Angels

Thoughts and notes on angels. Some information is directly quoted (quotation marks are not included) from the scriptures, Mormon Doctrine, and other resources. Mentioned here are just a few things that stood out to me.

There are Five types of Angels:

Pre-Existent Spirits—such as the angel that appeared unto Adam, and taught him the importance, and symbolism behind the animal sacrifices.

Translated Beings— such as Moses, Elijah, the 3 Nephites, John the Beloved, the City of Enoch, and even Alma the Younger, along with many others. They are translated because of specific tasks and responsibilities that they are needed to perform, and also on account of their righteousness. Moses and Elijah were translated so that they could confer keys upon Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. A translation for these figures was necessary because Christ had not yet been resurrected, and being translated was the only other way to confer these keys before Christ’s resurrection. Translated beings are held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets. And lastly on Translated beings, they are not taken immediately into the presence of God but are rather taken to a terrestrial order.

Spirits of Just Men made perfect—spirits who have worked out their salvation and are awaiting resurrection

Resurrected Personages—angels that we hear most often of in the scriptures: Gabriel, Moroni, John the Baptist, Elias, etc…

Righteous Mortal Men, and Women—two men who saved Lot from Sodom. Other human beings who surround us. Those endowed with the gift of song, whose beautiful voices are heard high in the heavens. Those whom we sustain as prophets on the earth, both now and of ancient days, are mortal angels, and further more many of them most likely, like in the case of President Eyring, married an angel. (see Elder Holland’s talk: the Ministry of Angels)

Other Angels:

Guardian Angels: do not necessarily act as guardians for specific people, nor do they act as guardians at all instances in our life. The preserving care of the Lord is exercised through the Light of Christ. By following its promptings people are frequently guarded against evil. In addition to members of the Church, the gift of the Holy Ghost can offer guidance, enlightenment, protection and also preservation in perilous circumstances.

The common misconception about guardian angels could be deferred back to these scriptures: Psalms 91:11, and Luke 4:10-11. Elder Bruce R. McConkie clarifies the understanding of guardian angels in his book Mormon Doctrine.

Archangel: is the Chief Angel. Michael (Adam) is the only one designated as an Archangel in the scriptures. He is the chief of all angels, the head (under Christ) of the heavenly hierarchy.

Recording Angels: Do not necessarily record every word we speak. In a sense, we are our own recording angel. Just like the real through figurative speech of the Book of Life.

Book of Life: are records of the acts of men, as such record is written in their own bodies. A record engraven upon the bones, sinew, and flesh of the mortal body. Every thought word and deed has an effect upon the human body; all these leave their marks, which marks can be read by God as easily as the words in a book can be read. Along these lines, living a telestial law will allow you to receive a telestial body, living a terrestrial law will allow you to receive a terrestrial body, and the same applies to a celestial law and body. In this way, the marks upon our bodies will show what law we have lived in this life and to what glory we will be resurrected and what body we will receive.

Additional Notes on Angels

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power is the power of Godliness.

D&C 130:5

No angels minister to this earth except those who belong to it, or have belonged to it.

Alma 13:21-22

The voice of the Lord, by the mouths of angels declares repentance.

Alma 32:23

God imparts his word by angels unto men; little children have words given to them that confound the wise and learned.

Moroni 7:25, 29-31, 37

By the ministering of angels, men began to exercise faith in Christ. Angels have not ceased to minister unto men. It is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men.

D&C 13:1

The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels. Which means that the door is opened to allow angels to minister unto them and through them to others.

D&C 20:9-10; 27:16

The fullness of the gospel is confirmed and declared unto the world by the ministering of angels.

D&C 20:35

Scriptures and revelations come through the ministering of angels.

D&C 67:12-13

Natural Man cannot abide the ministering of angels

D&C 132:37

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are Gods, not angels.

Angels declare the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, so that they can bear testimony of him. Angels are ministers of Christ and subject unto him. Angels are always near us, whether seen or unseen, mortal or immortal, they are always there.

Our requirements to behold immortal Angels:

Have strong faith, a firm mind in every form of Godliness.

Our commission: Be more angelic.

Last notes: Note D&C 130:5 in comparison with what translated beings can do.

For accurate wording and phrasing it is recommended that one study these things from the primary source. Any corrections, tell me. =)