Angels
by Ellen White
The heavenly host are filled with an intense desire to work through human agencies to
restore in man the moral image of God. They are ready and waiting to do this work. 1888
1764
Here we look at the cross of Calvary. What has made us look at it? Christ is drawing
us. Angels of God are in this world, at work upon human minds, and the man is drawn to the
One who uplifts him, and the One who uplifts him draws him to repentance. It is not work
of his own; there is nothing that he can do that is of any value at all except to believe.
1888 344
I have been shown the order, the perfect order, of heaven, and have been enraptured as
I listened to the perfect music there. After coming out of vision, the singing here has
sounded very harsh and discordant. I have seen companies of angels, who stood in a hollow
square, everyone having a harp of gold. At the end of the harp was an instrument to turn
to set the harp or change the tunes. Their fingers did not sweep over the strings
carelessly, but they touched different strings to produce different sounds. There is one
angel who always leads, who first touches the harp and strikes the note, then all join in
the rich, perfect music of heaven. It cannot be described. It is melody, heavenly, divine,
while from every countenance beams the image of Jesus, shining with glory unspeakable. 1T
146
Those who in the strength of Christ overcome the great enemy of God and man, will
occupy a position in the heavenly courts above angels who have never fallen. 6BC 1113 (MS
56, 1899)
The home that is beautified by love, sympathy, and tenderness is a place that angels
love to visit, and where God is glorified. The influence of a carefully guarded Christian
home in the years of childhood and youth is the surest safeguard against the corruptions
of the world. In the atmosphere of such a home the children will learn to love both their
earthly parents and their heavenly Father. AH 19
[A]ttraction of the thoughts to heavenly things cannot be gained without the exercise
of faith in God, and an earnest, humble reliance upon him for that strength and grace
which will be sufficient for every emergency.
Ample provision has been made for all who sincerely, earnestly, and thoughtfully set
about the work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Strength and grace have been
provided through Christ, to be brought by ministering angels to the heirs of salvation.
CTBH 139F (1890)
Ample provision has been made for all who sincerely, earnestly, and thoughtfully set
about the work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Strength and grace have been
provided through Christ, to be brought by ministering angels to the heirs of salvation.
CTBH 140 (1890)
So, in all ages, angels have been near to Christ's faithful followers. The vast
confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would overcome; but Christ would have us
look to the things which are not seen, to the armies of heaven encamped about all who love
God, to deliver them. From what dangers, seen and unseen, we have been preserved through
the interposition of the angels, we shall never know, until in the light of eternity we
see the providences of God. Then we shall know that the whole family of heaven was
interested in the family here below, and that messengers from the throne of God attended
our steps from day to day. DA 240
The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but the
angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall
the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?... Thus saith the
Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save
thy children." Is. 49:24f. DA 259
There will be open to the student, history of infinite scope and of wealth
inexpressible. Here, from the vantage ground of God's word, the student is afforded a view
of the vast field of history and may gain some knowledge of the principles that govern the
course of human events. But his vision is still clouded, and his knowledge incomplete. Not
until he stands in the light of eternity will he see all things clearly.
Then will be opened before him the course of the great conflict that had its birth
before time began, and that ends only when time shall cease. The history of the inception
of sin; of fatal falsehood in its crooked working; of truth that, swerving not from its
own straight lines, has met and conquered error--all will be made manifest. The veil that
interposes between the visible and the invisible world will be drawn aside, and wonderful
things will be revealed.
Not until the providences of God are seen in the light of eternity shall we understand
what we owe to the care and interposition of His angels. Celestial beings have taken an
active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared in garments that shone as the
lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. They have accepted the
hospitalities of human homes; they have acted as guides to benighted travellers. They have
thwarted the spoiler's purpose and turned aside the stroke of the destroyer. ED 304
Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have
been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them. Human ears have listened to their
appeals. In the council hall the court of justice, heavenly messengers have pleaded the
cause of the persecuted and oppressed. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that
would have brought wrong and suffering to God's children. To the students in the heavenly
school, all this will be unfolded. ED 305
Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel
who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and
covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the
shadow of death, who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the
resurrection morning--what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history
of divine interposition in the individual life, of heavenly co-operation in every work for
humanity!
All the perplexities of life's experience will then be made plain. Where to us have
appeared only confusion and disappointment, broken purposes and thwarted plans, will be
seen a grand, overruling, victorious purpose, a divine harmony. ED 305
Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out Jesus from their
view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and thus they
be led to distrust God and murmur against Him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes
directed upward. Angels of God had charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere
of evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually
wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.
As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus
came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did
not participate in this work of agonising and pleading. They seemed indifferent and
careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a
thick cloud. The angels of God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying
ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all
their power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon God
with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I
lost sight of them.
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by
the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans.
This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the
standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony.
They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people.
I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn
testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not
entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it
will obey it and be purified.
Said the angel, "List ye!" Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments
all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever
heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled
through my whole being. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was then turned
to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before
seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them
had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armour from their head to their feet. They
moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe
conflict which they had endured, the agonising struggle they had passed through. Yet their
features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of
heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude
and holy, sacred joy.
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way.
The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation
enough to perseveringly plead and agonise for it, did not obtain it, and they were left
behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the
truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no
power over them. (continues...) EW 269-273 (1)
The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not
willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His
cause. The angel said, "Think ye that any will be compelled to sacrifice? No, no. It
must be a freewill offering. It will take all to buy the field." I cried to God to
spare His people, some of whom were fainting and dying. Then I saw that the judgements of
the Almighty were speedily coming, and I begged of the angel to speak in his language to
the people. Said he, "All the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai would not move
those who will not be moved by the plain truths of the Word of God, neither would an
angel's message awake them." EW 50
As Satan influenced Esau to march against Jacob, so he will stir up the wicked to
destroy God's people in the time of trouble. And as he accused Jacob, he will urge his
accusations against the people of God. He numbers the world as his subjects; but the
little company who keep the commandments of God are resisting his supremacy. If he could
blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. He sees that holy angels are
guarding them, and he infers that their sins have been pardoned; but he does not know that
their cases have been decided in the sanctuary above. He has an accurate knowledge of the
sins which he has tempted them to commit, and he presents these before God in the most
exaggerated light, representing this people to be just as deserving as himself of
exclusion from the favour of God. He declares that the Lord cannot in justice forgive
their sins and yet destroy him and his angels. He claims them as his prey and demands that
they be given into his hands to destroy. GC11 618
Satan brings all his powers to the assault in the last close conflict, and the
endurance of the follower of Christ is taxed to the utmost. At times it seems that he must
yield. But a word of prayer to the Lord Jesus goes like an arrow to the throne of God, and
angels of God are sent to the field of battle...The tide is turned. The wondrous light
that shines in the face of Jesus Christ has stopped the mouth of the cavilling opponents.
HP 297 (MS 53 1905)
Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, that he might be qualified to
represent man in the heavenly courts. He took not on him the nature even of angels. The
highest of all angels, he girded himself with a towel, and washed the feet of his
disciples. MS 111 (OCT.7,97)
He [Christ] was educated under the supervision of heavenly angels. RH FEB.17,1910 (6RH
15)
Heaven's resources are limitless, and they are all at our command....
He who steadfastly adheres to the principles of truth has the assurance that his
weakest points of character may become his strongest points. Heavenly angels are close by
him who strives to bring his life into harmony with God and his holy law. God is with him
as he declares, "I must overcome the temptations that surround me, else they will
drive Christ from my heart." RH FEB.18,1904
All who come within the sphere of his influence perceive the beauty and fragrance of
his Christian life, while he himself is unconscious of it, for it is in harmony with his
habits and inclinations. He prays for divine light, and loves to walk in that light. It is
his meat and drink to do the will of his Heavenly Father. His life is hid with Christ in
God; yet he does not boast of this, nor seem conscious of it. God smiles upon the humble
and lowly ones who follow closely in the footsteps of the Master. Angels are attracted to
them, and love to linger about their path. They may be passed by as unworthy of notice by
those who claim exalted attainments, and who delight in making prominent their good works;
but heavenly angels bend lovingly over them, and are as a wall of fire roundabout them. RH
JAN.18,1881
I saw that we are now in the shaking time. Satan is working with all his power to wrest
souls from the hand of Christ, and cause them to trample under foot the Son of God. An
angel repeated slowly and emphatically these words: `Of how much sorer punishment, suppose
ye, shall he be thought worthy who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted
the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the spirit of grace?' Character is being developed. Angels of God are
weighing moral worth. God is testing and proving his people. These words were presented to
me by the angel: `Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily while it is called
to-day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made
partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.'
God is displeased that any of his people who have known the power of his grace, should
talk their doubts, and by thus doing make themselves a channel for Satan to transmit his
suggestions to other minds. A seed of unbelief and evil sown, is not readily rooted up.
Satan nourishes it every hour, and it grows strong and flourishes. A good seed sown, needs
to be nourished, watered, and tenderly cared for; because every poisonous influence is
thrown about it to hinder its growth, and cause it to die. RH JAN.19,1864 (1T 429)
How much corruption we see in the world because parents neglect to do their duty, and
sin lies at their door. Satan stands by exulting as you permit your children to pass into
his hands. Do not indulge your children in evil ways, but from their very infancy let them
see that you love the Lord, and that you mean to train them up as he would have you. Our
blessed Saviour taught us to pray, "Our Father, which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy
name." Do we realise what is the meaning of this prayer? Do we realise that we must
hallow that name in our families, and that if we allow our children to manifest the
attributes of Satan, that name is not hallowed in our households? If we want the holy
angels to take charge of our little ones, we must bring them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord, and teach them to hallow the name of God. We teach them to say,
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." But do you
teach them the meaning of this prayer? Do you teach them that the kingdom of God must be
seen in your household, and that the will of God must be done by them and you? Do you
break the force of this petition by shaking them, by striking them in anger, by speaking
harsh words, and by manifesting passion? Do not do this, but be merciful, kind, and
tender-hearted. Let the will of the Lord be done in your family, not the will of the
enemy. If mild measures will not avail, you must use the rod, you must give your children
to understand that God must be honoured in your house; but this work is sadly neglected.
Do you wonder that God does not walk through the midst of us when we allow Satan to work
his way in our households, and when we neglect the solemn obligations that God has placed
upon us? Of what avail will be a list of church resolutions, if we have not the Spirit of
God in our homes? Christ is watching to see who are training their families for the great
family above. Suppose one of your little children whom you have failed to correct, should
be taken away in one of its fits of temper, what would be the result? I leave you to
answer the question. RH JUL.16,1895
There are many in the world who are longing to understand in regard to Christ and his
love. There are many who are in despair as they hear the terrible doctrine of eternal
punishment.... If you will try to seek out these suffering souls, the angels of God will
attend you; and you need not fear to go where they will go. Ministers you should have the
angels with you in the sacred desk; and when you do, you will be a power for God. RH
JUN.25,1889
When we search the word of God, angels are by our side, reflecting bright beams of
light upon its sacred pages. RH MAR.4,1884
What a privilege it is to labour for the conversion of souls! Our calling is high. We
may enjoy the companionship of the heavenly angels. We may not discern their forms, but by
faith we may know that they are with us. [Heb. 1:14 quoted.] Brethren, sisters, God
invites us to unite with the angels in their ministry. Thus every one of us may become his
helping hand. To fit us to do this work, he will strengthen our minds as verily as he
strengthened the mind of Daniel. As we give to those in darkness the truths that have
enlightened us, God will enable us to understand these truths still better. He will give
us apt words to speak, communicating to us through the angel standing by our side.... Let
us close the windows of the soul earthward, and open them heavenward. Let us not allow
earthly things to take possession of the mind, but let us keep it open to receive the
communications that the heavenly angels are ready to give to us. RH NOV.11,1902
[Eph. 1:1f quoted.] `Grace be to you.' We owe everything to God's free grace. Grace in
the covenant ordained our adoption. Grace in the Saviour effected our redemption, our
regeneration, and our exaltation to heirship with Christ....
We should never have learned the meaning of this word, `grace,' had we not fallen. God
loves the sinless angels ... but he does not give them grace.... Grace is an attribute of
God shown to undeserving human beings. We ourselves did not seek after it, but it was sent
out in search of us.
God rejoices to bestow this grace upon all who hunger for it, not because we are
worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy....
The condition on which we receive an increase of grace is that we improve upon the
light we already have. RH OCT.15,1908
Although by our disobedience we have merited God's displeasure and condemnation, yet he
has not forsaken us, leaving us to grapple with the power of the enemy. Heavenly angels
fight our battles for us, and, co-operating with them, we may be victorious over the
powers of evil. RH OCT.15,1908
[Jn. 1:12A, 14 quoted.] The Spirit of God is not commissioned to do our part of the
work, either in willing or doing. It is the work of the human agent to co-operage with
divine agencies. As soon as we incline our will to harmonise with God's will, the grace of
Christ is supplied to co-operage with our resolve. But it is not to be a substitute to do
our work, to work in spite of our resolutions and actions. Therefore our success in the
Christian life will not be because of an abundance of light and evidence, but will depend
upon our acceptation of the light given, upon the rousing of the energies, and operating
with the heavenly ministers appointed of God to work for the salvation of the soul. ST
FEB.12,1894
Angels that excel in strength minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, and
impart to them divine power, for they become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the
corruption that is in the world through lust. Heavenly agencies are ever at the side of
him who is wrestling for the victory, in order that while lawfully striving for the
mastery, he may not be worsted in the conflict. ST JUN.26,1893
While our Saviour is the great source of illumination, forget not, O Christian, that He
is revealed through humanity. Every individual disciple is Heaven's appointed channel for
the revelation of God to man. Angels of glory wait to communicate through you heaven's
light and power to souls that are ready to perish. Shall the human agent fail of
accomplishing his appointed work? O, then to that degree is the world robbed of the
promised influence of the Holy Spirit. ST MAY 18,1904
Satan is very ready to insinuate that prayer is a mere form, and avails us nothing. He
cannot bear to have his powerful rival appealed to. At the sound of fervent prayer the
hosts of darkness tremble. Fearing that their captive may escape, they form a wall around
him, that Heaven's light may not reach his soul. But if in his distress and helplessness
the sinner looks to Jesus, pleading the merits of his blood, our compassionate Redeemer
listens to the earnest, persevering prayer of faith, and sends to his deliverance a
re-enforcement of angels that excel in strength. And when these angels, all-powerful,
clothed with the armoury of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, the
angels of darkness fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost, and that one more
soul is escaping from the power of their influence. ST NOV.18,1886
The angels of God are forcing back the evil angels, and guiding the souls away from the
dangerous places, to plant their feet on a sure foundation. We should see battles going on
between the two armies, as real as those fought by opposing forces on earth. ST
OCT.29,1894
The powers of darkness are arrayed against you. Satan desires to see you deserting your
Leader. He would be greatly pleased to see you disappointing the One who has done so much
for you. Do not yield to his temptations. Fight bravely against his suggestions. Remember
that God and Christ and the heavenly angels are fighting with you.... You are not alone in
the warfare against wrong. Could the curtain be rolled back, you would see heavenly angels
fighting with you. YI JAN.1,1903
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