CLASSIFICATIONS OF ANGELS:
1. General Rank
Ephesians 6:12 describes the ranks of fallen angels as
"principalities, powers and rulers (highest rank)." All have
authority to exert force in this world as "spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places." An example in the Old Testament is the "prince
of Persia" (Daniel 10:13) who was resisting Michael and the unnamed
heavenly messenger. A New Testament mention of this ongoing spiritual warfare
is Revelation 12:7 -- the "war in heaven." Earlier, we know that
Michael even contended with Satan over Moses' body (Jude 9) but left judgment
properly to the Lord.
2. Archangel
The only archangel mentioned specifically as such is Michael,
"the great prince" of Daniel 12:1. His very name means "Who
is like God?" Four biblical mentions of Gabriel (twice each in Daniel
and Luke) have him performing as God's "special messenger" for
the messianic program to Israel.
Jude 14 quotes from the pseudepigraphical Book of Enoch
which categorizes the ranks of the "counter kingdom" of Satan
and even names the fallen angels. How to interpret? This gives a clue as
to Holy Spirit-inspired canon versus certain extra-biblical references
- if our merciful Lord wanted us to know for certain, the Holy Spirit would
have definitely it mentioned in our Scripture.
3. Cherubim
Divinely positioned as protectors and proclaimers of God's
holy presence, sovereignty and holiness -- these are important angels,
indeed. The most notable description of them is found in the vision of
Ezekiel 1. Many claim this to be the first authentic UFO sighting. Their
first appearance was in Genesis 3:24 where they stood guard at the gate
of the Garden of Eden. Exodus 25 describes their appearance covering the
mercy seat over the Ark of the Covenant. They are possibly the four living
creatures of Revelation 4:6.
4. Seraphim
The word means "fiery ones." Isaiah 6:2 above
describes how they surround the heavenly throne of God with six wings each
and a constant proclamation of threefold perfection in God's presence --
"holy, holy, holy." Some liken them in function to the "fiery
serpents" of Numbers 21:6.
