From time to time God has sent an angel to bear specific messages or perform timely works for certain people, but we seldom read of angels that remain for long periods of time with an individual. For instance, we find God sending an angel to speak to Mary. Evidently Mary did not have an angel on hand to speak to her immediately: “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27).
Repeatedly we find in the OT God sending angels to speak to his prophets. God sent an angel to guide Moses through the desert (Exodus 23:20). God sent an angel to hold the mouths of the lions lest they eat Daniel (Daniel 6:22). He sent another angel when Daniel prayed fervently. Several times angels were sent to punish Israel with death (1 Chronicles 21:15). Angels were sent to Mary, Joseph, and Zacharias to tell them about the coming of the Christ child (Luke 1:30, Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:11). Their being sent implies that Mary and the others were not already accompanied by any angels.
Based on the earlier verses, what doctrines of a guardian angel does the Bible develop? None. None of the angel visits were for the purpose of lifelong companionship with humans. Yet people usually claim the following verse supports the idea of guardian angels: “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). Yet there are no doctrines about guardian angels in that verse. We know only that certain angels are looking at God. If they are looking at God, then they are in heaven, not on earth. Perhaps they are looking to God in a state of alertness, ready to act on his orders. We don’t have enough scriptural support to develop this further.
(Some Christians think they have a good angel on one shoulder and a bad angel on the other. Scripture does not support this view, but it does support the idea of internal fighting between the flesh and the Spirit.)
Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are to minister to us, although it stops short of telling us that they are always with us: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” If the OT is any guide, any angels who minister to us would be sent by God at special times to do their work, then depart.
Many have taken comfort in the idea of angels taking care of them: “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psalms 34:7). Frequently, the phrase “the angel of the LORD” is speaking of the presence of God on earth. Scriptural teaches the idea of God dwelling in those who obey him (John 14:20-23), and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (John 14:17).
Do we have a guardian angel? Scripture does not tell us that a particular angel has been assigned to us. However, we do know that God has sent angels to help his people in particularly trying times. Even better yet, we have the Holy Spirit, a member of the Godhead himself, dwelling in his people at all times!
What Do You Think?
a. Do you still believe in guardian angels after reading the above? If yes, why?
b. Why do people believe in guardian angels?
