"Kneeling Angel", c 1470-1480, by the Workshop of Giovanni Antonio Amadeo.
This post is part of my year long study of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. To facilitate this course of study, I am following along with Princeton Theological Seminary's "A Year with the Institutes", which also includes an audio reading of the text.
Calvin's Institutes of Religion: 1.14.3-12
In discussion of the creation, Calvin wants us to understand that angels are also created beings, and desires that we have a proper understanding as such: "The preeminence of the angelic nature has so overwhelmed the minds of
many that they think the angels wronged if, subjected to the authority
of the one God, they are, as it were, forced into their own rank. For
this reason, divinity was falsely attributed to them."
As Calvin begins to explore the subject of angels, he delivers some sage advice:
"...let us here remember that on the whole subject of religion one rule of
modesty and soberness is to be observed, and it is this, in obscure
matters not to speak or think, or even long to know, more than the Word
of God has delivered. A second rule is, that in reading the Scriptures
we should constantly direct our inquiries and meditations to those
things which tend to edification, not indulge in curiosity, or in
studying things of no use."
Improper understandings of angels has plagued mankind throughout the ages. The Bible clearly speaks of their existence, however, many dreaming minds take this matter beyond propriety.
Let's explore what Calvin would glean from God's word on the existence of angels...
Point #1 - We know nothing regarding the ranking of angels:
"Wherefore, if we would be duly wise, we must renounce those vain
babblings of idle men, concerning the nature, ranks, and number of
angels, without any authority from the Word of God. I know that many
fasten on these topics more eagerly, and take greater pleasure in them
than in those relating to
daily practice. But if we decline not to be the disciples of Christ,
let us not decline to follow the method which he has prescribed. In
this way, being contented with him for our master, we will not only
refrain from, but even feel averse to, superfluous speculations which
he discourages."
Point #2 - Angels are created heavenly spirits (beings) used of God to further his will:
"In Scripture, then, we uniformly read that angels are heavenly spirits,
whose obedience and ministry God employs to execute all the purposes
which he has decreed, and hence their name as being a kind of
intermediate messengers to manifest his will to men."
Calvin points out that the Scriptures identify the angels with many various names: Hosts, Virtues, Principalities, Powers, Dominions, Thrones, and in some cases "Gods" because of the reflection of Deity present in them. To confuse things even more, "wherein it is stated that the angel of the Lord appeared to Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, Christ was that angel."
Point #3 - Calvin defines scriptures declared role of angels:
"But the point on which the Scriptures specially insist is that which
tends most to our comfort, and to the confirmation of our faith,
namely, that angels are the ministers and dispensers of the divine
bounty towards us. Accordingly, we are told how they watch for our
safety, how they undertake our defense, direct our path, and take heed
that no evil befall us."
Point #4 - Guardian Angels?
"Whether or not each believer has a single angel assigned to him for his defense, I dare not positively affirm. When Daniel introduces the angel
of the Persian and the angel of the Greeks, he undoubtedly intimates
that certain angels are appointed as a kind of presidents over kingdoms
and province. Again, when Christ says that the angels of children always behold the
face of his Father, he insinuates that there are certain angels to whom
their safety has been entrusted. But I know not if it can be inferred
from this, that each believer has his own angel. This, indeed, I hold
for certain, that each of us is cared for, not by one angel merely, but
that all with one consent watch for our safety."
Point #5 - Angels not superior to Christ:
"Hence he so anxiously urges in his Epistle to the Colossians,
that Christ is not only superior to all angels, but that all the
endowments which they possess are derived from him; thus warning us
against forsaking him, by
turning to those who are not sufficient for themselves, but must draw
with us at a common fountain. As the refulgence of the Divine glory is
manifested in them, there is nothing to which we are more prone than to
prostrate ourselves before them in stupid adoration, and then ascribe
to them the blessings which we owe to God alone."
Point #6 - God doesn't need Angels to perform his work:
"This danger we will happily avoid, if we consider why it is that Gods
instead of acting directly without their agency, is wont to employ it
in manifesting his power, providing for the safety of his people, and
imparting the gifts of his beneficence. This he certainly does not from
necessity, as if he were unable to dispense with them. Whenever he
pleases, he passes them by, and performs his own work by a single nod:
so far are they from relieving him of any
difficulty. Therefore, when he employs them it is as a help to our
weakness, that nothing may be wanting to elevate our hopes or
strengthen our confidence. It ought, indeed, to be sufficient for us
that the Lord declares himself to be our protector."
Point #7 - Angels are God's hands and will always point us to himself:
"How preposterous, therefore, is it to allow ourselves to be led away
from God by angels who have been appointed for the very purpose of
assuring us of his more immediate presence to help us? But we are so
led away, if angels do not conduct us directly to him—making us look to
him, invoke and celebrate him as our only defender—if they are not
regarded merely as hands moving to our assistance just as he directs—if
they do not direct us to Christ as the only Mediator on whom we must
wholly depend and recline, looking towards him, and resting in him."
David Porter's Point #8 - Angels tend to make people wet their pants:
It is not uncommon for an angels first words to be, "Fear Not". This is because their presence typically has people shuddering in fear. I suspect they are not the cuddly little beings intimated on Hallmark cards.
Well, that's it for Angels. Next up, in Calvin's treatise, are the fallen angels (demons).
Have you ever seen an angel?
