Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Angel of God's Presence" is a profound designation attributed to Christ, reflecting His divine role and intimate relationship with God the Father. This title is rooted in the Old Testament and is understood to signify the pre-incarnate appearances of Christ, who acts as the mediator between God and humanity.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 63:9 : "In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion, He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." This verse highlights the Angel of God's Presence as a savior and redeemer, attributes that align with the mission and work of Christ. The passage emphasizes His empathy and active involvement in the deliverance of God's people.
2.
Exodus 23:20-21 : "Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him." This angel, bearing God's Name, is often interpreted as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The authority and divine presence attributed to this angel suggest a unique and unparalleled role that aligns with the identity of Christ.
3.
Genesis 16:7-13: The Angel of the LORD appears to Hagar, providing guidance and promises. The narrative reveals the angel's divine authority and knowledge, characteristics that are consistent with the nature of Christ. Hagar's recognition of the angel as God further supports the identification of this figure with the pre-incarnate Christ.
Theological Significance:The title "Angel of God's Presence" underscores the dual nature of Christ as both divine and a messenger. In the Hebrew context, the term "angel" (mal'ak) means "messenger," indicating a role of communication and mediation. Christ, as the Angel of God's Presence, embodies the perfect revelation of God to humanity, bridging the gap between the divine and the human.
This title also emphasizes the intimate relationship between Christ and the Father. The presence of God's Name within this angel signifies a shared essence and authority, pointing to the unity within the Trinity. The Angel of God's Presence acts with the full authority of God, executing divine will and purpose.
Christological Implications:Understanding Christ as the Angel of God's Presence enriches the comprehension of His pre-incarnate work and His eternal nature. It affirms His active participation in the history of salvation long before His incarnation. This title also highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, with Christ at the center, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
In summary, the title "Angel of God's Presence" is a profound testament to the pre-incarnate work of Christ, His divine authority, and His intimate relationship with the Father. It reveals the depth of His involvement in the salvation history and His eternal nature as the mediator between God and humanity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... There are several names and titles in Scripture ... Christ is entered, not into the holy
place made with hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... design; in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ... by the high priest,
so the names of Christ's ... He takes of the things of Christ, and reveals ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour. ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his
breast, so they bear his image upon their hearts (Galatians 4:19). ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... Saviour." Would we could all bear our names, such as ... title; under the head of "name"
the titles of Jesus ... us; that of the church triumphant is Christ, us with ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm
The Historical Books.
... From Malachi to Christ was the last stage of the ... The differences of names may be
explained from the ... common for men to bear different titles, particularly if ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm
The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... to expound, even briefly, the significance of these three titles. ... is seen here: only
they whose names were written ... will be to magnify the false christ (see 13 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour ... it would make the advocateship
of Jesus Christ superfluous, yea ... be removed from us by either saint or angel. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
The Introduction: Chapter 1
... What the combination of these titles says to us here ... and the testimony of Jesus"
are other names for this ... specially written as to our standing in Christ in the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm
Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Angel of counsel, a title of Christ, [55]53 (note ... Christ, His humility, [214]13,
[215]204; His condescension ... 68; showed His authority in changing names, [242]ib ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm
A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... for whereas they erroneously call it Christ, the light of Christ, faith, grace ... as
I have said, you glorify your errors also, with names and titles that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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