be).
          1) Jesus has discussed requirements for His kingdom. Its
members will be poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3), humble (Matt. 18:3-4),
and will be admitted to it without these traits. If his disciples
become like that, they will belong to the "little children"; if
they look down on them, they will share in the woes (vv.8-9).
          2) See also 1 John 2:12: "I write unto you, my little
children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." 
3 John 4. "Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my
children walking in the truth."

     b. Reverts to v. 5. "Don't despise one" as one would tend to
do if he esteemed self as "greatest in the kingdom."
     c. In ways not revealed in detail, God uses his angels to care
for His children (as per Heb.1:14). The idea of guardian angels,
one being assigned to each one is not supported by the text. 
     d. The point is, that such (people, the "little ones") are
important to God; you had better take care that you not despise
them, or cause them to stumble (see v. 6,7).

4. Acts 12:15: "It is his (Peter's) angel" does not state a
Scriptural doctrine but only the superstitious ideas of those who
were alarmed by Rhoda's report (Lenski, Matt.692).





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