Angels and their works today
Here’s a summary of what I found about WVBS, Truth For The World, and the Conservative Church of Christ views on angels and their works today, with biblical references. If you like, I can also dig into dissenting views so you see how these compare. (ChatGPT)
What Scriptures Teach (Common Ground)
Before looking at particular ministries or groups, these are key biblical truths about angels which most conservative, Bible-centered groups accept:
Angels are created beings, not divine; they serve God. (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:7‐14)
Angels are spirit beings, though sometimes manifest in visible or physical form. (Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 13:2; Luke 1:26; Matthew 28:3)
Angels are messengers, servants, ministering spirits sent by God. (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 103:20‐21)
There are fallen angels (demons) who oppose God’s will. (Revelation 12; Luke 10:18)
Angels will play roles in eschatological (end times) events. (Matthew 25:31; Revelation)
These are basically non-controversial in conservative evangelical / Restorationist Churches of Christ circles.
WVBS (World Video Bible School)
From what I found, WVBS teaches that angels have definite roles today, but with strong caution about exaggerations or unbiblical ideas. Key points from their “Angels” series:
WVBS has lessons titled “Angels and the Providence of God” which explicitly address What angels are doing today (and what they are not doing). (WVBS Online Video)
They also have “The Work of Angels” where they examine the variety of tasks angels perform. (WVBS Online Video)
In “The Truth About Angels (Part 1)” they ask: Do guardian angels exist? Does Satan have angels? etc. (WVBS Online Video)
WVBS emphasizes that angels are sent by God, under His control, according to Scripture. They reject ideas like humans being able to “summon” angels, or angels that operate outside God’s sovereign will. (WVBS Online Video)
So, WVBS’s view is: angels are active today, functioning under God’s direction. But any claim of angelic activity must be tested against Scripture.
Truth For The World / Church of Christ
Truth For The World (TFTW) is overseen by elders of a Church of Christ congregation (Lebanon, Virginia). (Truth For The World) Thus, their doctrine will align with conservative Church of Christ thinking. I couldn’t find a detailed position statement on angels from TFTW in my searches, but combining what I know of conservative Church of Christ doctrine plus what TFTW is likely to teach, I can infer the following:
They believe angels are real spiritual beings created by God.
They believe angels serve God’s purposes, sometimes acting as messengers, protectors, worshipers.
They believe the works of angels are subject to the authority of Christ and God’s Word.
They likely reject any doctrine of “angel worship,” or giving angels authority or roles beyond what Scripture permits.
I did find a TFTW scheduled program on the topic: one of their TV programs is titled “Angels”. (Truth For The World) That suggests they see value in teaching about angels, including what angels do today.
Also, in Church of Christ teaching more generally (outside TFTW), sermons and articles affirm that angels minister to believers, watch over them, intervene under God’s providence, but not in unbiblical ways. E.g., articles like “Angels – Part 1” from Beaverton Church of Christ speak of angels being “ministering spirits”, etc. (Beaverton Church of Christ)
Specific Conservative Church of Christ Viewpoints
From Churches of Christ that are “conservative / restorationist” in orientation:
Angels minister to the saints today: Hebrews 1:14 is often cited: "Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" This is understood as angels having ongoing service to believers.
Angels do God’s will: They act under God’s command, not independently. Psalm 103:20-21; Matthew 28:2; Acts 12:7 (angel releases Peter, but only because God allowed).
No elevation of angels: Churches of Christ reject practices that give angels authority or worship. Christ is supreme. Hebrews 1:4-2:5, showing Christ’s superiority.
*No secret or “hidden” angelic hierarchy opened via mysticism or visions unless Scripture clearly teaches.
What is Generally Not Accepted (in These Traditions)
To be balanced, here are some things that conservative WVBS / Church of Christ theologians usually reject:
The idea that each person has a permanent “guardian angel” in the sense of a personal angel assigned to them that acts independently of God.
Claims that angels can be “summoned,” controlled, or manipulated by humans.
Speculation that angels reveal new doctrines or revelations beyond Scripture.
Practices that border on mysticism or occultism regarding angels.
References
Here are some key scriptural references these groups typically use:
| Scripture | What it teaches (used by conservative teaching) |
|---|---|
| Hebrews 1:13-14 | Angels are ministering spirits, serving those who inherit salvation. |
| Psalm 103:20-21 | Angels obey God’s word; do His will. |
| Matthew 28:2 | Angel rolls away stone of tomb (physical interaction). |
| Acts 12:7 | Angel frees Peter from prison at God’s command. |
| Revelation 12; Revelation 5; Isaiah 6 | Angels as worshipers; part of the heavenly host. |
| Hebrews 1:4-2:5 | Christ is greater than angels; angels are servants not objects of worship. |
Summary: Their View on Angels’ Works Today
Putting this together:
Angels are active today in service to God, particularly in ministering to, protecting, supporting believers, though always under God’s sovereignty.
Believers may at times experience or see evidence of angelic intervention, but such evidence must be consistent with the Bible.
Angels do not replace Christ, authority of Scripture, or become objects of worship.
Very caution is exercised around claims of personal angelic experiences, visions, or anything that seems to give angels too large a role in daily Christian practice.
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