GUARDIAN ANGELS – Though the term “guardian angel” does not occur in the Bible, many people believe angels are assigned to believers for this purpose on a permanent basis. Others hold that angels intervene in human history but in unique situations to assist believers (Psa 34:7; 91:11-12; Acts 12:6-11, 15). Hebrews 1:14 confirms that angels do service to believers but by God’s will and under His direction.

Angels are described as heavenly beings in the very presence of God (Matt 18:10). They cannot be in heaven and on earth simultaneously. A likely interpretation of “their angels” in the presence of God is that they are poised for action at God’s command. The angelic guardianship that is apportioned to the faithful appears as a universal phenomenon rather than as an individual one.

ANGELS AT CHRIST’S RETURN – Angels predicted Jesus would personally, bodily, visibly come again to earth (Matt 25:31; Acts 1:11). In His second advent Christ will descend from heaven (1 Thess 1:10) with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God (1 Thess 4:16; 2 Thess 1:7). According to 2 Thess 1:7, angels will accompany Him as the executors of His decrees.

Mark 13:26-27 addresses the second coming of “the Son of Man.” These verse describe the coming of Jesus with great power and glory and sending His angels to gather His elect. Many scholars assign the fulfillment of prophecy in Mark 13 to A.D. 70 in connection with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. It is clear, however, that much of this text refers to His triumphant final return. Verse 27 confirms that the Son of Man will send angels to gather the elect. Angelic appearance often marked a turning point in biblical history (Gen 18:9-15; Luke 1:13,26-38; 2:8-15). Matthew’s parallel passage (24:31) adds that the angels will gather the elect “with a loud trumpet.” Angels will gather believers where believers will be like the angels in that they will not die or marry in heaven (Luke 20:35).

By performing this act, angels will assist in vindicating believers in the very presence of their enemies (Rev 11:12). Angels will worship Christ at His return (Heb 1:6). Likewise, believers will join the angels in the praise of God in heaven (Rev 5:13; 19:6).