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).