Moving on to Chapter 5 of the book Angels, by Dr. David Jeremiah, he writes about something John Calvin believed and taught. This is a long quote, but it’s important.
“God employs angels simply as ‘a help to our weakness,’ in order to ‘elevate our hopes or strengthen our confidence.’ Calvin admits that God’s offer of his own personal protection ought to be enough for us. He says it’s ‘improper’ for us ‘still to look round for help.’ He adds, however, that if God in his ‘infinite goodness and indulgence’ chooses to provide angels for our weakness, ‘it would ill become us to overlook the favor.’ His conclusion reflects the teaching of Hebrews 1:14, a verse we keep coming back to: Angels are ‘ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.’ Angels are here for us.”
Perhaps They Were Created for Fellowship Too
It’s easy to think of angels as purely functional — messengers, warriors, protectors — but Scripture also points to a relational aspect of their creation. Perhaps they were made for fellowship and worship with God, just like us.
But just like humanity, some didn’t stay holy. We see this in the rebellion of Lucifer, once a radiant being who sought worship for himself instead of the Creator.
Tom Horn and Timothy Alberino suggest that humans are the younger brothers in God’s family — that the angelic realm came first, and that we were created later to share in the same divine fellowship. Derek Gilbert even connects this to the parable of the prodigal son — that humanity’s story mirrors a long estrangement and return to the Father’s household. (Is this something you’d like me to explain and discuss?)
Hebrews 1:14 tells us what angels do: All angels are spirits who serve. God sends them to serve those who will receive salvation.
But that leads to a deeper question: were they created as servants to man, or assigned that role after the fall? Were they always meant to be part of God’s work on behalf of humanity, or did their mission shift when we entered the picture?
For example, the Watchers had no one to watch over until man was created. Does this mean that they were called the Watchers after man was created? Were they created for something else, then assigned that role?
Or does it imply that God’s plan for angels was always intertwined with His plan for us — a shared purpose that reveals His heart for relationship, order, and redemption? Of course the Bible doesn’t tell us, and we would be wise to remain focused on Jesus and not on the creation.
Romans 1:25 – They chose a lie instead of the truth about God. They worshiped and served created things. They didn’t worship the Creator. But he must be praised forever. Amen.
Now I’m not saying that angelic beings are a lie - just pointing out that the crux of this verse is to worship the Creator God - not ANY part of the creation - either the earth, or the sky, or nature - or heavenly beings!
Servants or Partners in God’s Plan?
And that brings me to another area where this distinction matters — the way some traditions call on saints or angels for help. Let’s take a closer look at what Scripture actually says about intercession and worship.
Scripture couldn’t be clearer — God never permits us to reach across the veil to seek guidance or help from the dead. Communication, intercession, and authority all belong to Him alone.
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 – Don’t let anyone among you offer their son or daughter as a sacrifice in the fire. Don’t let anyone try to learn what will happen in the future by using magic. Don’t let them explain dreams or try to find out what will happen in the future or use spells. Don’t let anyone try to get messages from those who have died. The Lord hates anyone who does these things.
Some traditions — especially within Catholicism — teach that we can petition saints for help, almost as if invoking those who have gone before us. I’m a huge proponent of spiritual warfare. As I’ve said before, I don’t look for a demon under every rock, but I also recognize the battle we’re in. The enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they can have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way.
In Catholic exorcism rites, the priest will often ask the demon’s name, what purpose God originally gave it, and who its enemy is in Heaven. Then they call upon a particular saint to aid in the battle.
I struggle with this, because it seems to contradict what Deuteronomy 18 forbids. I haven’t spoken to a priest about this firsthand, so I won’t speculate or condemn — but it’s worth examining.
Adrian Rogers once addressed a similar misunderstanding. Someone accused him of “praying to Satan” when he said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Rogers quipped, “I tell my cat to get off the table — that doesn’t mean I’m praying to the cat.”
Maybe that’s the distinction. Perhaps “calling on the saints” is more like speaking about them than to them — an acknowledgment that they’re alive in God’s presence and may be used by Him for His purposes. I don’t know for sure. If you have insight, share it in the comments or reach out!
Either way, I deeply respect those who take spiritual warfare seriously. They boldly confront the enemy and proclaim the power of Jesus’ name. I think we Baptists could learn a lot from that.
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