Guardian Angels

Norma Dimmer, star of the popular Lawrence Welk Show for 18 years, tells of when her son was very ill. “Suddenly I noticed a brightness behind me. I looked around. Standing near the bed was a lovely young blonde woman with a white blouse and a dark skirt. I was stunned! I was not sleeping – in fact, I was very wide awake. Transfixed, I watched her for what seemed like 30 seconds. She just stood there with a radiant smile on her face, looking down at Ron. Then she faded away. It was a glorious experience. I felt no fear – just awe. I have always believed that I was permitted to see Ron’s guardian angel.”

Many have testified of seeing angels on their death bed. The interesting thing is that males often see female angels, and females see male angels.

Belief in guardian angels is not a modern fad, but rather a very ancient belief. Plutarch wrote: “Alongside of each man there are two angels; one good and one bad.” Epictetus said, “God assigns to every man a guardian angel.” Many felt that the guardian was actually a look-alike of the one he was guarding. Angels were seen as doubles. If this theory is true, then it means everybody does have a twin. Scary thought! In his commentary on Acts, Hackett wrote, “It was a common belief among the Jews, says Lightfoot, that every individual has a guardian angel, and that this angel may assume a visible appearance resembling that of the person whose destiny is committed to him. This idea appears here not as a doctrine of the Scriptures, but as a popular opinion, which is neither affirmed nor denied” (Comm. On Acts, 200). McClintock and Strong shed some further details on this: “it was a favorite opinion of the Christian fathers that every individual is under care of a particular angel, who is assigned to him as guarding…The Jews (except the Sadducees) entertained this belief, as do the Muslims. The heathen held it in a modified form…There is, however, nothing to support this in the Bible” (Cyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 228).

Many have appealed to Matthew 18:10 as a proof text for guardian angels. “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” This single passage has become the foundation for the idea that every little child has been assigned a guardian angel. The plural “angels” favors corporate rather than individual care. It would imply that each of “the little ones” does not to have his own angel, but angels. The idea that many angels watch after us seems to have some support in Scripture. For example,

“And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Ki. 6:17)

“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried” (Lk. 16:22)

“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your habitation, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, Lest you dash your foot against a stone” (Ps. 91:9-12).

Despite these scriptures, there are several arguments offered to counter the idea of guardian angels. After all, the Word of God never uses the term “guardian” in connection with angels. However, there are many occasions in the Bible where they are doing just that, guarding people from danger. Others argue that angels are servants of God and not of man. However, Hebrew 1:14 asks, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Yet there are many questions brought up as to why guardian angels do not guard children from all harm. Where were the guardian angels of the five children who were drowned by their mother? Then again, where were the angels when Agrippa I killed James? Why save Peter and allow James to be killed?

Perhaps many are opposed to the concept of angels being active among mankind today because the false doctrines of angel mania has become so destructive to the truth. The “guardian angel” concept is conducive to the many errors of subjectivism. Our feelings become our guide, emotions rule, and we become less responsive to truth clearly taught in the Bible. Angels are even give the role of controlling our actions instead of just guarding us. This denies the free agency of man (Heb. 5:8,9).

The real issue that needs to be answered has to do with the current activity of angels. Are angels still active in the affairs of this world today? True, the visible activity of angels has come to an end, because their mediating work is done (Heb. 1:1,2). God’s Spirit speaks directly through the Word, not heavenly messengers. Since angels have served mankind throughout the Bible record, there is no reason to believe their service has ended.

– Daniel R. Vess