There are many Angels which serve the Lord at any given instance. Exactly how many? No one can be sure, but the Bible tells us that there are a "multitude" of Angels, that there are "...thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand" (Rev.5:11). Of course, this is also under debate like everything else, since there are those who try to guess the exact number. Even with these vast numbers, there is apparently organization among the heavenly ranks. Theologians have ranked the Angels into 3 orders of Angels consisting of 3 categories each. This total of 9 groupings of Angels break down like this: The 1st order consists of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The 2nd order consists of Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. The 3rd order consists of Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Though we know there are hierarchies in Heaven through Scripture, it does not clearly tells us which arrangements there are. The main occupation of these celestrial beings is serving God. Then, they carry out other duties as assigned. They appear to men on Earth although this is not as common, as Angels do not draw attention to themselves, but to God only. What is much more common is that they carry out their duties mostly unseen. These Angels minister and protect. Though most people see them as kind, kindred spirits, they are also the instruments in carrying out terrible judgements decreed by God. These particular "judgement Angels" are quite frightful indeed and should not be taken lightly. Remember, the main job of any Angel is to minister to God and his will.

Angels have rank in their organizations, and with it, they have specific duties to perform. Only three proper names of and Angel appear in the Bible. Those are the names of Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer. Michael and Lucifer's rankings are mentioned, indicating that they have high rank. Michael, in Jude 9, showed respect for Lucifer's "rank" by simply stating, "The Lord rebuke you!" This may even indicate that though both have high ranking, Lucifer's ranking may have been higher than Michael's at one time, and so Michael calls for the highest authority in the Lord to deal with Satan.

Cherubim, and next, Seraphim, apparently come from the highest class of heavenly beings. Some think that they may not be Angels at all, but may come from an entirely different class altogether. They are never called "Angels" in the Bible. Cherubim barred Adam and Eve from ever returning to the Garden of Eden with flaming swords (Gen. 3:24). These beings had wings along with the Seraphim, who have 6 wings each (Is. 6:2). They seem to represent God's glory along with the Cherubim. These highest of the classes never deliver messages and is probably the reason they are not called "Angels". Michael, in military standards, seems to be the commander of the heavenly armies who is under the authority of God. Gabriel is seen as the highest ranking messenger. Other Angels are identified by what they do specifically. They deliver messages and protect from harm. They defend and fight battles. There are Angels of the seven churches, Angels of the waters, Angels of judgement, Angel "watchers", Angel escorts, and ministering Angels in all sorts of ways.

I think it is important in this study to include what Angels can not do. Angels do not and can not call God "Father". They cannot preach the Gospel to men. Only men preach to other men as Angels have never had the need for Redemption. Angels can not be redeemed. They can not dwell in a mans heart as only the Holy Spirit does that. Even though Angels have free will, they do not act on their own wills, but only on the will of God. Angels appear as men but never "turn into" men. Men do not "turn into" Angels. I have seen television programs and read books that suggest that men (and women) can become Angels after death. This is not true. Hebrews 12:22-23 tells us that there is a difference between Angels and "spirits of righteous men made perfect". Angels can not judge men, but only carry out God's judgement on men. It is men who will judge Angels someday (1 Cor. 6:3). I already touched on Angels not being able to be omnipresent. Those who believe the Devil is omnipresent is mistaken. He was and still has the nature of an angelic being and therefore has their limitations too. That's why he needs the help of the fallen Angels to tempt as many as he can. Angels never command worship, as the fallen ones do, but point all worship to God.

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