Archangel

by Wayne Blank

Michael is a righteous, very powerful, high-ranking angel of God - the only angel who is specifically called an "archangel" in The Bible. Michael is prominent, although not often mentioned, in Bible History (e.g. when he prevented Satan from stealing the dead body of Moses), and in Prophecy where he is mentioned in both of the major prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. He is described as having command of a large force of angels that defeat Satan and a multitude of demons, and as the "great prince who has charge of" the nation of Israel.

Stars of Heaven Just Prior To The Return Of Christ

"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt [see Resurrections]. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:1-3 RSV) (see also The Return Of Jesus Christ)

The Body Of Moses

"But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." (Jude 1:9 RSV)

War In Heaven

"and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent [see That Old Serpent], who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world - he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him."
"And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Rejoice then, O heaven and you that dwell therein! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!" (Revelation 12:6-12 RSV)

Fact Finder: Michael chose to be obedient to God and has remained righteous. Did Satan have the same freedom of choice?
See Did God Create The Devil?

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