Mary's Angelic Encounter in the Bible

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INTRODUCTION The Bible contains many stories of people having an encounter with angels. An encounter alludes to an unexpected meeting. The word “angel” is a transliteration from the Hebrew word “mal’ak” in the Old Testament (Strong’s H4397) and the Greek word “angelos” in the New Testament (Strong’s G32). Both words mean “messenger” and describes one who executes the plan and will of the person whom they serve. God created an innumerable quantity of angels. For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. (Colossians 1:16, AMP) Angels are not infinite. They are created beings from a point in time. For example, in Job, the angels shouted for joy when God laid the foundation of the earth. (Job 38:7) This proves the angels were created after God created the heavens and before He created the earth. The Bible infers that the angels were created holy and then they were put on probation. God is holy and made all beings with a stamp of His holiness. There were angels that did not keep their first estate of holiness. This infers that the angels must have been holy to have fallen. (Jude 1:6) The term “elect” in First Timothy Chapter 5 verse 21 implies a probationary period. The angels who did not pass probation are called fallen angels. They stand in opposition to God’s work and plan. The holy angels kept their first estate by walking in perfect obedience to God’s will. For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the S... ... middle of paper ... ... call to be His servant. Embedded in Mary’s decision was the full awareness that she would suffer ridicule, contempt, and loneliness. Works Cited DiPietro, Dr. Janet. “Introduction to Angelology.” Lecture, Faith Christian University, Orlando, FL, January 2014. https://fcu.populiweb.com/internal/education/onlinelearning/lesson.php?instanceID=3694467&lessonID=1206507 Holy Bible. Amplified Bible. Johnson, Pastor Guevara. “TITLE” Sermon, Interdenominational Faith Assembly, Baton Rouge, LA, January DD, 2014. MacArthur, John. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2002. Rudd, Steve. “The Three Stage Ritual of Bible Marriages.” http://www.bible.ca/marriage/ancient-jewish-three-stage-weddings-and-marriage-customs-ceremony-in-the-bible.htm (accessed January 25, 2014).

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