257. LUK 20:36. SAINTS AND ANGELS

Luk_20:36. Saints and Angels

"Equal unto the angels"’97Luk_20:36.

Now are believers the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what they shall be. The present is but the dawn of their being, the morning of their day, the commencement of their dignity. The grandeur of their future condition is but faintly revealed even in the oracles of life. One thing is certain, that their future state will vastly exceed their utmost desires, or their most lively conceptions. Jesus had been referring to the resurrection; and he assures us, the saints will then be "equal unto the angels."

I. Men were originally inferior to Angels.

1. Angels had priority of existence.

They were witnesses of our world’s formation; they saw the astounding process, "and they sang together and shouted for joy." Job_38:4.

2. They had a more exalted habitation.

Man was created for the earth; destined to live and reign upon it. Angels dwell in the lofty habitation of the Most High; the imperial palace of God; in his immediate presence; in the blaze of his refulgent glories.

3. They had a superior nature.

It is probable they are pure spirits, endowed with astonishing powers. Highly intellectual. Beings of perfect beauty and loveliness, and amazing strength. "Man was made a little lower than the angels;" the next link in the scale of existences

II. Through exalting Grace Saints shalt be equal to Angels.

1. They shall be equal in knowledge.

Faculties as exalted, equal facilities, &c.

2. Equal in purity.

For they shall be clothed in snowy white; without spot, &c. Bearing the full impress of the mind of Christ.

3. Equal in felicity.

Every cause of sorrow annihilated: every stream of bliss overflowing. "Fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore."

4. Equal in dignity.

Dwell as near the same throne; engage in the same services; join in the same worship, &c.

5. Equal in immortality.

Flourish as the angels in blooming and immortal youth. One boundless state of glorious existence.

III. In some Respects when glorified, Saints will have a preeminence over Angels.

1. It is probable that their raptures will be sweeter.

They will have the joys of deliverance from eternal wo; will look back on the misery they merited, and the mercy they have received.

2. Their relationship to God will be closer.

Not merely creatures, but sons. God will appear in their nature; and they will appear as partakers of the divine nature. A relationship transcendently more intimate and glorious than that of angels.

3. Their honors will be greater.

Sit with Christ on his throne, "judge the world," &c. "Judge angels," &c. 1Co_6:2, 1Co_6:3.

4. Their songs will be louder.

Angels will sing the honors of divine holiness and goodness,

"Worthy the Lamb that died, they cry.

To be exalted thus."

But here they must stop, the saints only can finish the ascription,

"Worthy the Lamb, our hearts reply,

For he was slain for us."

Application

1 What a stimulus to holy ambition Let us be aspirants for holy attainments that we may have exalted stations before the throne of the Lamb.

2. Let us imitate the angels, in their pursuit of knowledge, love of purity, works of benevolence, and constant obedience.

3. Let the subject draw our minds towards heaven, &c. O, how desirable to see Jesus; to dwell with Jesus, and sing his praises forever. To sing, from saving experience, for,

"There’s not an angel’s tongue can tell,

The wonders of his love."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS