In the traditional hierarchy of angels, the choirs of angels are categorized in three spheres of order.

In the New Testament, celestial beings are grouped into seven ranks:

• angels
• archangels
• dominionss
• powerss
• principalities
• throness
• virtuess

• cherubim — Genesis 3:24 [1]; Ezekiel 10:17–20 [1]; 1 Kings 6:23–28 [1].
• seraphim — Isaiah 6:1–7 [1].

Table of contents

1 First Sphere 1.1 Seraphim 1.2 Cherubim 1.3 Archangels 2 Second Sphere 2.4 Dominions 2.5 Powers 2.5.1 Rulers & Authorities 2.6 Thrones 2.6.2 Principalities 2.6.3 Virtues / Fortresses / Strongholds 3 Third Sphere 3.7 Angels 4 References

First Sphere

Seraphim

The Seraphim are the highest order of angels, serving as the caretakers of God's throne and continuously singing his praises. It is said that they surround the throne of God, singing the music of the spheres and regulating the movement of the heavens as it emanates from God.

Cherubim

The Cherubim are beyond the throne of God; they are the guardians of light and of the stars. It is beleived that, although they are remote from men's plane of reality, their light still touch their lives; the divine light that they filter down from Heaven.

The Cherubim are thought by some as an order or class of angels, though others hold them to be a higher class of heavenly beings than angels. Their rank among angels is uncertain, but they are always categorized in the First Sphere.

Many Christians beleive that the Devil is a fallen angel that was among the Cherubim prior to his fall from Heaven. They beleive that the Devil was considered as the angel of light before his sin against God.

Archangels

The Archangels are the lowest order of the First Sphere; these angels tend the larger arenas of human endeavor and act as the administrative leaders of the Heavenly beings. An archangel is usually given a task of great importance to men.

The word archangel is used only 2 times in the Bible, once to refer to Michael the archangel [1] and the other to the return of the Lord. [1]

Second Sphere

Dominions

The Dominions are hold the task of regulating the duties of lower angels. They receive their orders from the Seraphim, the Cherubim or God Himself, and are responsible for ensuring that the cosmos remains in order. It is only with extreme rarity that the dominions make themselves physically known to mortals, instead quietly concerning themselves with the details of existence.

It should be noted that the term dominions was used by Paul in Colossians 1:16 [1] and Ephesians 1:21 [1] but he may have used it to refer to the dominions of nations and men, instead of referring to angels.

Paul used the term powers in Colossians 1:16 [1] and Ephesians 1:21 [1] but he may have used it to refer to the powers of nations, societies or individuals, instead of referring to angels.

Paul used the term rule and authority in Ephesians 1:21 [1], and rulers and authorities in Ephesians 3:10 [1]. He may have been referring to the rulers and authorities of men or societies, instead of referring to angels.

Paul used the term thrones in Colossians 1:16 [1] but he may have used it to refer to the thrones of the kings of nations, instead of referring to angels.

Paul used the term principalities in Colossians 1:16 [1] and Ephesians 1:21 [1] & 3:10 [1] but he may have used it to refer to the principalities of the world, a nation, a country or a society, instead of referring to angels.

Third Sphere

Angels

The Angels are the lowest order of the angels, and the most familiar to men. They are the ones most concerned with human affairs. Within the category of angels, there are many different kinds, with different functions. The angels are sent as messengers to men.

References