Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind
Within the vast expanse of Christian theology, there exists a multitude of perspectives and interpretations. One such perspective that has been subject to considerable debate is the notion of Jesus Christ as an angel. However, through a careful examination of biblical texts and theological discourse, it becomes evident that Jesus Christ is not an angel, but rather the Son of God.
The belief that Jesus and Michael are the same being
primarily stems from certain Christian sects, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses,
who interpret passages in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation as evidence
of this identity. However, a closer examination of these scriptures, in their
full context, suggests a different interpretation.
In Daniel 10:13, Michael is described as "one of the
chief princes." The phrase "one of" indicates that Michael is
part of a group, not unique or singular in his status. This is in stark
contrast to Jesus in the New Testament, where He is depicted
as the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16).
The book of Jude (verse 9) presents another passage often
cited to support the Jesus-Michael connection. Here, Michael is referred to as
the archangel who disputed with the devil over the body of Moses. However, this
text only confirms Michael's role as an archangel, not his identity as Jesus.
In fact, the New Testament never refers to Jesus as an archangel, further
differentiating between the two figures.
Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven led by Michael
against the dragon. While some interpret this as evidence of Jesus' identity as
Michael, it's important to note that the text does not explicitly equate
Michael with Jesus. Moreover, the broader New Testament context consistently
identifies Jesus as greater than any angelic being (Hebrews 1:4-14).
A pivotal point in this discussion is the understanding of
Jesus' nature. The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) affirmed Jesus as both fully
human and fully divine, a dual nature that distinguishes Him from all created
beings, including angels. As the Son of God, Jesus shares in the divine nature
(Philippians 2:6), a characteristic that is not attributed to angels, including
Michael.
Furthermore, the role of Jesus as the mediator of the New
Covenant (Hebrews 8:6) is a unique function that separates Him from all angelic
beings. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what
no angel could: the redemption and reconciliation of humanity to God.
The Epistle to the Hebrews is a key text that provides a
clear distinction between Jesus Christ and the angels. In Hebrews 1:5, the
author asks, "For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my
Son, today I have begotten you'?" This rhetorical question underscores the
unique relationship between God and Jesus, a relationship distinctively
different from God's relationship with angels.
Furthermore, in Hebrews 1:13, the author again distinguishes
between Jesus and the angels by asking, "But to which of the angels has he
ever said, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your
feet'?" Here, the author is quoting Psalm 110:1, a Messianic Psalm that
prophesies the exalted position of Jesus Christ at the right hand of God, a
position no angel holds.
Moreover, the Bible consistently portrays angels as
messengers or servants of God. In contrast, Jesus is depicted as the divine
Word of God, the Logos, who became flesh (John 1:14). This incarnational aspect
of Jesus is a unique characteristic that separates Him from the angels. Jesus,
as God incarnate, embodies the fullness of God's nature and purpose in a way
that an angel, as a created being, cannot.
In addition, Jesus' role as the mediator of the New Covenant
further differentiates Him from the angels. The book of Hebrews describes Jesus
as the "mediator of a better covenant" (Hebrews 8:6). This covenant
is based on Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, which brought about the
forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. This is a role that no angel
could fulfil.
From a Christological perspective, the Council of Chalcedon
in 451 AD affirmed the dual nature of Christ as both fully human and fully
divine. This Chalcedonian Definition provides a clear theological boundary that
distinguishes Jesus from the angels. Angels, as created beings, do not possess
the divine nature that Jesus, as the Son of God, inherently has.
Furthermore, the Nicene Creed, one of the most widely
accepted Christian statements of faith, explicitly affirms the unique status of
Jesus as the Son of God. The Creed states, "We believe in one Lord, Jesus
Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God,
Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with
the Father." This statement clearly excludes the possibility of Jesus
being an angel.
In conclusion, the biblical and theological evidence
overwhelmingly supports Jesus Christ as the Son of God,
not an angel. While angels play significant roles within the biblical narrative
and in God's interaction with humanity, they are not comparable to the unique
status and function of Jesus Christ. As believers, it is crucial to uphold this
Christological truth, as it forms the very foundation of our faith and shapes
our understanding of God's redemptive work in the world.
The assertion that Jesus Christ and Michael the Archangel
are the same entity is not supported by a comprehensive and contextual
examination of biblical texts and theological discourse. While Michael holds a
significant role within the angelic hierarchy, he is not comparable to the
unique status and function of Jesus Christ. As believers, it is essential to
maintain clarity in our Christological understanding, as it forms the bedrock
of our faith and shapes our comprehension of God's redemptive work in the
world.