D. Scott Meadows
This is the last letter of John Newton’s “Forty-one Letters on Religious Subjects” in volume one of his works. Paraphrasing and abridging them all has been very edifying and pleasant work for me. The originals are highly recommended.
Perhaps Christians before Newton’s time were more aware of the spiritual realm than believers ever since. The “Age of Enlightenment” (18th century) was taking its toll on his contemporaries and has left rationalism in its wake, where human reason is regarded more than divine revelation in Scripture. The biblical testimony to angels is judged to be superstitious and unbelievable. This skeptical, secular spirit infects even true Christians. In this letter, Newton reminds us that angels are real and that good angels are sent by God to promote our salvation.
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1. Christians on earth are exposed to many troubles but they are perfectly safe in the faithful keeping of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Paul knew of our sufferings but still wrote triumphantly in the assurance that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.
3. In this passage of Romans 8.38, 39, Paul mentions “angels, principalities, and powers,” referring to inhabitants of the unseen world related to our personal concerns. This important topic deserves attention.
4. God created only good angels but some sinned and became evil. The evil angels have limited power of harm in keeping with God’s wisdom.
5. The innumerable elect, good angels are confirmed in righteousness. They are allies for our salvation (Heb 1.14), cheerfully obedient to Christ.
6. My topic is the ministry of good angels according to Scripture without speculating anything, and with incidental comments about evil angels.
7. God who rules the world uses means to accomplish His purpose, and angels are among His instruments (Psa 91.11; Psa 34.7). The OT and NT both testify of angelic intervention in human affairs (e.g., in the lives of Jacob, Elijah, David, Zacharias, Mary, and Peter). We should not look for such extraordinary experiences ourselves, but it might be that someone could have an encounter with an angel and know it, since it is best not to limit what God might do. Even so, it is enough for us to realize that good angels are really, though invisibly, near us, and mindful of us.
8. Good angels assist us in spiritual warfare, as surely as the evil angels oppose us, though distinguishing angelic influence upon our minds from our own thoughts is very difficult, especially the help of good angels. Still, it is heartening to realize that good angels are nearby to help us, injecting truths from Holy Scripture within us at seasonable times.
9. Also, these good angels fight for us against Satan and his demons who would devour us if they could (Dan 10.13; Rev 12.7; Jude 9).
10. Good angels observe our sufferings and our worship (1 Cor 4.9; 1 Tim 5.21; 1 Cor 11.10). While the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ in public worship is the main thing, realizing good angels are also present can have a good effect upon our frame of mind as well (Heb 12.22).
11. Angels protect us from countless dangers every day (Psa 91.11). They keep us safe in our travels and while we are asleep at night.
12. They especially draw near when a Christian is dying, keeping away the powers of darkness, and carrying their spirits back to God (Luke 16.22).
13. Much more could be written, but the biblical teaching about good angels is well-suited to encourage believers in two very common trials.
14. First, we sometimes feel discouraged that there are so few who worship God in the world, and like Elijah, we feel all alone. But Jesus is not so slighted and despised in the unseen world. If only we could see the vast multitude of His loyal servants there, we would be amazed like Elisha’s servant (1 Kings 19.10). There are so many more for us than against us. Faith apprehends the invisible from the testimony of God’s Word.
15. Second, many of the Lord’s people feel neglected by their fellow Christians, because they are poor, and it is regrettable that it should be so. But if that is you, do not be too discouraged. Your heavenly friends are not so proud and foolish as sinful Christians on earth. The angels attend and assist you, even if you live in a dump, just as willingly as if you lived in a palace fit for a king. They do not pay any attention to such superficial differences, as people are apt to do.
16. So let us learn some lessons from these righteous angels. Their whole desire is to do God’s will. They consider no work too small for Him if He is pleased to dispatch them to it. As great and holy spiritual beings, it is a wonder they do not consider it beneath them to serve us sinful worms. We aim to be known and esteemed for our Christian service, but a child of God in the way of duty, no matter how low it might be, is employed well, as long as he tends to it humbly, gratefully, and enthusiastically.
17. Surely some unbelievers, spending their days in sin, will read this paper. This subject seems strange and obscure to you, but you have reason to be alarmed, because the whole host of heaven is against you while they see you in rebellion against their glorious Lord Jesus Christ. They burn with a holy zeal to avenge His cause and will attack you, as one of them killed Herod for not glorifying God, as soon as they are commanded. Therefore pray for faith and repentance. If you will believe in Jesus and turn from your sins, the good angels will love you, rejoice over you, watch over you, fight for you, and finally carry you into His glorious presence. Signed, JN.
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God gives these truths about angels for our help in His worship and service. Let us receive them by faith and rejoice in the blessings. Amen. Ω