We completed our foray into the world of angels, demons, and celestial creatures today by examining the cherubim and seraphim. Even though they are different in their position and responsibilities, the Bible does describe their similarities.
Cherubim:
1. First mentioned as guardians of the garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24: So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
2. They adorned the top of the ark of the covenant covering the mercy seat in Exodus 25:17-20.
3. They are described in Ezekiel 10:1-22, as having four faces and four wings.
4. Lucifer was the anointed cherub before his fall. Ezekiel 28:11-17
5. The Lord rode upon a cherub. Psalm 18:6-10, 2 Samuel 22:1-11
Seraphim:
Mentioned only twice in scripture:
1. By name in Isaiah 6:1-7, as having four faces and six wings.
2. Described in Revelation 4:6-11, as surrounding the the heavenly throne and calling out Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God almighty.
These two groups of heavenly creatures may seem strange to us, but they have very specific responsibilities as designated by God. We will seem them for ourselves when we are in heaven. Loved ones already there already know. The rapture will whisk us away to the glory that awaits us. The judgment seat of Christ will occur in heaven as Daniel's 70th week unfolds here on earth.
2 Timothy 4:6-8:For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul references a prophetic term “that day” which is the time of the tribulation leading up to the 2nd Advent, going on here on earth while we are receiving our reward for our service in heaven. These two events are occurring simultaneously, just in two different places. One is reward and one is wrath.
We will conclude our discussion of the Olivet discourse next Sunday.
