MAYSVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST
QUESTION: Preacher, what does the Bible teach about “Guardian Angels”?
ANSWER: The Bible contains no teaching about “guardian angels.” The term has been coined by uninspired men. The belief that each person has a specially selected “angel” to watch over them is not found in God’s Word.
Some suggest children have “guardian angels” on the basis of Christ’s words: “See 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 who is in heaven” (Matt. 18:10). Some advocate that the “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1:13) are “guardian angels”, and others appeal to the words of Paul: “For there stood by me this night an angel of God to whom I belong and whom I serve” (Acts 27:23). None of these are identified as “guardian angels.”
An angel appeared to Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:26-ff); and to Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10:3-ff). These miraculous events involved God’s messengers doing His bidding. Angels of God did not, and do not direct, control, or overrule the free agency of man. If you have a “guardian angel” does he protect you from illness, accidents, or a violent death? Some of the finest Christians we know have and do suffer from such things frequently.
If you have a “guardian angel” and he directs you to do something contrary to God’s Word, then what will you do? A so-called angel, Moroni, supposedly directed Joseph Smith to give a message contrary to the Gospel of Christ. Paul warned that if “an angel from heaven, preach another gospel to you than what we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).
If you have a “guardian angel” and I do not (or vice-versa), would this not make God to be a respecter of persons? Peter, an inspired apostle said: “In truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). This assertion has put Scripture in conflict with both reason and revelation. This doctrine of men is just as dangerous as the doctrine that the Holy Spirit operates on the heart of men, separate and apart from the Word. The Holy Spirit uses “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).
Please know that a warm and cordial welcome awaits you at all services at the Maysville church of Christ, located at the corner of Main and Ash. We worship God each Lord’s Day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer Bible classes for all ages on Sunday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Your Bible questions are welcome by calling (405) 867-4807, by mail at PO Box 562 in Maysville, 73057, or personal e-mail: jessandterr@yahoo.com. We offer a free Bible Correspondence Course with no obligation to you. Come and worship with us this Lord’s Day as our honored guest.