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In the sequence of God’s creation, God first created time and space, the fabric of creation. Second, he created heaven, the place where he established the temporary seat of his throne within his own creation. Third, he created the angels, who inhabit and live with God in heaven (Mark 13:32). Fourth, after he created the angels, God continued to create the rest of the heavens (the fullness of space) and the earth, all while the angels watched him, rejoicing as he created the earth (Job 38:4–7).

The Sons of God

The angels were created to inhabit heaven—heaven is their home. They were created to serve. They, like you and I, were created in God’s image, since in the Old Testament they are called “the sons of God” (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Gen 6:1 NKJV). Though they are created in God’s image, unlike us, they were not created in his likeness (Gen 1:26).

In the entire time span between Adam and Jesus Christ, no human being is ever called a “son of God.” We know very clearly from Luke 3:38 that Adam was the son of God, and we know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Apart from that, no other human being between Adam and Jesus Christ is ever called a son of God. Also, in the Old Testament, no human being ever calls God “Father.”

After Jesus’ Resurrection, when a human being believes in Jesus Christ, they become “born again” (1 Pet 1:23), born of the Holy Spirit, and at that point they are born a “son of God” (Rom 8:14, 19; 9:26). As a result, we see then that Adam was the created son of God, Jesus Christ is the begotten Son of God, and Christians are the adopted sons of God (Rom 8:15). These three uses of the term “sons of God” as applied to human beings occurs only in the New Testament. The term “sons of God,” when used in the Old Testament, refers solely to the angelic beings of heaven.

The Nature of Angels

As sons of God, angels, like you and I, have bodies and physicality, though theirs is a different kind of physicality than the flesh-and-bone physicality of human beings. As sons of God, they also have will, intelligence, emotion, and personality, and they can choose between good and evil—like us, they are moral beings. Unlike you and I, angels were not born, they were created:

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

Praise him in the heights!

Praise him, all his angels;

Praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon;

Praise him, all you stars of light!

Praise him, you heavens of heavens,

And you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

For he commanded and they were created.

(Ps 148:1–5 NKJV)

The angels were not created one at a time, but were created en masse as a great host (Ps 148:5), seemingly innumerable:

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels. (Heb 12:22 NKJV)

A fiery stream issued, and came forth from before him. A thousand thousands ministered to him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. (Dan 7:10 NKJV)

Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! (Ps 148:2 NKJV)

Throughout the Bible, the angels always appear only as male, never as female. All angelic beings were created perfect, holy, and good.

Ranks of Angels

Although God created an innumerable number of angelic beings, angels are not all the same, for they differ in terms of rank, power, wisdom, and function. The entire angelic host is ordered as a hierarchy, ranging from the greatest, most powerful, and wisest heavenly beings, to the least powerful. There are a total of nine angelic ranks outlined in the Bible.

The First Angelic Rank—The Cherubim

Cherubim (the plural of cherub) are the greatest and highest angelic rank. These are the most powerful and most intelligent angelic beings, and they are almost always associated with God’s throne and with his glory:

And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim.” (2 Kgs 19:15 NIV)

So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. (1 Sam 4:4 NIV)

. . . whose name is called by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. (2 Sam 6:2 NIV; also Ps 80:1; 99:1; Isa 37:16)

Cherubim were also stationed to guard the tree of life in Eden after Adam was driven out of the garden, driven out in an act of love, mercy, and compassion from God (Gen 3:24).

Cherubim were also placed on the ark of the covenant, to cover and to view the mercy seat, where the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled (Exod 25). Cherubim were also part of the artistic design of the Tabernacle (Exod 36–37). Additionally, both Ezekiel 1:4–28 and 10:1–17 specifically describe God’s throne as sitting both upon and between the Cherubim. The Cherubim have a physical connection to the throne of God.

The Second Angelic Rank—The Seraphim

Seraphim are the second-greatest rank, and their name means “burning ones.” Seraphim are mentioned in the Bible only once, in Isaiah 6:1–7. They are described as having six wings and as being above the throne of God.

The Third Angelic Rank—Thrones

Thrones (or Ophanim) are the third-highest rank (Col 1:16)

The Fourth Angelic Rank—Dominions

Dominions are the fourth-highest rank (Col 1:16 NKJV; NASB; Eph 1:21)

The Fifth Angelic Rank—Principalities

Principalities are the fifth-highest rank (Col 1:16 NKJV; Eph 6:12; Rom 8:38 NKJV; Col 2:15 KJV; Eph 1:21 NKJV).

The Sixth Angelic Rank—Powers

Powers are the sixth-highest rank (Col 1:16 NKJV; Eph 6:12; Romans 8:38; Col 2:15 KJV; Eph 1:21 NKJV)

The Seventh Angelic Rank—Rulers

Rulers are the seventh-highest rank (Luke 12:11 NASB; Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; Eph 3:10; 6:2, 12; Titus 3:1 NKJV)

The Eighth Angelic Rank—Authorities

Authorities are the eighth-highest rank (Luke 12:11 NASB; Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; Eph3:10; 6:2; 1 Pet 3:22; Titus 3:1 NKJV)

The Ninth Angelic Rank—Angels

Angels are the ninth-highest rank—these are God’s messengers to mankind.

In some rankings of the angelic hierarchy, Seraphim are described as the highest angelic rank, while Cherubim are listed as second. There seems to be no biblical basis to list the Seraphim above the Cherubim. The Cherubim are specifically connected with the very throne of God, with God’s throne described as being physically between the Cherubim as well as physically sitting upon them—there is a physical connection between God’s throne and the Cherubim. The Seraphim are described as being above God’s throne, in flight above and around it, so while the Seraphim still have a connection to God’s throne, it is not the same intimate physical connection the Cherubim are described as having.

In addition, the presence of the Cherubim on the ark of the covenant signifies their intimate connection with God’s plan of forgiveness and salvation, and their presence guarding the tree of life, which is a profound task, signifies their position of highest power. Also, Lucifer is described as being of the Cherubim rank (Ezek 28:14). As a result, there is strong reason to list the Cherubim as the highest angelic rank, and the Seraphim as the second-highest rank.

In some listings of the angelic ranks, one of the ranks is listed as Virtues. This is a matter of translation, but the rank of Virtues corresponds to the rank of Dominions, and, as a matter of translation, Virtues is interchangeable with Dominions.

The Ordering of the Lower Angelic Ranks

Cherubim, Seraphim, and thrones are the three highest angelic ranks, and this is agreed upon by virtually all listings of the angelic hierarchy. As a guide as to how we are to rank the lower angelic ranks, we can turn to Colossians 1:16:

“For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for him” (NKJV).

In this listing of some of the lower angelic ranks, after thrones, which all rankings agree is the third-highest rank, Paul lists the ranks in order as dominions, principalities, and powers. This gives good reason to list the hierarchy, from thrones downward, as dominions, principalities, and powers, as described in Colossians 1:16. The ranks of rulers and authorities are mentioned numerous times in the New Testament, and always in that same order—rulers and authorities (Eph 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16). As a result, this gives very good reason to rank rulers and authorities in that order, rulers first, and then authorities. The rank of angel is almost universally acknowledged as the lowest rank and is always listed last. Based on various Scriptures, the nine ranks of angels, listed in order from greatest to lowest, are Cherubim, Seraphim, thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, rulers, authorities, angels.

Archangel

In some listings of the angelic hierarchy, the rank of archangel is included and listed as the eighth-highest rank, just above the rank of angel. The term “archangel” appears in the Bible twice:

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thess 4:16 NASB)

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ (Jude 9 NKJV)

In both cases, the term “archangel” is used with the prefix “the,” denoting someone specific. In 1 Thessalonians we are told it is the voice of the archangel, and again in Jude Michael is described as the archangel. As a result, it seems the term “archangel” does not refer to a rank of angel, but rather is a title that is applied specifically to only one angel. Based on Jude 9, there is good reason to understand that only Michael has the title or position of archangel.

Angels Named in the Bible

There are only two specific holy angels named in the Bible, and a third fallen heavenly being.

Gabriel

One of the angels named in the Bible is Gabriel: “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19 NASB, also Luke 1:26; also Dan 8:16; 9:20, 21) In Luke, it is the angel Gabriel who is sent to announce to Mary that she will become pregnant and give birth to the Son of God. Nothing else is told us of Gabriel. However, Gabriel himself specifically tells Mary he stands “in the presence of God.” As a result of that phrase, some are of the opinion Gabriel is a Cherub, since it is always the Cherubim rank that is associated with the throne of God, and by extension, with the presence of God. It would make sense that God would send an angel of the highest rank to announce the birth of his Son to the woman who will bear him, especially since there was an Enemy that could very well try and thwart that mission of announcement (in a similar thwarting action of the enemy as described in Dan 10:13).

Michael

The other holy angel named in the Bible is Michael, and he is mentioned a number of times:

Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. (Dan 10:13 NIV)

However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. (Dan 10:21 NASB)

At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. (Dan 12:1 NIV)

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation . . . (Jude 9 NKJV)

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. (Rev 12:7–8 NIV)

The descriptions of Michael show him to be a powerful angel, with great responsibilities.

In Daniel 10:2–13, we are told Daniel was visited by an angel who was sent to explain the vision of God given to Daniel. The angel also tells Daniel he, the angel, was sent to Daniel on the first day he, Daniel, set himself to understand the vision, which we are told in Daniel 10:2 was three weeks prior to that. This angel then tells Daniel that as he, the angel, was traveling to reach Daniel, he was “withstood” by a fallen angel, described as a “prince of the kingdom of Persia” (Dan 10:13), who withstood the holy angel for twenty-one days. At that time, Michael came to his aid and defeated the fallen angel who was withstanding Daniel’s messenger. In the description given by the holy messenger angel, he describes Michael as “one of the chief princes” (Dan 10:13). This signifies that Michael, as a “chief prince,” is an angel of high rank.

We are also told Michael is “the great prince who protects your people” (Dan 12:1), with Michael again being described as “your prince” (Dan 10:21). In both cases, Michael is described as being the special protector of the nation of Judah, the Jews, Daniel’s people, and most likely, by extension, of all Israel, in which regard he is also referred to specifically in Daniel 12:1 as “the great prince.” Also, the term “the great prince,” rather than “a great prince” seems to signify Michael is perhaps of a unique rank and position in heaven. This is also further supported by the description of Michael as “the archangel” (Jude 9).

We are told in Revelation 12:7–8 that “war broke out in heaven, and that Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.” This is a clear description that Michael was involved in the casting out of Lucifer and the rebel angels from heaven. Also, we are told here it was “Michael and his angels,” which seems to signify Michael has authority over other angels, and is certainly an authority over the heavenly host, or the angelic heavenly army, being in effect a General of the heavenly armies. Also, in Jude 9, we are told Michael personally disputed with Satan and defeated him.

Taken together, these descriptions of Michael show him to be an angel of the highest rank, almost certainly of the Cherubim rank, described as “the great prince,” as “the archangel,” as Protector of Israel and Judah, as the leader of the heavenly armies, and as being personally involved in defeating Satan.

Lucifer/Satan

There is one other angelic name mentioned in the Bible—Lucifer. It is mentioned in Isaiah 14:12. “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!” (NKJV). A number of modern translations do not translate the name “Lucifer” here; rather, they translate it as follows: “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” (NIV).

In this rendering, Lucifer is translated as “morning star.” However, numerous traditional and standard translations, including the King James Version, the New King James Version, the Geneva Bible, the Living Bible, the Modern English Version, the Wycliffe Bible, specifically translate this as “Lucifer,” and this, in fact, has been the traditional translation of Isaiah 14:12.

The name Lucifer means “light-bearer,” and in Christian tradition, and throughout church history, Lucifer is the heavenly being who incited and then led the angelic rebellion against God (Isa 14:12, Rev 12:3–4). This angelic rebellion is the same event described in Revelation 12:7–8, whose conclusion shows Michael and his angels defeating the angelic rebellion, with the rebel angels being cast out of heaven and thrown down to the earth. Upon being cast out of heaven, Lucifer’s name is changed to “Satan,” which means “the Accuser.” His name is changed to Satan not only because he is the accuser of man (Rev 12:10), but even more so because he accuses God of faithlessness and injustice. The name Satan appears often throughout the Bible, and he is described as the leader of the fallen angels and of the powers of darkness (Eph 2:2), and he is also called the devil (Rev 12:9), the serpent, and the dragon (Rev 20:2). Among the nine ranks of angels, among the entire created heavenly host, the Bible also makes clear Lucifer was God’s greatest created heavenly being.