Michael the Archangel 'one who is God.'

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For some reason, the understanding of Christ pre-incarnate is very controversial, as people get confused with the "Title" which refers to Jesus. Now, Jesus is NOT a created Angel. He is fully Man, fully God, the Messiah, the Christ, and Lord and Saviour. Jesus is Eternal. Jesus was never created. Jesus is Eternal as the Father and Holy Spirit are Eternal. Jesus has always been and always will be.

Jesus is the angel of the LORD, the angel of God, the Archangel Michael, who appeared time and again in the Old Testament to speak directly to His people, prior to the incarnation.

Michael is just another "Title" to refer to Jesus just as Lamb and Lion is. Michael is not a created Angel. Michael the Archangel is only a name or title, but it shows us that Christ has always been there with the Father implementing the plan of salvation.

I got some good insight from a few friends on this issue, first here is post from Amo...
'This belief did not originate with the SDA church. Nor are they the only ones who make this connection.

The earlier Protestant scholars usually identified Michael with the preincarnate Christ, finding support for their view, not only in the juxtaposition of the "child" and the archangel in #Re 12, but also in the attributes ascribed to him in Daniel (for a full discussion see Hengstenberg, Offenbarung, I, 611-22, and an interesting survey in English by Dr. Douglas in Fairbairn’s BD).
John A. Lees (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

ARCHANGEL

This world is only twice used in the Bible, #1Th 4:16 Jude 1:9. In this last passage it is applied to Michael, who, in #Da 10:13,21 12:1, is described as having a special charge of the Jewish nation, and in #Re 12:7-9 as the leader of an angelic army. So exalted are the position and offices ascribed to Michael, that many think the Messiah is meant. ( American Tract Society Bible Dictionary)

The Rabbinical traditions about Michael are very numerous. They oppose him constantly to Sammael, the accuser and enemy of Israel, as disputing for the soul of Moses; as bringing the ram the substitute for Isaac, which Sammael sought to keep back, etc., etc.: they give him the title of the "great high- priest in heaven," as well as that of the "great prince and conqueror;" and finally lay it down that "wherever Michael is said to have appeared, there the glory of the Shechinah is intended." It is clear that the sounder among them, in making such use of the name, intended to personify the Divine Power, and typify the Messiah (see Schoettgen, Hor. Hebr. i. 1079, 1119, ii. 8, 15, ed. Dresd. 1742).( Smiths Revised Bible Dictionary)'

and as to evidence of Michael the Prince creating the universe as Christ the Creator, here are some verses that make the connection....

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Dan 9:25 (KJV)

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: Dan 12:1 (KJV)

14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3:14-15 (KJV)

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31 (KJV)
 
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reddogs

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and from my friend GC at Maritime....
'The word "Michael" occurs but twice in the New Testament, once each in Jude and Revelation. Also, the word "archangel" occurs but twice in the entire Bible. However, the words "Michael" and "archangel" are clearly tied in Jude.

The word "archangel" is the word which throws people off most. The fact that "angel" is usually considered a created being is the tricky part. We forget the real meaning of "angel." The word means "messenger of God." Here is the full definition of "angel" from the Greek word, according to my Strong's Concordance:

angelos, n. angel, messenger; this can refer to a human messenger, such as John the Baptist, or messengers sent by John the Baptist or Jesus, or to the supernatural class of being that serves God: the angel:-- angel [96], angels [80], messenger [4], messengers [3], angel's [2]

Now I would ask two questions: 1) Was Jesus a human? and 2) Was Jesus a messenger, sent by God? My answers to both of these are in the affirmative. So, by this definition, one could even have used the term "angel" for Jesus. However, there is nothing in the definition of "angel" which implies that it must be a created being! (Here is where our traditional concepts can throw us off the track of truth.)

Now, apart from that little side-trip, I will not hereafter attempt to call Jesus an angel, for it is to be noted that the Bible does not try to confuse us by doing this. The Bible writers were careful to use the term for beings other than God Himself, unlike the term "son of man" which can be applied to Jesus, to Ezekiel, or to any number of men.

However, the term "archangel" is not the same Greek word as "angel." As previously noted, it is used but twice. The definition in the concordance is not helpful, saying that the word means "archangel" with no additional information. From that, I might safely conclude that the word is not fully understood. When I find that word in the dictionary, it says archangel means "an angel of the highest order," and that the prefix "arch-" means "chief" or "principal," which to me still leave questions.

It is said that "archangel" means "over all the angels." If you accept this, then the being that is "over" the angels may or may not be an angel himself--simply their superior.

Now, laying the definitions themselves aside, let's look at the identity of Michael. On this point, we can be very clear. There can be no mistake as to who Michael is.

Michael is mentioned in Daniel 10:13. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: bu, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes [marginal note: Or, the first], came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."

In Daniel 12:1, Michael is further identified: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people...and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."

So, Michael is "the great prince" who stands "for the children of thy people." Who is this prince? Just three chapters earlier, we read this: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks..."

So, here we have a clear reference to "THE Prince." We know who the Messiah is--that is Jesus. We also know that "prince" means the son of a king. I don't see how the angels (the created messengers of heaven) would be called by this term, do you? So to me, it is quite clear.

Now, if you accept that "archangel" means "over the angels," how many would fit this description? Certainly, Jesus would fit. But we also have God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Depending now on whether or not an angel could also fill this position, perhaps you would have Gabriel (or even other commanding angels). So depending on the definitions (is God "one" or "three"; does Gabriel count), each one may interpret the number of archangels differently.

In conclusion:

1. Messiah is "the Prince."
2. Archangel means "over the angels" or "commander of the angels."
3. Jesus is the Messiah.
4. Jesus, as God, is over the angels (archangel).
5. Jesus pre-existed His earthly existence (John 1:1-14).
6. Jesus did not create Himself (this would be impossible)!
7. Jesus created everything; He is the Creator (Col. 1:14-16).'
 
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reddogs

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So lets take a closer look, lets go see what scripture shows us in the phrase 'angel of the LORD' in the story of Moses and the burning bush

Exodus 3:2
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.


Now look at the following verses and who is identified as being in the bush?

Exo 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
Exo 3:6 Moreover he said,*I am* the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Notice that the 'angel of the LORD' is really none other than God Himself and we have more...

Acts 7:29-31
King James Version (KJV)
29Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him,

Then we have the following exchange...

Exodus 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

and who but Christ says this...

John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.

Jesus Christ had just identified Himself as the One who is the God of the Old Testament patriarchs, who was present in the burning bush speaking to Moses and the Jews knew exactly what Jesus meant as seen in what happens.

John 8:57-59
King James Version (KJV)
57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
 
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reddogs

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So we see that Jesus is the 'Angel of the Lord' and clearly is the great I AM, so now lets look at Michael the Archangel.

Now lets look in the verse in Jude.

(Jude 1:9) Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

In verse 8 Jude denounced false prophets who crept into the church, claiming to be messengers of Christ, which he tells us,“despise dominions.” That is to say, they despise the fact that God is God, despise and refuse to bow to Christ the Lord. It appears he is talking about the Gnostic sects who are sowing confusion even at this time about the diety of Christ.

Jude then goes on in verse 9 to show Christ pre-incarnate who as Michael shows up in the Bible in direct conflict with Satan.

But there is more...lets look at Zechariah 3.

(Zechariah 3:1-5) And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.(2) And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?(3) Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.(4) And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.(5) And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

Here, he stands before the Lord God conscious of his guilt and sin. Joshua is here said to be "standing before the Angel of the Lord"(v. 1). In verse 3 we read, "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Lord." In verse 5 Zechariah says, "and the Angel of the Lord stood by."

The Angel of the Lord standing by is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Now, he is not one of the angelic hosts that he created. He is called "the Angel of the Lord," because he is Jehovahs Messenger, the Angel of the covenant.

The One who is called, "the Angel of the Lord" in verse 1, is Jehovah himself. We know that because he is called, "the Lord" (Jehovah) in verse 2. This Man who is God, the Angel of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ, is our almighty Advocate and effectual Intercessor (Heb. 7:24-27; 1 John 2:1-2).

Notice that again he says the same words as Christ "And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan"

Joshua said nothing. Joshua did nothing. He stood in silence before the Angel of the Lord; and the Lord pleaded his cause, and he definitely shows the Angel as "one who is God".(Micah 7:8-9, 18-20).

In both Jude 9 and Zech 3:1-2 it is Jesus, the *angel of the LORD* who is also Michael the archangel, contending with Satan for both Moses and Joshua.

If you look carefully you see that Jude is quoting from Zechariah 3:2. "And the Lord said to Satan,'the Lord rebuke you".
Zechariah and Jude have both the Lord and Michael the archangel say the exact same thing, "the lord rebuke you".. This identifies both beings for us...
 
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reddogs

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Lets look at the relevant text in Daniel:

(Daniel 10:13-20)
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.
17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Now Daniel was told by the angel Gabriel that here the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Now I have to go back and fight the guardian angel of Persia. After that the guardian angel of Greece will appear. There is no one to help me except Michael, Israel's guardian angel. He is responsible for helping and defending me. Daniel 10:13,20; 11:1

Later Daniel refers to him as 'the great prince' Daniel 12:1 and as we see in Jude he is called 'the archangel' when he disputed with Satan over the body of Moses. It is the voice of the archangel, this title given to Michael, who is associated with the raising of the dead at the 2nd coming. "There will be the shout of command, the archangel's voice, the sound of God's trumpet, and the Lord himself will come down from heaven. Those who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

The relationship between the resurrection and Michael is reinforced in Daniel when, 'at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:' many of those who have already died will live again. Daniel 12:1,2

But scripture tells us that it is Christ's voice that will raise the dead. 'The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will come to life' the time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice and come out of their graves.

(John 5:25-29)
"25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

Again we see the connection as to who is Michael the Archangel 'One who is like God'

In Revelation 12, Michael is shown as the leader of the angels in the fight against Satan, and then later in Revelation 19, it says it is Jesus who leads the charge as 'The armies of heaven followed him.'

The work described in Revelation 12:7-9 is the work of Christ himself, and look at this...

(Revelation 20:1-3)
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

and compare who fights with the dragon...

(Revelation 12:7-9)
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Then as we in the Old Testament you can find where God is referred to as an angel. It was "the angel of the LORD" that helped Hagar in the desert, but yet she would say, "Have I really seen God and lived to tell about it?" Genesis 16:7,13

It was "the LORD's angel" who came to Gideon, but during the conversation it was "the LORD" who answered Gideon, and Gideon asked, "Give me some proof that you are really the LORD." Judges 6:11,16,17.

Finally, who led the Israelites through the desert? "My angel will go ahead of you and take you into the land of the Amorites" (Exodus 23:23) But yet Paul says that the One who led the Israelites through the desert was none other than Jesus! "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:4)

Now Scripture is clear, that there is only one God, who is, who was, and who is to come as we see in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Now, God does not allow worship to anyone but Him.

Exodus 34:14
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Twice in Revelation, John was forbidden to fall at the feet of the angel (Revelation 19:10)
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy..

and (Revelation 22: 8-9)
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

However, when Joshua met the angelic general (Joshua 5:3-15), he was not forbidden from performing this act of worship. Instead, just like the encounter of Moses with God at the burning bush, Joshua was told to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. This leader of the angels was God.

Jesus Christ is the preeminent Angel of the Lord, the Chief Messenger of God, and is called "the angel of his presence" (Isa. 63:9), and the "Angel of the covenant." (Mal. 3:1). But Jesus is not a created Angel, but the eternal "angel of his presence," who is himself our God.
 
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reddogs

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Now lets look at the Second Coming, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 it states that at the second coming the Lord shall descend with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel. If he shouts with a voice it must be his voice. The Lord is the Archangel. Furthermore, this voice raises the dead and only God can raise the dead.

Paul frequently refers to Jesus as `Lord' in 1 Corinthians in such a way as to identify him as, or equate him with, the Lord Jehovah of the Old Testament.... Paul says that Christians hope to be found `blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ '(1:8; see also 5:5), whereas the Old Testament spoke of that judgment day as the day of Jehovah (e.g., Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31).... Paul's language clearly refers to Jesus as if he were Jehovah.

Thus Jehovah shows Himself in the position as leader of the angelic host at the day of judgement, or second coming the Lord. It all comes together, Michael represents the pre-existent Jesus in angelic form, the Lord of the Host, before He came down, and as the One who gave Himself for salvation after sin came in, He also in scripture reveals Himself as the Messiah or Christ, as seen in the Second Coming...

Scripture clearly shows that Christ is God, the great I AM, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jehovah...but he also was the Angel of the Host, Michael the Arch Angel and there is no conflict here. This is his title when he threw out Satan and when he come to take the saints and put Satan away forever. Scripture, if you look closely, clearly reveals this and shows us who he is....
 
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With all due respect, I'd have to disagree with you, reddogs. While it's true that an archangel is a much stronger and higher being than your regular angel, he is still an angel. In the Bible, an angel is being referred to as the messenger of God, His creation. Though the term is used to refer to a carrier of God's messages, the term is also used to separate a specific race of spiritual entities from other creation and God. The Bible separates angels from God, thus Jesus cannot be an angel. Prior to his resurrection, Jesus had made a claim in the public that he is essentially God, an act which had caused anger amongst Jews. God is not something you can become of, as God told us that he forever existed, exists, and will continue to exist. I'd like to remind you of the fact that an angel is the messenger of the Lord. An angel is always seen carrying a message from God to a specific chosen individual. I believe that an archangel, despite his power and high status, is still a messenger of the Lord. What I mean by that is that an archangel could do much more than an angel as the messenger of God. While an angel could only hear and send a message from God, an archangel could allow an individual to speak with God in a direct manner. In other words, a regular angel is God's e-mail/Mailman, where as an archangel is His phone/webcam. When a person speaks/performs an act through his phone/webcam, does that mean he's speaking/performing to his owned device itself? The answer would be "no." Each time an archangel allows a direct communication between God and men, men's worship for God is transferred to God through His phone/webcam. An archangel, therefore, cannot refer to former/current position of Jesus.
 
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reddogs

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With all due respect, I'd have to disagree with you, reddogs. While it's true that an archangel is a much stronger and higher being than your regular angel, he is still an angel. In the Bible, an angel is being referred to as the messenger of God, His creation. Though the term is used to refer to a carrier of God's messages, the term is also used to separate a specific race of spiritual entities from other creation and God. The Bible separates angels from God, thus Jesus cannot be an angel. Prior to his resurrection, Jesus had made a claim in the public that he is essentially God, an act which had caused anger amongst Jews. God is not something you can become of, as God told us that he forever existed, exists, and will continue to exist. I'd like to remind you of the fact that an angel is the messenger of the Lord. An angel is always seen carrying a message from God to a specific chosen individual. I believe that an archangel, despite his power and high status, is still a messenger of the Lord. What I mean by that is that an archangel could do much more than an angel as the messenger of God. While an angel could only hear and send a message from God, an archangel could allow an individual to speak with God in a direct manner. In other words, a regular angel is God's e-mail/Mailman, where as an archangel is His phone/webcam. When a person speaks/performs an act through his phone/webcam, does that mean he's speaking/performing to his owned device itself? The answer would be "no." Each time an archangel allows a direct communication between God and men, men's worship for God is transferred to God through His phone/webcam. An archangel, therefore, cannot refer to former/current position of Jesus.
Thank you for your response. I would normally say yes a archangel is just another angel with responsibilities above the other angels, but in this case after studying it, what the scripture teaches is clear, Micheal is Christ before he became flesh.

God Bless my brother, and continue following after Gods truth..:)
 
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JohnMarsten

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Thank you for your response. I would normally say yes a archangel is just another angel with responsibilities above the other angels, but in this case after studying it, what the scripture teaches is clear, Micheal is Christ before he became flesh.

God Bless my brother, and continue following after Gods truth..:)

could you provide a text for 'before he became flesh', I dont wanna read that whole thread...
 
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Pythons

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and from my friend GC at Maritime....
The word "archangel" is the word which throws people off most. The fact that "angel" is usually considered a created being is the tricky part. We forget the real meaning of "angel." The word means "messenger of God." Here is the full definition of "angel" from the Greek word, according to my Strong's Concordance:

angelos, n. angel, messenger; this can refer to a human messenger, such as John the Baptist, or messengers sent by John the Baptist or Jesus, or to the supernatural class of being that serves God: the angel:-- angel [96], angels [80], messenger [4], messengers [3], angel's [2]

Now I would ask two questions: 1) Was Jesus a human? and 2) Was Jesus a messenger, sent by God? My answers to both of these are in the affirmative. So, by this definition, one could even have used the term "angel" for Jesus. However, there is nothing in the definition of "angel" which implies that it must be a created being! (Here is where our traditional concepts can throw us off the track of truth.)

Now, apart from that little side-trip, I will not hereafter attempt to call Jesus an angel, for it is to be noted that the Bible does not try to confuse us by doing this. The Bible writers were careful to use the term for beings other than God Himself, unlike the term "son of man" which can be applied to Jesus, to Ezekiel, or to any number of men.

However, the term "archangel" is not the same Greek word as "angel." As previously noted, it is used but twice. The definition in the concordance is not helpful, saying that the word means "archangel" with no additional information. From that, I might safely conclude that the word is not fully understood. When I find that word in the dictionary, it says archangel means "an angel of the highest order," and that the prefix "arch-" means "chief" or "principal," which to me still leave questions.

It is said that "archangel" means "over all the angels." If you accept this, then the being that is "over" the angels may or may not be an angel himself--simply their superior.

Now, laying the definitions themselves aside, let's look at the identity of Michael. On this point, we can be very clear. There can be no mistake as to who Michael is.

Michael is mentioned in Daniel 10:13. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: bu, lo, Michael, one OF the chief princes [marginal note: Or, the first], came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."

In Daniel 12:1, Michael is further identified: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people...and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."

So, Michael is "the great prince" who stands "for the children of thy people." Who is this prince? Just three chapters earlier, we read this: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks..."

So, here we have a clear reference to "THE Prince." We know who the Messiah is--that is Jesus. We also know that "prince" means the son of a king. I don't see how the angels (the created messengers of heaven) would be called by this term, do you? So to me, it is quite clear.

Now, if you accept that "archangel" means "over the angels," how many would fit this description? Certainly, Jesus would fit. But we also have God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Depending now on whether or not an angel could also fill this position, perhaps you would have Gabriel (or even other commanding angels). So depending on the definitions (is God "one" or "three"; does Gabriel count), each one may interpret the number of archangels differently.

In conclusion:

1. Messiah is "the Prince."
2. Archangel means "over the angels" or "commander of the angels."
3. Jesus is the Messiah.
4. Jesus, as God, is over the angels (archangel).
5. Jesus pre-existed His earthly existence (John 1:1-14).
6. Jesus did not create Himself (this would be impossible)!
7. Jesus created everything; He is the Creator (Col. 1:14-16).'


It would appear that according to Ellen White there was many "archangels".

Ellen White said:
Listen to their voices as they sing loud hosannas and as they wave the palm branches of victory. Rich music fills heaven as their voices sing forth these words: "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain and rose again forevermore. Salvation unto our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." And the angelic host, angels and archangels, covering cherub and glorious seraph, echo back the refrain of that joyous, triumphant song saying, "Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever



[B said:
Ellen White, Letter to A.T. Jones, 1892][/B]
We claim to be Christians under the control, not of our own feelings, but of the Spirit of God, devoted to the service of Christ, who has chosen us to be under the dictation of His Holy Spirit. He has offered to His Father a most wonderful prayer, that His disciples may be as He was, one with the Father. Now it is the duty of every one who believes in Christ as their personal Saviour, to answer that prayer. Angels and archangels are looking upon God's chosen ones with the most earnest interest to see what influence the truth is having upon mind and character, to see how much they appreciate the One who was crucified for them, that they might have eternal life. If the plainest injunctions and His commandments are lightly regarded, and the prayer of Christ just prior to His offering the great sacrifice, has been strangely neglected, what does it mean? We are truly a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men


[B said:
Ellen White, sketches of the life of paul[/B]
This man of faith beholds the ladder presented in Jacob's vision,--the ladder which rested upon the earth and reached to the highest heavens, and upon which angels of God were ascending and descending. He knows that this ladder represents Christ, who has connected earth with Heaven, and finite man with the infinite God. He hears angels and archangels magnifying that glorious name.


Cherubims and seraphims said:
archangels[/COLOR], are watching the battle that is going on in this life. Between whom? The Prince of life and the power of darkness. And what does God do? He shows us how we must do, how we must conduct the battle. He left the royal courts, laid aside His royal robe, and clothed His humanity with divinity. He became a man among the sons of men, and here He walked the world as what? A representative of the love of God, an example that we may study, a character that we may imitate every phase of, that we may see that He did not live to glorify Himself, but He lived to point to God. He came to live the law of God, because Satan was bringing his power to bear upon men, and his lying fallacies were all the time pressing upon them. {1SAT 241.1}

?
 
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reddogs

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And your point here is?

I thought this is a subforum for "New Adventist Bible Study?"

Did you get lost? ;)
True Pythons, this is not a area you can post in, just SDA members, unless you have seen the truth and want to convert....:wave:
 
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stinsonmarri

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Well I am a SDA member and with do respect we just seen to overlook why Yashua was an Archangel? Let's be clear and put our thinking hats on first. It's the Heavenly Trio who made beings of all typse that had the most important power of all which is choice than they would had to be tested. In order for the angelic host to be used in the assistance of creating the universe they must stand true and show loyalty. I wonder why we all think that creation was only about us? Gen 1:16; 2:1-3; Job 1:6; 2: 1; 38:7; Heb 1:1-7 all indicate that these beings call angels needed to be tested.

EGW gave us the key but we did not plug in the whole story. Yashua became an angel first as He became a man because of sin. Lucifer and the angels did not know who He was as man did know Him as a fleshy being-us. He started in a lowly place but moved up in rank by none other than Lucifer himself. He was voted in as a Prince of the top cherub who are the highest ranking angels. The problem came when Lucifer felt that he should move up to the next level equal with Elohim. He did not know neither did the other angels that Michael was Elohim as well.

The time came when the Father revealed that Michael was His Son and they had tested the loyalty of the angels. This did not go over well with Lucifer, he conceal it for a while. He soon began to allow his dissapointment to spread to the angels and he also begin to be defiant. Lucifer would delibertly do things that were not required of him that was Michael's job. He also lacked in his job until it was obvious he was rebelling and sin was found in him.

EGW made it very clear that after he was dispelled now where was he and these evil angels? She makes it clear that he was kicked out, he met with Michael to regain his position. He could not return so he was bent to make life as miserable for Elohim. Lucifer now Satan made the ultimate choice and that is to take man who had not been created. The angels were shocked why because man had not been around like the others unfallen beings to understand in depth what Lucifer was like before and after.

Returning to Michael the Prince of princes as He stood and stand as the Commander of the Heavenly host. He is Elohim, Achangel, and man all wrap together as One! No one can ever claim that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is not just, honest and fair to all beings of the universe!!!!

Happy Sabbath
stinsonmari
 
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Castaway57

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Well I am a SDA member and with do respect we just seen to overlook why Yashua was an Archangel? Let's be clear and put our thinking hats on first. It's the Heavenly Trio who made beings of all typse that had the most important power of all which is choice than they would had to be tested. In order for the angelic host to be used in the assistance of creating the universe they must stand true and show loyalty. I wonder why we all think that creation was only about us? Gen 1:16; 2:1-3; Job 1:6; 2: 1; 38:7; Heb 1:1-7 all indicate that these beings call angels needed to be tested.

EGW gave us the key but we did not plug in the whole story. Yashua became an angel first as He became a man because of sin. Lucifer and the angels did not know who He was as man did know Him as a fleshy being-us. He started in a lowly place but moved up in rank by none other than Lucifer himself. He was voted in as a Prince of the top cherub who are the highest ranking angels. The problem came when Lucifer felt that he should move up to the next level equal with Elohim. He did not know neither did the other angels that Michael was Elohim as well.

The time came when the Father revealed that Michael was His Son and they had tested the loyalty of the angels. This did not go over well with Lucifer, he conceal it for a while. He soon began to allow his dissapointment to spread to the angels and he also begin to be defiant. Lucifer would delibertly do things that were not required of him that was Michael's job. He also lacked in his job until it was obvious he was rebelling and sin was found in him.

EGW made it very clear that after he was dispelled now where was he and these evil angels? She makes it clear that he was kicked out, he met with Michael to regain his position. He could not return so he was bent to make life as miserable for Elohim. Lucifer now Satan made the ultimate choice and that is to take man who had not been created. The angels were shocked why because man had not been around like the others unfallen beings to understand in depth what Lucifer was like before and after.

Returning to Michael the Prince of princes as He stood and stand as the Commander of the Heavenly host. He is Elohim, Achangel, and man all wrap together as One! No one can ever claim that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is not just, honest and fair to all beings of the universe!!!!

Happy Sabbath
stinsonmari

I am sorry but you are incorrectly representing official Adventist teachings. You are totally off base in almost your entire post. Please supply proper references for your allegations here.
 
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stinsonmarri

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I am sorry but you are incorrectly representing official Adventist teachings. You are totally off base in almost your entire post. Please supply proper references for your allegations here.


I am sorry that you feel this way. However, I accept EGW writing which are not above the Bible. What I have done is piece together what she mistakenly placed after Creation about the fall of Satan. If you read carefully what was revealed to her it all should come together before the earth was made. She speaks clearly that the earth was designed before Satan fail and she also speaks of seeing other worlds. Finally as she grew older and wiser she said search the Scriptures for ourselves. That is what I have done over the years. I will take a stand that I am a SDA by faith and not by a domination that provide doctrines or tradition that I must adhere too. I accept the pioneers and the message from Elohim to be true, but I must and will search the Scripture for myself. I will share with others what I have learn and understood by the Word of Elohim, but only the Holy Spirit can bring us to accept what is true!

Satan in Heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to Elohim’s dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. . .

He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Satan was envious of Michael, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Michael alone. . .

The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that He might in the presence of all the angels confer special honor upon His Son. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that it was ordained by Himself that Michael, his Son, should be equal with himself; so that wherever was the presence of his Son, it was as his own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son he had invested with authority to command the heavenly host. Especially was his Son to work in union with himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out his will and his purposes, but would do nothing of himself alone. The Father’s will would be fulfilled in him. . .

Satan was envious and jealous of Michael. . .

Concealing his real purposes, he assembled the angelic host. He introduced his subject, which was himself. As one aggrieved, he related the preference Elohim had given Michael to the neglect of himself. He told them that henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end. For had not a ruler been appointed over them, to whom they from henceforth must yield servile honor? He stated to them that he had called them together to assure them that he no longer would submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs; that never would he again bow down to Michael; that he would take the honor upon himself which should have been conferred upon him, and would be the commander of all who would submit to follow him and obey his voice. . .

It was the highest crime to rebel against the government of Elohim. All Heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies, each division with a higher commanding angel at their head. Satan was warring against the law of Elohim, because ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Elohim s’ Son, Heaven’s great commander.


All the heavenly host were summoned to appear before the Father, to have each case determined. Satan unblushingly made known his dissatisfaction that Michael should be preferred before him. He stood up proudly and urged that he should be equal with Elohim, and should be taken into conference with the Father and understand His purposes. Elohim informed Satan that to His Son alone He would reveal his secret purposes, and he required all the family in Heaven, even Satan, to yield Him implicit, unquestioned obedience; but that he (Satan) had proved himself unworthy a place in Heaven. Then Satan exultingly pointed to his sympathizers, comprising nearly one half of all the angels, and exclaimed, 'These are with me! Will you expel these also, and make such a void in Heaven?' He then declared that he was prepared to resist the authority of Michael, and to defend his place in Heaven by force of might, strength against strength. . . .

Then there was war in Heaven. The Son of Elohim, the Prince of Heaven, and his loyal angels, engaged in conflict with the arch rebel and those who united with him. The Son of Elohim and true, loyal angels prevailed; and Satan and his sympathizers were expelled from Heaven. All the Heavenly host acknowledged and adored the Elohim of justice. Not a taint of rebellion was left in Heaven. All was again peaceful and harmonious as before. . .

He repented not of his rebellion because he saw the goodness of Elohim which he had abused. It was not possible that his love for Elohim had so increased since his fall that it would lead to cheerful submission and happy obedience to his law which had been despised. The wretchedness he realized in losing the sweet light of Heaven, and the sense of guilt which forced itself upon him, and the disappointment he experienced himself in not finding his expectations realized, were the cause of his grief. To be commander out of Heaven was vastly different from being thus honored in Heaven. The loss he had sustained of all the privileges of Heaven seemed too much to be borne. He wished to regain these. . .

His followers were seeking him; and he aroused himself and, assuming a look of defiance, informed them of his plans to wrest from Elohim the noble Adam and his companion Eve. If he could, in any way, beguile them to disobedience, Elohim would make some provision whereby they might be pardoned, and then himself and all the fallen angels would be in a fair way to share with them of Elohim’s mercy. If this should fail, they could unite with Adam and Eve; for when once they should transgress the law of Elohim, they would be subjects of Elohim’s wrath, like themselves. Their transgression would place them also, in a state of rebellion; and they could unite with Adam and Eve, take possession of Eden, and hold it as their home. And if they could gain access to the tree of life in the midst of the garden, their strength would, they thought, be equal to that of the holy angels, and even Elohim himself could not expel them. 1 SP 17, 18, 21, 22, 30

There was contention among the angels. Lucifer and his sympathizers were striving to reform the government of Elohim. They were discontented and unhappy because they could not look into His unsearchable wisdom and ascertain His purposes in exalting His Son, and endowing Him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son. . . .

Then there was war in heaven. The Son of Elohim, the Prince of Heaven, and His loyal angels engaged in conflict with the archrebel and those who united with him. The Son of Elohim and true, loyal angels prevailed; and Satan and his sympathizers were expelled from heaven. All the heavenly host acknowledged and adored the Elohim of justice. Not a taint of rebellion was left in heaven. All was again peaceful and harmonious as before. Angels in heaven mourned the fate of those who had been their companions in happiness and bliss. Their loss was felt in heaven. . .

The Father consulted His Son in regard to at once carrying out their purpose to make man to inhabit the earth. He would place man upon probation to test his loyalty before he could be rendered eternally secure. . .

After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose, which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in their own image.

Satan stood in amazement at his new condition. His happiness was gone. He looked upon the angels who, with him, were once so happy, but who had been expelled from heaven with him. Before their fall not a shade of discontent had marred their perfect bliss. Now all seemed changed. . .

He called him and entreated an interview with Michael. This was granted him. He then related to the Son of Elohim that he repented of his rebellion and wished again the favor of Elohim. He was willing to take the place Elohim had previously assigned him, and be under His wise command. Michael wept at Satan’s woe but told him, as the mind of Elohim, that he could never be received into heaven. SR 1, 15, 19, 20, 24, 26

Blessings but I will continue on part 2,
stinsonmarri
 
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stinsonmarri

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This is part two I hope that all will read and study the word of Elohim for yourselves and not based on what any denomination claim. Hold fast to things that are true but we should be able to prove all things and be willing to search the Scriptures through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Before sitting in judgment of anyone check to see what they are saying are so with prayer.

Yashua has given me a view of other worlds. . . The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. They bore the express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy joy, expressive of the freedom and happiness of the place. I asked one of them why they were so much more lovely than those on the earth. The reply was, 'We have lived in strict obedience to the commandments of Elohim, and have not fallen by disobedience, like those on the earth.' Then I saw two trees, one looked much like the tree of life in the city. The fruit of both looked beautiful, but of one they could not eat. They had power to eat of both, but were forbidden to eat of one. Then my attending angel said to me, 'None in this place have tasted of the forbidden tree; but if they should eat, they would fall.' Then I was taken to a world which had seven moons.

. . . I begged of my attending angel to let me remain in that place. I could not bear the thought of coming back to this dark world again. Then the angel said, 'You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of Elohim.' EW 39

How shall we search the Scriptures in order to understand what they teach? We should come to the investigation of Elohim’s word with a contrite heart, a teachable and prayerful spirit. We are not to think, as did the Jews, that our own ideas and opinions are infallible; nor with the papists, that certain individuals are the sole guardians of truth and knowledge, that men have no right to search the Scriptures for themselves, but must accept the explanations given by the fathers of the church. We should not study the Bible for the purpose of sustaining our preconceived opinions, but with the single object of learning what Elohim has said.

Some have feared that if in even a single point they acknowledge themselves in error, other minds would be led to doubt the whole theory of truth. Therefore they have felt that investigation should not be permitted, that it would tend to dissension and disunion. But if such is to be the result of investigation, the sooner it comes the better. If there are those whose faith in Elohim’s word will not stand the test of an investigation of the Scriptures, the sooner they are revealed the better; for then the way will be opened to show them their error. We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea once advocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished. There is but One who is infallible--He who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Those who allow prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true--in harmony with Elohim’s word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it. So thoroughly satisfied are they with their own ideas that they will not examine the Scripture evidence with a desire to learn, but refuse to be interested, merely because of their prejudices.

Yashua often works where we least expect Him; He surprises us by revealing His power through instruments of His own choice, while He passes by the men to whom we have looked as those through whom light should come. Elohim desires us to receive the truth upon its own merits--because it is truth.

The Bible must not be interpreted to suit the ideas of men, however long they may have held these ideas to be true. We are not to accept the opinion of commentators as the voice of Elohim; they were erring mortals like ourselves. Elohim has given reasoning powers to us as well as to them. We should make the Bible its own expositor. TM 105, 106

Rev 12: 4:

ge

Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): - country, earth (-ly), ground, land, world.

King James scribes chose earth because they did not understand or fathom the fall of Satan was before this earth was created.

I saw that Elohim had especially guarded the Bible; yet when copies of it were few, learned men had in some instances changed the words, thinking that they were making it more plain, when in reality they were mystifying that which was plain, by causing it to lean to their established views, which were governed by tradition. But I saw that the Word of Elohim , as a whole, is a perfect chain, one portion linking into and explaining another. True seekers for truth need not err; for not only is the Word of Elohim plain and simple in declaring the way of life, but the Holy Spirit is given as a guide in understanding the way to life therein revealed. EW 220


Blessings,
stinsonmarri
 
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Castaway57

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I am sorry that you feel this way. However, I accept EGW writing which are not above the Bible. What I have done is piece together what she mistakenly placed after Creation about the fall of Satan. If you read carefully what was revealed to her it all should come together before the earth was made. She speaks clearly that the earth was designed before Satan fail and she also speaks of seeing other worlds. Finally as she grew older and wiser she said search the Scriptures for ourselves. That is what I have done over the years. I will take a stand that I am a SDA by faith and not by a domination that provide doctrines or tradition that I must adhere too. I accept the pioneers and the message from Elohim to be true, but I must and will search the Scripture for myself. I will share with others what I have learn and understood by the Word of Elohim, but only the Holy Spirit can bring us to accept what is true!

Satan in Heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to Elohim’s dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. . .*He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Satan was envious of Michael, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Michael alone. . .*

Now I know that I am on the right track with what you are saying here. You have provided a lot of evidence that you do not infact correctly represent official Seventh-day Adventist teachings at all. In fact, you show here that you have deliberately made many subtle changes to your "quotes" from the book "The Story Of Redemption." (SR)

In these first two quotes from page 1 of SR, the subtle changes you made; including use of ellipses will show best by comparing to the verbatim quote from the book:

1: The Fall of Lucifer
Lucifer in heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God's dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in his countenance and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels; yet Christ, God's dear Son, had the pre-eminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Lucifer was envious of Christ, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Christ alone. {SR 13.1}

Your use of ellipses is an attempt to give the impression that Mrs White was saying that Lucifer (not Satan) was "one with the Father;" but this statement, which I have underlined in red is talking about Jesus, for we also know that Lucifer was a created being; while Jesus was not.

Please do not tell people or insinuate that you are correctly representing Adventists beliefs here. If you want to critique them; that is certainly OK, but don't call your critiquing "Adventist;" for it is far from it.

Is there a reason you do not, in your profile, openly say what church you belong to; and yet, act like you are Adventist while you post here?
 
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