Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Part 3 of - Why Do Those Seventh Day Adventists Constantly Blabber About The Sabbath?
This Could Just As Easily Be Called; The Empire Strikes Back !
or Bible Texts That Declare Sunday The Day of Worship ?
One of the wonderful things I've learned about the SDA church, and this is contrary to what you read about it on the web, the church really wants you to test everything they say with your bible. This is so different from my lifetime's experience in searching for a decent Christian church. Most churches don't want questions.
My wife, the Tigress, and I used to attend an Episcopal church. The Priest was a wonderfully intelligent older man who would joke that Episcopalians made more sense because they could "drink" and other denominations couldn't! : )
I asked him a question one day when we were not in mixed company. I wanted to hear his reaction to the traditional question of why he was called "Father" when the Bible said clearly (to me) NOT to do this.
Matthew 23
Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
To my dismay the old gentleman became quiet and mumbled something about man's tradition, giving no real answer at all. In a few short months he had retired from the Priesthood, agonized over the direction his beloved Episcopal church had taken. IMO, it's safe to say that the American offshoot of the Church of England, the Episcopal Church, is right now in a desperate state of apostasy.
OK! What about that biblical proof for Sunday worship?
What I'm going to use is what the naysayers say concerning Sabbath worship and the verses they use for their argument.
Verse 1
Acts 20:7
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
... There ya go, the critics say! They came together on a Sunday and broke bread! The implication being that a "communion" service was being held on a Sunday! The reality is that the early Christian disciples "broke bread" every day. The "breaking of bread" does not mean a communion service is taking place; it means they're having a meal! In fact, the context used throughout Acts is clearly shown in Acts 2:46 :
Acts 2:46
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
The reason they assembled together on the first day is stated in the "controversial" verse, Acts 20:7; Paul was going to depart the following day! Paul sometimes stayed in a given location for months, sometimes a day, and anything in between. Did you notice he spoke until midnight?
Here's another couple of thoughts the Sabbath critics overlook; nothing in the Bible states that communion was to occur weekly, the implication being that they were having a well-defined weekly communion. Also, the meeting could have just as easily been taking place Saturday night! After 6:00pm on Saturday is actually Sunday. The whole purpose of the paragraph beginning with Acts 20:7 is to tell the story of young Eutychus who went to sleep and fell out the window, because it was late! Here's the verse in context :
Acts 20
7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
Now, does anyone believe that this most important of all verses claimed by some to reestablish (change) the most Holy Day of Worship, the Sabbath TO Sunday, would instead emphasize the story of the young man? It simply doesn't make sense.
Verse 2
1 Corinthians 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
This one is so obvious it's painful to even bring it up - but the critics do, so I will.
The believers in Jerusalem were hurting, oppressed as they were by the Jews and the Romans. This is all happening before 70 A.D., when Titus destroyed the temple, BTW. So, orders were given to store up provisions to give to the folks in Jerusalem and they were told to do this on a Sunday. If the text suggests anything at all it's that they were celebrating the worship on some other day besides Sunday because you wouldn't be doing all that work on the "Sabbath" would you?
Verse 3
Revelation 1:10
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
This one suggests to the critics that John was "in the Spirit" on the Lord's Day! Well, the Lord's Day is Sunday isn't it? This one's a classic demonstration of applying modern man-made doctrine to try to undo historical fact. Man calls Sunday the "Lord's Day", not the Bible! In John's time the Lord's Day, the Lord of the Sabbath, was Saturday.
Verse 4
Colossians 2
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. 20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
Again, if this is all the critics can come up with ... Bible scholars know that here in Colossians all of this is referring to the written codes and regulations that the Pharisees and others (Moses included) had ordained. The food and drink was a concern because these early Christians were still somewhat pagan and their "friends" would offer them food and drink that had been declared in sacrifice to pagan idols. Paul is telling them not to be concerned because God knows they're not worshipping pagan idols. The festivals, new moons and sabbaths (lower case) describe the annually occurring man-created sabbath worship days within Levitican "law" that no longer applies to Christians and that these things were simply "shadows" of the real thing, Jesus Christ. The Saturday Sabbath (Upper case) was still the day of the Lord and the day for weekly worship. In fact, the Saturday Sabbath did not originate with the Levitican Code. Even Noah kept the Sabbath!
I think that's enough. If anyone has another "proof" please feel free to share it. Biblical text is there for the purpose of reproof. I don't have all the answers, but together, in loving argument we can find out!
The Observer
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Part 2 of - Why Do Those Seventh Day Adventists Constantly Blabber About The Sabbath?
Most people have heard this famous phrase; "the Abomination that causes Desolation". This is from a reference in the book of Matthew; in fact, Matt. 24: 15, 16, & 21, and, of course, from Daniel. The book of Daniel is full of references to this subject. Just do a word search on both words in the old and new Testaments - you'll be amazed! The books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel are part and parcel to this, as well.
Most people aren't aware of what the abominations are and what the desolation is. They think the "abomination" is an army of some sort, or a future anti-Christ figure seated in the Sanctuary. The truth is much more personal and significant than you realize.
The abominations are the sins of God's people. They are the cause of the desolation that ultimately comes. By studying biblical text we find out that there are 3 major occurrences of the abomination/desolation scenario. As we look at each one we'll see that, once again, the issue of the Sabbath comes to the forefront, because, the abominations are sins against Sabbath-keeping. These 3 events are what are referred to as conditional prophecies. Bad things wouldn't happen if they did the right thing. BTW, the end time prophecies are also conditional.
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. With the historical context set, Jehoiakim and Jerusalem were given over to Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar - hence, the desolation caused by the abominations.
Jehoiakim had been so evil that his son, Jehoiachin, had to take over. Jehoiachin continued his dad's evil and was seceded by Zedekiah. Zedekiah unfortunately turns out to be as evil as the first two! What did these 3 do that was so evil !?!
The Prophet Jeremiah told the people of Jerusalem in Jehoiakim's day that if they would show honor to God's Seventh Day Sabbath that their city would remain forever and that their example would be the reason surrounding heathen nations repent and come to God. (Jeremiah 17: 19-26)
Or, if they didn't, "the palaces of Jerusalem would be devoured"! (Jeremiah 17:27) Ezekiel was told to prophesy or be held accountable. What are the abominations of Jehoiakim and his people? :
- unclean beasts had been brought in the House of God and even slaughtered on the Sabbath
- the women were weeping for Tammuz; on the Sabbath
- 25 men stood in God's Holy place on the Sabbath, with their backs toward the temple and their faces looking east to worship the sun god
If you didn't know, the Jewish temple is built so that the Ark of the Covenant is placed on the western side - you must face west to worship. These men were actually denying the one true God and worshipping the pagan sun god. The implication here is that Judah as a whole was involved in these pagan practices! The Temple was destroyed!
The desolation this 3rd time does not involve just Jerusalem or the modern nation of Israel. It involves spiritual Israel (all true believers). The desolation will encompass the entire world! The sins, the abominations, will be widespread and unrecognized by most just as described earlier in history. People will be worshipping Tammuz and Sol Invictus, all the while abusing the Sabbath by doing business on it. And worst of all, the religious leaders of the day, as in the past, will be teaching Christians it is correct to abuse the Sabbath!
People will gladly follow the Religious/Political powers of the day, the modern Sanhedrin, the Beast and it's Images and the abuse will even be codified into law and true Christians will be hunted down and killed for worshipping on the true Sabbath! Before Jerusalem (the world) falls this time, the true believers will be rescued, just as in 70 A.D.
The DESOLATION will be the complete destruction of planet earth and everyone in it who has not recognized the truth.
Do you really begin to understand now why those crazy Seventh Day Adventists blabber about the Sabbath so much?
It's because God does !!! If your church still teaches pagan worship I beg and plead with you - come out of her !!!
Most people aren't aware of what the abominations are and what the desolation is. They think the "abomination" is an army of some sort, or a future anti-Christ figure seated in the Sanctuary. The truth is much more personal and significant than you realize.
The abominations are the sins of God's people. They are the cause of the desolation that ultimately comes. By studying biblical text we find out that there are 3 major occurrences of the abomination/desolation scenario. As we look at each one we'll see that, once again, the issue of the Sabbath comes to the forefront, because, the abominations are sins against Sabbath-keeping. These 3 events are what are referred to as conditional prophecies. Bad things wouldn't happen if they did the right thing. BTW, the end time prophecies are also conditional.
The Abomination that Causes Desolation - 1
Daniel 1
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. With the historical context set, Jehoiakim and Jerusalem were given over to Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar - hence, the desolation caused by the abominations.
Jehoiakim had been so evil that his son, Jehoiachin, had to take over. Jehoiachin continued his dad's evil and was seceded by Zedekiah. Zedekiah unfortunately turns out to be as evil as the first two! What did these 3 do that was so evil !?!
The Prophet Jeremiah told the people of Jerusalem in Jehoiakim's day that if they would show honor to God's Seventh Day Sabbath that their city would remain forever and that their example would be the reason surrounding heathen nations repent and come to God. (Jeremiah 17: 19-26)
Or, if they didn't, "the palaces of Jerusalem would be devoured"! (Jeremiah 17:27) Ezekiel was told to prophesy or be held accountable. What are the abominations of Jehoiakim and his people? :
- unclean beasts had been brought in the House of God and even slaughtered on the Sabbath
- the women were weeping for Tammuz; on the Sabbath
- 25 men stood in God's Holy place on the Sabbath, with their backs toward the temple and their faces looking east to worship the sun god
If you didn't know, the Jewish temple is built so that the Ark of the Covenant is placed on the western side - you must face west to worship. These men were actually denying the one true God and worshipping the pagan sun god. The implication here is that Judah as a whole was involved in these pagan practices! The Temple was destroyed!
The Abomination that Causes Desolation - 2
History has a way of repeating itself - especially if we refuse to learn. In 70 A.D. the Roman General Titus once again destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem, just as Daniel warned (Dan. Ch. 9). The abominations of the people would once again have everything to do with the Sabbath.
The New Testament explicitly shows the tension between the ruling Sanhedrin and Jesus. Jesus pointed out, time and time again that :
- the Sabbath was being maligned with money changers in the Temple
- the 500 + rules created by man for Sabbath-keeping were legalistic and actually causing people to ignore the Sabbath. No human is capable of keeping such rules
- the religious people of the day hated Jesus for healing on the Sabbath
- they even quibbled over the Apostles walking through wheat fields and eating grain as they walked thereby harvesting on the Sabbath (the sin here is hypocrisy)
- and worst of all; the Lord of the Sabbath - Jesus - was not recognized as the Messiah
There's much more - just read the New testament.
Trouble comes in threes sometimes. There's one more left!
The Abomination that Causes Desolation - 3
The desolation this 3rd time does not involve just Jerusalem or the modern nation of Israel. It involves spiritual Israel (all true believers). The desolation will encompass the entire world! The sins, the abominations, will be widespread and unrecognized by most just as described earlier in history. People will be worshipping Tammuz and Sol Invictus, all the while abusing the Sabbath by doing business on it. And worst of all, the religious leaders of the day, as in the past, will be teaching Christians it is correct to abuse the Sabbath!
People will gladly follow the Religious/Political powers of the day, the modern Sanhedrin, the Beast and it's Images and the abuse will even be codified into law and true Christians will be hunted down and killed for worshipping on the true Sabbath! Before Jerusalem (the world) falls this time, the true believers will be rescued, just as in 70 A.D.
The DESOLATION will be the complete destruction of planet earth and everyone in it who has not recognized the truth.
Do you really begin to understand now why those crazy Seventh Day Adventists blabber about the Sabbath so much?
It's because God does !!! If your church still teaches pagan worship I beg and plead with you - come out of her !!!
The Observer
Monday, September 14, 2009
Why Do Those Seventh Day Adventists Constantly Blabber About The Sabbath?
Saturday, schmaterday - so what! What if I go to church on Sunday? How 'bout Friday night Mass - I'm good for the weekend and can go to the beach like I planned !?! You SDA guys are nutballs!
Is all the above true? Does it matter when you go to church, or, if at all?
How has the Christian religion modified weekly worship? Is it just intent that counts?
Some say it comes from Babylon. I think that's close, but close only counts in horseshoes. The Christian perspective is that the 7 day week comes from God. The early Babylonians, as man always does, copied the practice and perverted it. In the Christian view, the 7 day week comes from the act of Creation. God rested on the 7th Day, right? The Seventh Day was very important to God. I know because;
Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
BTW folks, nobody contends that the 7th day is a day other than Saturday. Even non-Sabbath keepers acknowledge a Saturday Sabbath. Every Jewish person on earth can verify Saturday as the Sabbath. Biblical and Theological scholars acknowledge that the Saturday Sabbath was changed by man in the 3rd Century A.D. Before that time Christians celebrated the Saturday Sabbath.
Christianity says the "end times" culminates in a scenario fraught with danger! Plagues abound, like in the the time of Moses; crime is rampant, false messiahs are everywhere. We average citizens don't trust our leaders at this crucial time - they seem to be inept and confused! We have no anchor! Christianity says you will be offered a man-made solution! Accept the man-made laws and be saved! Otherwise, you will perish!
When this time comes upon us (or our progeny), true Christian believers have an anchor. His name is Jesus and His Word is the Bible.
What you are about to see is straight from scripture. You either believe it or not. I must warn you - once you know the truth you may be held accountable for it. There is a very serious reason why SDAs blabber about the Sabbath. It's because God does!
It is significant that the books of Daniel and Revelation parallel each other. As Daniel describes the "Beast" he ends with what the Beast will change in the end times. Revelation does a parallel study as to what WILL happen at the end times and ends with the "Mark" of the Beast. That "mark" is central to our study on the Sabbath. You must read each verse in your Bible as we go through the list !!!
Daniel 7 ---------------- Revelation 13
The sea (v.3) ------------ The sea (v.1)
A Lion (v.4) ------------- A Lion (v.2)
A Bear (v.5) ------------- A Bear (v.2)
A Leopard (v.6) --------- A Leopard (v.2)
A dragon-like beast (v.7) -------- A dragon-like beast (v.2)
Ten Horns (v.7) ------------------ Ten Horns (v.1)
A boasting mouth (v.8) ---------- A boasting mouth (v.5)
War on the Saints (v.21) --------- War on the Saints (v.7)
Changes Times and Laws (v.25) ------ Mark of the Beast (v.16)
Did you notice that? The changing of times and laws parallels the "Mark". The two chapters mesh perfectly! So, the question becomes; what are the "times and laws", changed by man, that will be the "mark" of the beast?
Daniel 7:25 (New King James Version)
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.
There is only one LAW that Christians acknowledge. It is the 10 Commandments. We do not acknowledge the Levitican Law of man-made rules. The ONLY Commandment (Law) that contains a TIME element is the 4th one:
“ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. "
As nutty as it may sound to you, one day you or your progeny may be asked to choose between a man-made sabbath (Sunday) or God's Sabbath, Saturday. Those who choose Sunday will receive a "mark" that only God and his Angels can see. Those who choose Saturday will receive the "mark" of God and be "taken up".
As throughout all of history, we will one day be asked to choose between man (influenced by Satan), or, - God; Babylon (the Lion) or - God, Medo-Persia (the Bear) or - God, Greece (the Leopard) or - God, and finally, Rome and it's Religious/Political Papacy along with it's Images (Apostate Protestantism), called also, the Beast OR - GOD !!!
Do you understand now why those crazy Seventh Day Adventists blabber about the Sabbath all the time? It's because God does !!!
Is all the above true? Does it matter when you go to church, or, if at all?
How has the Christian religion modified weekly worship? Is it just intent that counts?
Where does the 7 day week come from anyway?
Some say it comes from Babylon. I think that's close, but close only counts in horseshoes. The Christian perspective is that the 7 day week comes from God. The early Babylonians, as man always does, copied the practice and perverted it. In the Christian view, the 7 day week comes from the act of Creation. God rested on the 7th Day, right? The Seventh Day was very important to God. I know because;
Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
BTW folks, nobody contends that the 7th day is a day other than Saturday. Even non-Sabbath keepers acknowledge a Saturday Sabbath. Every Jewish person on earth can verify Saturday as the Sabbath. Biblical and Theological scholars acknowledge that the Saturday Sabbath was changed by man in the 3rd Century A.D. Before that time Christians celebrated the Saturday Sabbath.
OK, but why all the hullabaloo ?
Christianity says the "end times" culminates in a scenario fraught with danger! Plagues abound, like in the the time of Moses; crime is rampant, false messiahs are everywhere. We average citizens don't trust our leaders at this crucial time - they seem to be inept and confused! We have no anchor! Christianity says you will be offered a man-made solution! Accept the man-made laws and be saved! Otherwise, you will perish!
When this time comes upon us (or our progeny), true Christian believers have an anchor. His name is Jesus and His Word is the Bible.
What you are about to see is straight from scripture. You either believe it or not. I must warn you - once you know the truth you may be held accountable for it. There is a very serious reason why SDAs blabber about the Sabbath. It's because God does!
It is significant that the books of Daniel and Revelation parallel each other. As Daniel describes the "Beast" he ends with what the Beast will change in the end times. Revelation does a parallel study as to what WILL happen at the end times and ends with the "Mark" of the Beast. That "mark" is central to our study on the Sabbath. You must read each verse in your Bible as we go through the list !!!
Characteristic's of the Beast in Both Books - Parallel Comparison
Daniel 7 ---------------- Revelation 13
The sea (v.3) ------------ The sea (v.1)
A Lion (v.4) ------------- A Lion (v.2)
A Bear (v.5) ------------- A Bear (v.2)
A Leopard (v.6) --------- A Leopard (v.2)
A dragon-like beast (v.7) -------- A dragon-like beast (v.2)
Ten Horns (v.7) ------------------ Ten Horns (v.1)
A boasting mouth (v.8) ---------- A boasting mouth (v.5)
War on the Saints (v.21) --------- War on the Saints (v.7)
Changes Times and Laws (v.25) ------ Mark of the Beast (v.16)
Did you notice that? The changing of times and laws parallels the "Mark". The two chapters mesh perfectly! So, the question becomes; what are the "times and laws", changed by man, that will be the "mark" of the beast?
Daniel 7:25 (New King James Version)
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.
There is only one LAW that Christians acknowledge. It is the 10 Commandments. We do not acknowledge the Levitican Law of man-made rules. The ONLY Commandment (Law) that contains a TIME element is the 4th one:
“ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. "
As nutty as it may sound to you, one day you or your progeny may be asked to choose between a man-made sabbath (Sunday) or God's Sabbath, Saturday. Those who choose Sunday will receive a "mark" that only God and his Angels can see. Those who choose Saturday will receive the "mark" of God and be "taken up".
As throughout all of history, we will one day be asked to choose between man (influenced by Satan), or, - God; Babylon (the Lion) or - God, Medo-Persia (the Bear) or - God, Greece (the Leopard) or - God, and finally, Rome and it's Religious/Political Papacy along with it's Images (Apostate Protestantism), called also, the Beast OR - GOD !!!
Do you understand now why those crazy Seventh Day Adventists blabber about the Sabbath all the time? It's because God does !!!
The Observer
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Additional Details From the Mouth of the Beast
Two months ago, in early July, President Barack Obama went to Italy for the G-8 economic summit. While in Italy, he also had a personal interview with Pope Benedict XVI during which the pope presented Obama with a copy of his latest papal encyclical entitled, Charity in Truth. For those who don't realize it, a papal encyclical is one of the most authoritative documents a pope can produce.
Charity in Truth is a 141 page letter in which Pope Benedict XVI comments on the world's current economic crisis and, from his perspective, what he sees as the solution. From a prophetic standpoint, here are 9 significant highlights found within this encyclical:
1. A Global Government. Pope Benedict is calling for a "true world political authority" to fix the problems that plague planet Earth. (Page 67)
2. Church and State. The pope says this new political authority must make its decisions based on spiritual values. (Chapter 5)
3. The Papacy at the Head. These spiritual values cannot be derived from just any religion, since not "all religions are equal." (Page 55)
4. Religion, Politics and the Economy. The "church" must influence all areas of society because God must have "a place in the public realm, specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, and particularly its political dimensions." (Page 56)
5. Power to Enforce Law. This "political authority" must have "real teeth" and "be vested with the effective power" to enforce laws around the world. (Page 67)
6. Control Buying and Selling. Once in place, the new world governing power will institute socialistic policies for government to redistribute wealth. (Chapter 3)
7. Resurgence of Labor Unions. Labor Unions are to be empowered to "play a decisive role" in the new world order. (Page 25) For those who know European history, this is exactly what happened in Poland, leading to the collapse of Soviet Communism.
8. The Church's Goal. Pope Benedict says that his encyclical will help achieve "The goal of the history of the human family," which is to build "the universal city of God." (Page 7)
9. Redefining Religious Liberty. While claiming not "to interfere in any way in the politics of States," the pope redefines "liberty" as happening when the world obeys laws shaped by the Roman Catholic Church's spiritual values. According to the pope, as the church influences states to enforce "truth" upon others, such people are then set "free." "This mission of truth is something that the Church can never renounce." (Page 9)
When Charity in Truth was first released in July 2009, newspapers ran stories on it around the world. Here are just three headlines from Time, USA Today, and New American:
Pope Calls for World Political Authority
The Pope on the World Economy: Prophets, not Profits
Pope calls for 'God Centered' global economy
You will notice that these once valid links have been "taken out" due to the negative reaction against this story. Reformation Protestants understood "about the beast," they knew what was coming. The proverbial handwriting is on the wall. God's Word predicts,
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death,
and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered after the beast… and power was given to him over all peoples, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:3, 7)
This prophecy is on the verge of fulfillment right now. How close we are or if a different direction will be taken - nobody knows. Concerning the "signs" of the approaching end of the age, Jesus Christ plainly said,
Charity in Truth is a 141 page letter in which Pope Benedict XVI comments on the world's current economic crisis and, from his perspective, what he sees as the solution. From a prophetic standpoint, here are 9 significant highlights found within this encyclical:
1. A Global Government. Pope Benedict is calling for a "true world political authority" to fix the problems that plague planet Earth. (Page 67)
2. Church and State. The pope says this new political authority must make its decisions based on spiritual values. (Chapter 5)
3. The Papacy at the Head. These spiritual values cannot be derived from just any religion, since not "all religions are equal." (Page 55)
4. Religion, Politics and the Economy. The "church" must influence all areas of society because God must have "a place in the public realm, specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, and particularly its political dimensions." (Page 56)
5. Power to Enforce Law. This "political authority" must have "real teeth" and "be vested with the effective power" to enforce laws around the world. (Page 67)
6. Control Buying and Selling. Once in place, the new world governing power will institute socialistic policies for government to redistribute wealth. (Chapter 3)
7. Resurgence of Labor Unions. Labor Unions are to be empowered to "play a decisive role" in the new world order. (Page 25) For those who know European history, this is exactly what happened in Poland, leading to the collapse of Soviet Communism.
8. The Church's Goal. Pope Benedict says that his encyclical will help achieve "The goal of the history of the human family," which is to build "the universal city of God." (Page 7)
9. Redefining Religious Liberty. While claiming not "to interfere in any way in the politics of States," the pope redefines "liberty" as happening when the world obeys laws shaped by the Roman Catholic Church's spiritual values. According to the pope, as the church influences states to enforce "truth" upon others, such people are then set "free." "This mission of truth is something that the Church can never renounce." (Page 9)
When Charity in Truth was first released in July 2009, newspapers ran stories on it around the world. Here are just three headlines from Time, USA Today, and New American:
Pope Calls for World Political Authority
The Pope on the World Economy: Prophets, not Profits
Pope calls for 'God Centered' global economy
You will notice that these once valid links have been "taken out" due to the negative reaction against this story. Reformation Protestants understood "about the beast," they knew what was coming. The proverbial handwriting is on the wall. God's Word predicts,
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death,
and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered after the beast… and power was given to him over all peoples, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:3, 7)
This prophecy is on the verge of fulfillment right now. How close we are or if a different direction will be taken - nobody knows. Concerning the "signs" of the approaching end of the age, Jesus Christ plainly said,
"Now when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near". (Luke 21:28)
The Observer
For the Catholic viewpoint, see: The National Catholic Reporter
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Muslims Kill Christians In Pakistan
On Aug. 1, a mob of angry Muslim extremists attacked Christians in Gojra district, Punjab province, killing at least eight believers, including a seven-year-old child, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.
Dozens of homes and a church building were looted and burned. Reports indicate the violence resulted from rumors Christians had desecrated pages from the Quran several days earlier at a wedding in a nearby village. This was the second attack because of such a rumor. On July 30, Muslim extremists attacked Christians, burning more than 50 homes and animals in Korian village, Faisalabad.
In both attacks, Muslim leaders encouraged the violence, using mosque loudspeakers to call on the faithful to defend Islam. According to witnesses, the attackers used a fuel that is particularly difficult to extinguish to set the fires.
Government officials have condemned the attacks with unusual severity and have criticized security forces for their slow response. They said there is no truth to the allegations of blasphemy and promised to rebuild the homes destroyed and financially assist those who have lost family members in the violence. Recent reports estimate over 200 had been arrested for their involvement in the violence.
The Voice of the Martyrs is providing assistance to believers affected by these attacks. VOM actively supports persecuted believers in Pakistan by distributing Action Packs, Bibles, and the books Triumphant Church and He Lived Among Us. Pray for the families of deceased believers, those who lost their homes and the pastor and members of the church. Ask God to provide for and encourage them. Pray that false accusations by Muslims will draw believers closer to the Lord and for their faithfulness to draw non believers into faith with Christ.
... Click here to help ...
Dozens of homes and a church building were looted and burned. Reports indicate the violence resulted from rumors Christians had desecrated pages from the Quran several days earlier at a wedding in a nearby village. This was the second attack because of such a rumor. On July 30, Muslim extremists attacked Christians, burning more than 50 homes and animals in Korian village, Faisalabad.
In both attacks, Muslim leaders encouraged the violence, using mosque loudspeakers to call on the faithful to defend Islam. According to witnesses, the attackers used a fuel that is particularly difficult to extinguish to set the fires.
Government officials have condemned the attacks with unusual severity and have criticized security forces for their slow response. They said there is no truth to the allegations of blasphemy and promised to rebuild the homes destroyed and financially assist those who have lost family members in the violence. Recent reports estimate over 200 had been arrested for their involvement in the violence.
The Voice of the Martyrs is providing assistance to believers affected by these attacks. VOM actively supports persecuted believers in Pakistan by distributing Action Packs, Bibles, and the books Triumphant Church and He Lived Among Us. Pray for the families of deceased believers, those who lost their homes and the pastor and members of the church. Ask God to provide for and encourage them. Pray that false accusations by Muslims will draw believers closer to the Lord and for their faithfulness to draw non believers into faith with Christ.
... Click here to help ...
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Who Is Michael the Archangel?
... what follows is a piece written by Doug Batchelor in 2002. It studies the idea that Michael and Jesus could be one and the same. Biblical references are used to support this concept. It goes without saying, and the author admits, this is a controversial subject. Enjoy ...
Questions frequently arise in Christian circles about the true identity of the mysterious biblical character known as Michael, sometimes called "Michael the archangel" and "Michael the Great Prince." Some claim that Michael is the highest of the heavenly angels, one of the covering cherubs, or a special messenger like Gabriel, and therefore, he is a created being. Others, such as Bible commentator Matthew Henry, assert that Michael is simply another of the many names for Jesus Himself. Can we know the real identity of this mysterious being? Obviously, the key to deciphering this puzzling question is found in the Scriptures. "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little" (Isaiah 28:10).
A quick look in a Bible concordance reveals that there are 15 references to the name Michael in Scripture. Ten of these are simply people named Michael. In fact, the entry for "Michael" in the lexicon (a Greek and/or Hebrew dictionary) states, "The name of an archangel and nine Israelites." It is the identity of Michael, the archangel and prince, mentioned in the last five references that we seek in this important study.
The first three of these references to Michael are in the Old Testament book of the prophet Daniel. The last two are mentioned in the New Testament books of Jude and Revelation. With an honest study and comparison of these and other verses, clues quickly emerge that lead us to an inescapable conclusion of Michael's true identity; He is none other than Jesus—He is not a created angel or cherub, but this name is another of the many grand titles for God's eternal Son!
At first glance, the Old Testament appears to portray Michael as a prince, and the New Testament describes Him as an archangel. But by looking at other related Scriptures where similar language and wording are used, we will see an interesting pattern emerge.
In another instance, the children of Israel were led through the wilderness by God. "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night" (Exodus 13:21). Moses later describes this being that led them this way: "And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them" (Exodus 14:19). Again, "the angel of God" is identified as God.
Balaam
The angel of the Lord again figures prominently in the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. It is this angel who saves the donkey from her merciless master and nearly kills the covetous prophet, who is on his way to curse God's people (Numbers 22:21-35). After Balaam's close brush with death, "the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shall speak" (verse 35). The next chapter reveals who put the words in the prophet's mouth: "And God met Balaam: … And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak" (Numbers 23:4, 5). Here again, "the angel of the Lord" turns out to be God Himself.
Judges
Now let's move on to the book of Judges, where we read, "And an 'angel of the LORD' came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you" (2:1). By now we should recognize a pattern. Just who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and made the covenant with Israel that He would never break—the angel of the Lord or pre-incarnate son of GOD Himself Yes! The answer is both, one and the same.
Gideon
Gideon has an encounter with the angel of the Lord in the book of Judges. The angel tells Gideon that the Lord is with him. Gideon points to the oppression of Israel by the Midianites as evidence to the contrary. "And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee" (Judges 6:14). Throughout the rest of the narrative, the person speaking to Gideon is identified interchangeably as the Lord, the angel of the Lord, and the angel of God.
Manoah
Samson's mother, the wife of Manoah, was barren. "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman" (Judges 13:3). This angel told her she would bear a son who would deliver the apostate Israelites from their heathen oppressors. She quickly called Manoah, who prayed for another visit from the "man of God." When the angel came the second time, Manoah asked him his name. The King James says that the angel told Manoah that his name was "Secret," with a margin notation that translates it as "Wonderful." This immediately makes us think of Isaiah's familiar prophecy that Jesus would be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). The name "Wonderful" for the angel of the Lord who appeared to Manoah connects this "angel" with the coming Messiah who was to be called "Wonderful."
Once again, after seeing this "Wonderful messenger," Manoah declared they had seen God. And Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" (Judges 13:22).
No One has Seen the Father
Suddenly we have more leads than we can follow! We can clearly see that "angel of the Lord" is frequently identified to be God Himself. But the Bible states, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). John 6:46 also tells us, "Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father." Obviously, since no man has seen God the Father, all of these Old Testament sightings of God as the "angel of the Lord" must have been Jesus, God the Son, veiling His glory so they could endure His presence without being consumed.
The Angel of the Covenant
One of the most famous messianic prophecies is found in Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts."
The messenger of the covenant spoken of here in Malachi is clearly a reference to the advent of Jesus Christ. The word translated as messenger (mal'ak) is the same exact word used in the previous Old Testament passages translated as angel of the Lord. So this would also be a proper translation: "Behold, I will send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the angel of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. What could be clearer?
Rebuking the Accuser
There is one more important reference in which the angel of the Lord appears in the Old Testament. The prophet Zechariah was given a vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan is standing at his right hand to resist him. Here we see two adversaries contending over a sinful human being. Joshua's filthy garment symbolizes his sin. (Zechariah 3:3).
In this narrative, the name changes quickly from "the angel of the Lord" (verse 1) to "the Lord" (verse 2), indicating again that they are the same. Then the Lord makes an interesting statement. "And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan" (Zechariah 3:2). There is only one other place in Scripture, Jude 9, where this sentence is found—and Michael the archangel speaks it!
In the short epistle of Jude, we witness a vignette similar to Joshua and the angel in Zechariah. "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" (Jude 1:9). The situations are amazingly parallel: Christ and Satan are contending over the fate of two of God’s great human leaders (a living one in the case of Joshua, and a dead one in the case of Moses). The debate is ended abruptly when Jesus says, "The Lord rebuke thee."
This passage raises another valid question. Some people are confused by part of this verse in Jude 1:9 where Michael rebukes the devil. They wonder: If Michael is really another name for Jesus, then why does he invoke the name of the Lord when rebuking Satan Why not do it Himself as He did when tempted in the wilderness. "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan" (Matthew 4:10).
In studying the Scriptures and language of Jesus, we quickly see it was a very common practice for Jesus to speak of Himself in the second person, as in Luke 18:8: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth" And if there is still any lingering question, we have this other clear Scripture in Zechariah 3:2, where the Lord does the same thing Michael does in Jude. He invokes His own name when rebuking the devil. "And the LORD said to Satan, 'The LORD rebuke you, Satan!'" Perhaps these Scriptures are examples of God the Son, appealing to the name of His Father in rebuking Satan.
Michael the Prince
Michael is mentioned more in Daniel than in any other book in Scripture. (See Daniel 10:13; 10:21; 12:1.) In all three references, He is called a prince—your prince and the great prince. Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6) reveals oneof the key names he says that would apply to the Messiah is "Prince of Peace."
There is another verse in Daniel 8:25 where the "Prince of princes" is mentioned. Again, the cosmic conflict is being played out with Christ on one side and the devil on the other, with humanity serving as the battlefield. "Prince of princes" is actually the same term that is translated "prince of the host" in verse 11. This is similar to "Lord of lords" (Psalm 136:3), "God of gods" (Deuteronomy 10:17), and "King of kings" (Revelation 19:16). All these are titles of deity. He is even referred to as "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25).
Who is this being that the angels call the Great Prince Let's let the Bible tell us.
Isaiah 9:6: "And his name shall be called …The Prince of Peace."
Acts 3:14, 15: "But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and … killed the Prince of life."
Acts 5:30, 31: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour."
Revelations 1:5: "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."
These verses clearly echo with three verses in Daniel in which Michael is called a "prince."
Is Michael Only One of Many
Daniel 10:13 is probably the most difficult verse regarding Michael: "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." It appears at first glance that Michael is only "one of" the chief princes. This is an unfortunate translation in the King James. The word "one" comes from the Hebrew word "echad," which is also frequently translated as "first," as in the president's wife being called "first lady." (See Genesis 1:5; 8:13.) This changes the whole meaning of the verse to Michael being first of, greatest or highest of, to the chief of princes—again a reference to Jesus. The prince of the kingdom of Persia who withstood the angel was no doubt the devil who frequently appears working in the shadow of earthly monarchs such as the king of Babylon, the king of Tyre, and the Roman power (Isaiah 14:4, Ezekiel 28:2, Revelation 12:4). And remember that Jesus calls Satan "the prince of this world" (John 12:31).
Daniel 10:21 says, "But I will show 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." Notice here that the angel refers to Michael as your Prince. Who was Daniel’s prince In the previous chapter, we see the answer. In Daniel 9:25, Daniel’s Messiah is called the prince, which is another clear indication of Michael’s identity! So Gabriel is saying that Michael the archangel is Jesus, who knows all the truth of Scripture.
Michael Stands Up
The final reference to Michael in Daniel is in chapter 12: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people." Notice here that Michael is not called a great prince but "the great prince." Is there any prince greater then Jesus He is also identified as the one who "standeth for the children of thy people." This means that He intercedes, defends and even stands as a substitute. Who could this be other then Jesus
Commenting on this verse, Matthew Henry states: "Michael signifies, 'Who is like God,' and his name, with the title of 'the great Prince,' points out the Divine Savior. Christ stood for the children of our people in their stead as a sacrifice, bore the curse for them, to bear it from them. He stands for them in pleading for them at the throne of grace." Jesus is clearly the one who always stands in our place and for our defense.
Michael standing up is also a reference to the Lord preparing to come. Notice that Michael is so exalted and powerful, his standing launches the great time of trouble. This in turn is followed by the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection (Daniel 12:2).
The Voice of Michael
If we isolate and examine the word "archangel," we see another interesting match. The only other passage in the Bible that uses the word "archangel" is 1 Thessalonians 4:16. And note its context: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." It is the voice of the archangel that raises the dead in Christ, and the Lord Himself who shouts it. This indicates that they are one and the same. Jesus is the one who shouts with the voice of the archangel, or "greatest messenger," to raise the dead!
Obviously, angels don't have the power to resurrect the dead. Only God who gives life has the power to restore it. "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. … Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth" (John 5:26, 28, 29).
In Jude, we see the archangel contending with the devil for the body of Moses, who, incidentally, was resurrected and taken to heaven from whence he appeared on the mount of transfiguration to encourage Christ (Mark 9). In 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul describes the resurrection as happening in response to the voice of the archangel. Again we see the parallel between these two verses; both describe the archangel in the act of resurrecting.
Worshiping the Commander
In Revelation, Michael is portrayed as leading the heavenly hosts, or armies, in the war against the rebellious Lucifer that took place. "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels" (Revelation 12:7). Here the term "dragon" is a symbolic name for Satan, the leader of evil (verse 9), so it is very safe to assume that Michael is another emblematic name for Jesus, the embodiment and leader of good. But there is more evidence.
Just as Israel was preparing for its first battle after crossing into the Promised Land, Joshua had an encounter with an unusual warrior. "And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:13-15). Not only did Joshua worship this being, but the heavenly captain received his worship. If he had been a mere angel, he would have rebuked Joshua just like the angel rebuked John for trying to worship him (see Revelation 19:10; 22:8, 9).
In each case in which the angel of the Lord accepts worship, it is clearly the Son of God. But where regular, created angels are worshiped, they refuse it! Even Jesus reminded Satan in the wilderness, "For it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Luke 4:8).
In fact, all the created angels are commanded to worship Jesus as they did during His first advent. "And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him" (Hebrews 1:6). The devil is infuriated because he knows that someday even he will be compelled to acknowledge Jesus as king and worship Him. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10, 11).
Notice the striking connection that even Paul makes between an angel of God and Jesus. "You received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus" (Galatians 4:14). The phrase "Lord of hosts" appears 245 times in the Bible, and it refers to the "commander of God's angelic army." So the "captain of the Lord's host" that Joshua saw was not an angel, but Jesus Himself. That explains why He demanded that Joshua remove his shoes. The place was holy because Jesus was there, just as Jesus' presence at the burning bush made that ground holy for Moses. So Michael, the captain of the Lord's host, or army, is another title for Jesus.
Who is as God!
When Philip asks Jesus to show the disciples the Father, Christ responded: "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). Some think that God's Son waited 4,000 years to personally intervene in the affairs of man. Not so! Though it is true that the incarnation occurred 4,000 years after man's fall, God the Son has been personally involved in the history and affairs of His people. This is why Jesus said; "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56). Jesus appeared personally to Abraham when the Patriarch interceded for Lot (Genesis 18:26).
What a wonderful truth that Jesus, God's eternal Son, has ever been actively occupied in watching over, providing for, and protecting His children! He spoke face to face with Abraham and Moses and wrestled with Jacob. He led the Israelites through the wilderness, providing food and water and victory against their enemies.
Remember that the title "Michael the archangel" means "The greatest messenger who is as God." It was Jesus, "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), who brought the greatest message of hope, the gospel, to our perishing world!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we see this majestic and mysterious being, sometimes called Michael, sometimes the angel of the Lord, sometimes the commander of the Lord’s army, veiling His divinity and appearing in the form of a humble angel. Yet this same enigmatic being has the power, authority and attributes that belong only to God. He evicts the devil from heaven; He resurrects the dead; He intercedes for the saints; He judges and then stands, launching the great time of trouble. He redeems the saints and receives their worship. He offers us a new name.
Now you may know who Michael is, but the devil knows too, and it won't save him. The big question is: Do you know Him as Jesus your personal Lord and savior?
You can now if you ask Him.
DOUG BATCHELOR
The Michael Enigma
Questions frequently arise in Christian circles about the true identity of the mysterious biblical character known as Michael, sometimes called "Michael the archangel" and "Michael the Great Prince." Some claim that Michael is the highest of the heavenly angels, one of the covering cherubs, or a special messenger like Gabriel, and therefore, he is a created being. Others, such as Bible commentator Matthew Henry, assert that Michael is simply another of the many names for Jesus Himself. Can we know the real identity of this mysterious being? Obviously, the key to deciphering this puzzling question is found in the Scriptures. "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little" (Isaiah 28:10).
A quick look in a Bible concordance reveals that there are 15 references to the name Michael in Scripture. Ten of these are simply people named Michael. In fact, the entry for "Michael" in the lexicon (a Greek and/or Hebrew dictionary) states, "The name of an archangel and nine Israelites." It is the identity of Michael, the archangel and prince, mentioned in the last five references that we seek in this important study.
The first three of these references to Michael are in the Old Testament book of the prophet Daniel. The last two are mentioned in the New Testament books of Jude and Revelation. With an honest study and comparison of these and other verses, clues quickly emerge that lead us to an inescapable conclusion of Michael's true identity; He is none other than Jesus—He is not a created angel or cherub, but this name is another of the many grand titles for God's eternal Son!
At first glance, the Old Testament appears to portray Michael as a prince, and the New Testament describes Him as an archangel. But by looking at other related Scriptures where similar language and wording are used, we will see an interesting pattern emerge.
- Warning -
Before you proceed any further, please carefully read and digest this next thought. Because the word "angel" means messenger, it is used very freely and broadly in Scripture. Sometimes, men are called angels in the Bible (1 Samuel 29:9; Galatians 4:14). And sometimes angels are called men (Genesis 32:24). And in other places, as will be soon shown, God Himself is identified as an angel! Of course, even angels are called angels.
Typically, when a person thinks of an angel, they picture one of the many levels of winged, ministering spirits known as angels, seraphim, or cherubim. Unlike Jesus, these celestial beings are created. There are some cults that teach that Jesus, before His earthly incarnation, was really just a powerful angel that had a feud with His wayward fellow angel Lucifer. In turn, this means that Jesus is a created being who has been promoted by the Father and therefore not the eternal God as Christians accept. This study categorically rejects that view. Jesus is, and always has been, God's eternal Son and indeed God Himself. Any comparison made to Jesus as an angel in this study is simply in the classical sense as a greatest messenger of salvation and is in no way intended to diminish from His eternal divinity.
The Key is in the Name
First, let's consider the meaning of some words and names. In the Greek New Testament, the word "angel" means "messenger," and "arch" means "chief, principle, greatest, or highest." So "archangel" simply means "highest or greatest messenger." The Hebrew name "Michael," found in the Old Testament, means "who is like God" or sometimes it forms a question: "Who is like God?" So the title Michael the archangel can be translated as "The greatest messenger who is God." Whether this name is a question, statement, or a challenge will be clear by further study. One angel did profess to be like God. That covering cherub fallen from the heavenly courts is Lucifer, who became the devil or Satan, by claiming to "be like the most High" (Isaiah 14:14). In Revelation 12:7, Satan is opposed by "Michael and his angels" and is cast out of heaven.
The Angel of the Lord
The phrase "angel of the Lord" is found 68 times in Scripture. Sometimes it applies to Gabriel who appeared to Daniel, Zacharias, and Mary. But Gabriel is called "an" angel of the Lord (Luke 1:11). He is not referred to as "the" angel of the Lord. Neither is he ever called the archangel. (And while we’re on the subject, the popular angel Raphael does not appear anywhere in Scripture.) Gabriel is probably one of the two covering cherubs who flank the throne of God. Remember that he said to Zacharias, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God," (Luke 1:19). Lucifer once held the other position before his fall (Ezekiel 28:14). If the highest rank held by an angel is that of the covering cherubs by the throne of God then who and what is an archangel And who is this mighty individual identified as "the angel of the Lord" who performs such prominent roles in the redemption of man.
God the Father created all things through Jesus (Hebrews 1:2; Ephesians 3:9). It is not implausible to assume that if Christ came to earth and became a man in His battle against Satan to save human beings, He might also have in some way identified with the angels to protect them from Satan's evil influence in heaven. In fact, there are several references in Scripture to a mysterious being identified as "the angel of the Lord" before Christ's earthly incarnation. Yet each time He is mentioned, there are clues to His identity. Let's review them briefly in the order in which they appear.
Hagar
After Hagar the handmaid of Abraham bore Ishmael, she and the barren Sarah could no longer coexist peacefully. Sarah dealt severely with her now haughty hand- maid until Hagar fled into the desert. "And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness" (Genesis 16:7). The angel told Hagar to go back and submit to Sarah and promised that her son, Ishmael, would be the father of a great nation. When the "angel" disappeared, Hagar "called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me" (verse 13). It appears Hagar recognized that the "angel of the Lord" who had spoken to her was really God. But keep reading; it gets clearer!
Abraham
God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on mount Moriah. Just as he was about to plunge the dagger into his son of promise, the angel of the Lord stopped him. "And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, 'Abraham, Abraham:' and he said, 'Here am I.' And he said, 'Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me'" (Genesis 22:11, 12).
It is clear that Abraham was offering his son to God and not to a mere angel. "And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, 'By myself have I sworn,' saith the Lord, 'for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, … because thou hast obeyed my voice'" (Genesis 22:15-18). In recounting this experience of Abraham in Acts 3:25, Peter also identifies this "angel of the Lord" who made a covenant with the Patriarch as God.
Jacob
While fleeing from his angry brother Esau, Jacob had a dream in which God confirmed the covenant of Abraham to him. After receiving assurance that God would be with him and bring him back safely to his home in Canaan, Jacob vowed to return to God a tithe of all his increase. He set up the stone he had been using for a pillow and anointed it with oil to solemnize his vow. Then he named the place Bethel, or house of God, since God had appeared to him there.
Twenty years later, Jacob was on his way back home, not a penniless fugitive, but a wealthy man. God decided to remind Jacob who had really brought him success. Here's how Jacob recounted the story: "And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I" (Genesis 31:11). In verse 13, this "angel of God" identifies Himself: "I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me."
Then, when Jacob wrestled with a heavenly being (Genesis 32:22-32), he was given a new name and blessed him. Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" (verse 30). In the New Testament, Jesus is the one who blesses His people and gives them a new name (Matthew 5:3-12; Revelation 2:17).
As you can see, it is becoming increasingly clear that the angel of the Lord is Jesus Himself. When Jacob was on his deathbed blessing Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, he used the terms "angel" and "God" interchangeably. "God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads" (Genesis 48:15, 16).
The Scriptures are very clear there is neither a redeemer nor savior but God. "I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior; Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer" (Isaiah 43:11, 14). Once again we see that the angel who redeemed Jacob is another name for our Redeemer, Jesus!
Moses
Moses saw a burning bush that was not consumed. "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Exodus 3:2). Verse 4 identifies this angel: "God called unto him out of the midst of the bush." And in verse 6 He identifies Himself again. "I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." The angel of the Lord identifies Himself as God!
In his last sermon before he was stoned to death, Stephen agrees with the Exodus account. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Acts 7:30-32).
Before you proceed any further, please carefully read and digest this next thought. Because the word "angel" means messenger, it is used very freely and broadly in Scripture. Sometimes, men are called angels in the Bible (1 Samuel 29:9; Galatians 4:14). And sometimes angels are called men (Genesis 32:24). And in other places, as will be soon shown, God Himself is identified as an angel! Of course, even angels are called angels.
Typically, when a person thinks of an angel, they picture one of the many levels of winged, ministering spirits known as angels, seraphim, or cherubim. Unlike Jesus, these celestial beings are created. There are some cults that teach that Jesus, before His earthly incarnation, was really just a powerful angel that had a feud with His wayward fellow angel Lucifer. In turn, this means that Jesus is a created being who has been promoted by the Father and therefore not the eternal God as Christians accept. This study categorically rejects that view. Jesus is, and always has been, God's eternal Son and indeed God Himself. Any comparison made to Jesus as an angel in this study is simply in the classical sense as a greatest messenger of salvation and is in no way intended to diminish from His eternal divinity.
The Key is in the Name
First, let's consider the meaning of some words and names. In the Greek New Testament, the word "angel" means "messenger," and "arch" means "chief, principle, greatest, or highest." So "archangel" simply means "highest or greatest messenger." The Hebrew name "Michael," found in the Old Testament, means "who is like God" or sometimes it forms a question: "Who is like God?" So the title Michael the archangel can be translated as "The greatest messenger who is God." Whether this name is a question, statement, or a challenge will be clear by further study. One angel did profess to be like God. That covering cherub fallen from the heavenly courts is Lucifer, who became the devil or Satan, by claiming to "be like the most High" (Isaiah 14:14). In Revelation 12:7, Satan is opposed by "Michael and his angels" and is cast out of heaven.
The Angel of the Lord
The phrase "angel of the Lord" is found 68 times in Scripture. Sometimes it applies to Gabriel who appeared to Daniel, Zacharias, and Mary. But Gabriel is called "an" angel of the Lord (Luke 1:11). He is not referred to as "the" angel of the Lord. Neither is he ever called the archangel. (And while we’re on the subject, the popular angel Raphael does not appear anywhere in Scripture.) Gabriel is probably one of the two covering cherubs who flank the throne of God. Remember that he said to Zacharias, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God," (Luke 1:19). Lucifer once held the other position before his fall (Ezekiel 28:14). If the highest rank held by an angel is that of the covering cherubs by the throne of God then who and what is an archangel And who is this mighty individual identified as "the angel of the Lord" who performs such prominent roles in the redemption of man.
God the Father created all things through Jesus (Hebrews 1:2; Ephesians 3:9). It is not implausible to assume that if Christ came to earth and became a man in His battle against Satan to save human beings, He might also have in some way identified with the angels to protect them from Satan's evil influence in heaven. In fact, there are several references in Scripture to a mysterious being identified as "the angel of the Lord" before Christ's earthly incarnation. Yet each time He is mentioned, there are clues to His identity. Let's review them briefly in the order in which they appear.
Hagar
After Hagar the handmaid of Abraham bore Ishmael, she and the barren Sarah could no longer coexist peacefully. Sarah dealt severely with her now haughty hand- maid until Hagar fled into the desert. "And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness" (Genesis 16:7). The angel told Hagar to go back and submit to Sarah and promised that her son, Ishmael, would be the father of a great nation. When the "angel" disappeared, Hagar "called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me" (verse 13). It appears Hagar recognized that the "angel of the Lord" who had spoken to her was really God. But keep reading; it gets clearer!
Abraham
God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on mount Moriah. Just as he was about to plunge the dagger into his son of promise, the angel of the Lord stopped him. "And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, 'Abraham, Abraham:' and he said, 'Here am I.' And he said, 'Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me'" (Genesis 22:11, 12).
It is clear that Abraham was offering his son to God and not to a mere angel. "And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, 'By myself have I sworn,' saith the Lord, 'for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, … because thou hast obeyed my voice'" (Genesis 22:15-18). In recounting this experience of Abraham in Acts 3:25, Peter also identifies this "angel of the Lord" who made a covenant with the Patriarch as God.
Jacob
While fleeing from his angry brother Esau, Jacob had a dream in which God confirmed the covenant of Abraham to him. After receiving assurance that God would be with him and bring him back safely to his home in Canaan, Jacob vowed to return to God a tithe of all his increase. He set up the stone he had been using for a pillow and anointed it with oil to solemnize his vow. Then he named the place Bethel, or house of God, since God had appeared to him there.
Twenty years later, Jacob was on his way back home, not a penniless fugitive, but a wealthy man. God decided to remind Jacob who had really brought him success. Here's how Jacob recounted the story: "And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I" (Genesis 31:11). In verse 13, this "angel of God" identifies Himself: "I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me."
Then, when Jacob wrestled with a heavenly being (Genesis 32:22-32), he was given a new name and blessed him. Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" (verse 30). In the New Testament, Jesus is the one who blesses His people and gives them a new name (Matthew 5:3-12; Revelation 2:17).
As you can see, it is becoming increasingly clear that the angel of the Lord is Jesus Himself. When Jacob was on his deathbed blessing Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, he used the terms "angel" and "God" interchangeably. "God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads" (Genesis 48:15, 16).
The Scriptures are very clear there is neither a redeemer nor savior but God. "I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior; Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer" (Isaiah 43:11, 14). Once again we see that the angel who redeemed Jacob is another name for our Redeemer, Jesus!
Moses
Moses saw a burning bush that was not consumed. "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Exodus 3:2). Verse 4 identifies this angel: "God called unto him out of the midst of the bush." And in verse 6 He identifies Himself again. "I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." The angel of the Lord identifies Himself as God!
In his last sermon before he was stoned to death, Stephen agrees with the Exodus account. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Acts 7:30-32).
Israel
In another instance, the children of Israel were led through the wilderness by God. "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night" (Exodus 13:21). Moses later describes this being that led them this way: "And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them" (Exodus 14:19). Again, "the angel of God" is identified as God.
Balaam
The angel of the Lord again figures prominently in the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. It is this angel who saves the donkey from her merciless master and nearly kills the covetous prophet, who is on his way to curse God's people (Numbers 22:21-35). After Balaam's close brush with death, "the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shall speak" (verse 35). The next chapter reveals who put the words in the prophet's mouth: "And God met Balaam: … And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak" (Numbers 23:4, 5). Here again, "the angel of the Lord" turns out to be God Himself.
Judges
Now let's move on to the book of Judges, where we read, "And an 'angel of the LORD' came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you" (2:1). By now we should recognize a pattern. Just who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and made the covenant with Israel that He would never break—the angel of the Lord or pre-incarnate son of GOD Himself Yes! The answer is both, one and the same.
Gideon
Gideon has an encounter with the angel of the Lord in the book of Judges. The angel tells Gideon that the Lord is with him. Gideon points to the oppression of Israel by the Midianites as evidence to the contrary. "And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee" (Judges 6:14). Throughout the rest of the narrative, the person speaking to Gideon is identified interchangeably as the Lord, the angel of the Lord, and the angel of God.
Manoah
Samson's mother, the wife of Manoah, was barren. "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman" (Judges 13:3). This angel told her she would bear a son who would deliver the apostate Israelites from their heathen oppressors. She quickly called Manoah, who prayed for another visit from the "man of God." When the angel came the second time, Manoah asked him his name. The King James says that the angel told Manoah that his name was "Secret," with a margin notation that translates it as "Wonderful." This immediately makes us think of Isaiah's familiar prophecy that Jesus would be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). The name "Wonderful" for the angel of the Lord who appeared to Manoah connects this "angel" with the coming Messiah who was to be called "Wonderful."
Once again, after seeing this "Wonderful messenger," Manoah declared they had seen God. And Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" (Judges 13:22).
No One has Seen the Father
Suddenly we have more leads than we can follow! We can clearly see that "angel of the Lord" is frequently identified to be God Himself. But the Bible states, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). John 6:46 also tells us, "Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father." Obviously, since no man has seen God the Father, all of these Old Testament sightings of God as the "angel of the Lord" must have been Jesus, God the Son, veiling His glory so they could endure His presence without being consumed.
The Angel of the Covenant
One of the most famous messianic prophecies is found in Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts."
The messenger of the covenant spoken of here in Malachi is clearly a reference to the advent of Jesus Christ. The word translated as messenger (mal'ak) is the same exact word used in the previous Old Testament passages translated as angel of the Lord. So this would also be a proper translation: "Behold, I will send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the angel of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. What could be clearer?
Rebuking the Accuser
There is one more important reference in which the angel of the Lord appears in the Old Testament. The prophet Zechariah was given a vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan is standing at his right hand to resist him. Here we see two adversaries contending over a sinful human being. Joshua's filthy garment symbolizes his sin. (Zechariah 3:3).
In this narrative, the name changes quickly from "the angel of the Lord" (verse 1) to "the Lord" (verse 2), indicating again that they are the same. Then the Lord makes an interesting statement. "And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan" (Zechariah 3:2). There is only one other place in Scripture, Jude 9, where this sentence is found—and Michael the archangel speaks it!
In the short epistle of Jude, we witness a vignette similar to Joshua and the angel in Zechariah. "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" (Jude 1:9). The situations are amazingly parallel: Christ and Satan are contending over the fate of two of God’s great human leaders (a living one in the case of Joshua, and a dead one in the case of Moses). The debate is ended abruptly when Jesus says, "The Lord rebuke thee."
This passage raises another valid question. Some people are confused by part of this verse in Jude 1:9 where Michael rebukes the devil. They wonder: If Michael is really another name for Jesus, then why does he invoke the name of the Lord when rebuking Satan Why not do it Himself as He did when tempted in the wilderness. "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan" (Matthew 4:10).
In studying the Scriptures and language of Jesus, we quickly see it was a very common practice for Jesus to speak of Himself in the second person, as in Luke 18:8: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth" And if there is still any lingering question, we have this other clear Scripture in Zechariah 3:2, where the Lord does the same thing Michael does in Jude. He invokes His own name when rebuking the devil. "And the LORD said to Satan, 'The LORD rebuke you, Satan!'" Perhaps these Scriptures are examples of God the Son, appealing to the name of His Father in rebuking Satan.
Michael the Prince
Michael is mentioned more in Daniel than in any other book in Scripture. (See Daniel 10:13; 10:21; 12:1.) In all three references, He is called a prince—your prince and the great prince. Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6) reveals oneof the key names he says that would apply to the Messiah is "Prince of Peace."
There is another verse in Daniel 8:25 where the "Prince of princes" is mentioned. Again, the cosmic conflict is being played out with Christ on one side and the devil on the other, with humanity serving as the battlefield. "Prince of princes" is actually the same term that is translated "prince of the host" in verse 11. This is similar to "Lord of lords" (Psalm 136:3), "God of gods" (Deuteronomy 10:17), and "King of kings" (Revelation 19:16). All these are titles of deity. He is even referred to as "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25).
Who is this being that the angels call the Great Prince Let's let the Bible tell us.
Isaiah 9:6: "And his name shall be called …The Prince of Peace."
Acts 3:14, 15: "But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and … killed the Prince of life."
Acts 5:30, 31: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour."
Revelations 1:5: "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."
These verses clearly echo with three verses in Daniel in which Michael is called a "prince."
Is Michael Only One of Many
Daniel 10:13 is probably the most difficult verse regarding Michael: "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." It appears at first glance that Michael is only "one of" the chief princes. This is an unfortunate translation in the King James. The word "one" comes from the Hebrew word "echad," which is also frequently translated as "first," as in the president's wife being called "first lady." (See Genesis 1:5; 8:13.) This changes the whole meaning of the verse to Michael being first of, greatest or highest of, to the chief of princes—again a reference to Jesus. The prince of the kingdom of Persia who withstood the angel was no doubt the devil who frequently appears working in the shadow of earthly monarchs such as the king of Babylon, the king of Tyre, and the Roman power (Isaiah 14:4, Ezekiel 28:2, Revelation 12:4). And remember that Jesus calls Satan "the prince of this world" (John 12:31).
Daniel 10:21 says, "But I will show 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." Notice here that the angel refers to Michael as your Prince. Who was Daniel’s prince In the previous chapter, we see the answer. In Daniel 9:25, Daniel’s Messiah is called the prince, which is another clear indication of Michael’s identity! So Gabriel is saying that Michael the archangel is Jesus, who knows all the truth of Scripture.
Michael Stands Up
The final reference to Michael in Daniel is in chapter 12: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people." Notice here that Michael is not called a great prince but "the great prince." Is there any prince greater then Jesus He is also identified as the one who "standeth for the children of thy people." This means that He intercedes, defends and even stands as a substitute. Who could this be other then Jesus
Commenting on this verse, Matthew Henry states: "Michael signifies, 'Who is like God,' and his name, with the title of 'the great Prince,' points out the Divine Savior. Christ stood for the children of our people in their stead as a sacrifice, bore the curse for them, to bear it from them. He stands for them in pleading for them at the throne of grace." Jesus is clearly the one who always stands in our place and for our defense.
Michael standing up is also a reference to the Lord preparing to come. Notice that Michael is so exalted and powerful, his standing launches the great time of trouble. This in turn is followed by the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection (Daniel 12:2).
The Voice of Michael
If we isolate and examine the word "archangel," we see another interesting match. The only other passage in the Bible that uses the word "archangel" is 1 Thessalonians 4:16. And note its context: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." It is the voice of the archangel that raises the dead in Christ, and the Lord Himself who shouts it. This indicates that they are one and the same. Jesus is the one who shouts with the voice of the archangel, or "greatest messenger," to raise the dead!
Obviously, angels don't have the power to resurrect the dead. Only God who gives life has the power to restore it. "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. … Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth" (John 5:26, 28, 29).
In Jude, we see the archangel contending with the devil for the body of Moses, who, incidentally, was resurrected and taken to heaven from whence he appeared on the mount of transfiguration to encourage Christ (Mark 9). In 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul describes the resurrection as happening in response to the voice of the archangel. Again we see the parallel between these two verses; both describe the archangel in the act of resurrecting.
Worshiping the Commander
In Revelation, Michael is portrayed as leading the heavenly hosts, or armies, in the war against the rebellious Lucifer that took place. "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels" (Revelation 12:7). Here the term "dragon" is a symbolic name for Satan, the leader of evil (verse 9), so it is very safe to assume that Michael is another emblematic name for Jesus, the embodiment and leader of good. But there is more evidence.
Just as Israel was preparing for its first battle after crossing into the Promised Land, Joshua had an encounter with an unusual warrior. "And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:13-15). Not only did Joshua worship this being, but the heavenly captain received his worship. If he had been a mere angel, he would have rebuked Joshua just like the angel rebuked John for trying to worship him (see Revelation 19:10; 22:8, 9).
In each case in which the angel of the Lord accepts worship, it is clearly the Son of God. But where regular, created angels are worshiped, they refuse it! Even Jesus reminded Satan in the wilderness, "For it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Luke 4:8).
In fact, all the created angels are commanded to worship Jesus as they did during His first advent. "And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him" (Hebrews 1:6). The devil is infuriated because he knows that someday even he will be compelled to acknowledge Jesus as king and worship Him. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10, 11).
Notice the striking connection that even Paul makes between an angel of God and Jesus. "You received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus" (Galatians 4:14). The phrase "Lord of hosts" appears 245 times in the Bible, and it refers to the "commander of God's angelic army." So the "captain of the Lord's host" that Joshua saw was not an angel, but Jesus Himself. That explains why He demanded that Joshua remove his shoes. The place was holy because Jesus was there, just as Jesus' presence at the burning bush made that ground holy for Moses. So Michael, the captain of the Lord's host, or army, is another title for Jesus.
Who is as God!
When Philip asks Jesus to show the disciples the Father, Christ responded: "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). Some think that God's Son waited 4,000 years to personally intervene in the affairs of man. Not so! Though it is true that the incarnation occurred 4,000 years after man's fall, God the Son has been personally involved in the history and affairs of His people. This is why Jesus said; "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56). Jesus appeared personally to Abraham when the Patriarch interceded for Lot (Genesis 18:26).
What a wonderful truth that Jesus, God's eternal Son, has ever been actively occupied in watching over, providing for, and protecting His children! He spoke face to face with Abraham and Moses and wrestled with Jacob. He led the Israelites through the wilderness, providing food and water and victory against their enemies.
Remember that the title "Michael the archangel" means "The greatest messenger who is as God." It was Jesus, "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), who brought the greatest message of hope, the gospel, to our perishing world!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we see this majestic and mysterious being, sometimes called Michael, sometimes the angel of the Lord, sometimes the commander of the Lord’s army, veiling His divinity and appearing in the form of a humble angel. Yet this same enigmatic being has the power, authority and attributes that belong only to God. He evicts the devil from heaven; He resurrects the dead; He intercedes for the saints; He judges and then stands, launching the great time of trouble. He redeems the saints and receives their worship. He offers us a new name.
Now you may know who Michael is, but the devil knows too, and it won't save him. The big question is: Do you know Him as Jesus your personal Lord and savior?
You can now if you ask Him.
DOUG BATCHELOR
The Observer
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