Heavenly Rankings: A Guide to Biblical Angel Hierarchy

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Understanding the angel hierarchy is crucial for those who want to comprehend what lies ahead in Heaven.

When angels are mentioned in the Bible, we often encounter specific types, such as archangels, cherubs, and seraphs. Moreover, no Biblical record states that angels have any hierarchy whatsoever. But we must know who they are, their titles, and what they do. So, we’re going to use this concept to distinguish them accordingly.

The angel hierarchy, which is part of the celestial ranking system of Heaven, organizes the different types of angels according to their power. There’s also the designation of duties and proximity to God the Father. Moreover, the angel hierarchy is divided into three main spheres, each consisting of three distinct orders or choirs. Such important details are also mentioned in the book Heaven is Beyond Imagination by Jacques LaFrance. More importantly, it’s a compilation of eyewitness experiences of Hell, which opens us to the truth of what’s beyond our realm.

We value the idea of going to Heaven once our life on Earth has passed. However, we must also manage our expectations of what it would look like, even though it’s paradise beyond comprehension. It may not be exactly how some witnesses pictured it, but we’re sure it exists. And so are the heavenly angels that have been mentioned in the Bible several times. This is why we will show you the angel hierarchy and how it works.

Take note, though, that this angel hierarchy is based on the degrees of closeness to God and each angel’s specific role.

The First Sphere of Angel Hierarchy

The first sphere is composed of the highest-ranking heavenly angels. They’re the closest to God and are responsible for directing His divine will. It includes the following:

Seraphim

The Seraphim are the highest-ranking angels, described as six-winged beings who constantly praise and glorify God (Isaiah 6:1-3). Seraphim in Hebrew means “the burning one” because they are so close to God that His divinity causes them to catch eternal fire. They’re the angels attending to God’s divine presence as well. Obviously, this could only be an allegory, as heavenly angels don’t have physical bodies or wings like humanity depicted. However, they’re often described as a constant presence around the Almighty.

Cherubim

Now, you probably think of the Cherubim as chubby, naked babies with tiny wings, but that is entirely wrong. Cherub, in Hebrew, is related to one ridden upon, like carrying a chariot. They’re heavily associated with wisdom and knowledge. Moreover, cherubs are also the ones in the book of Genesis that guard the Tree of Life. When Adam and Eve Sinned and then cast out of the garden, the Cherubim, armed with a flaming sword, guarded paradise against humanity.

On another note, the Cherubim also stood guard in the holy of holies in the ancient Tabernacle. It’s safe to say that they were the main bodyguards of the divine presence surrounding the veil and the Arc of the Covenant.

Thrones

The Thrones may seem like a weird name for a class among the angel hierarchy. However, they’re there to radiate God’s authority and justice downward into the rest of the angelic hierarchy (Daniel Ch. 7, Revelation Ch. 4). The Thrones also bring honor and glory to God, trickling down to the humans on Earth.

Second Sphere of the Angels Ranking

Here are the following heavenly angels who serve as the mediators between God and the earthly realms:

Dominions

They supervise all the lower angels; therefore, you could think of them as the managers in the angel hierarchy. You may also find them in Scripture, specifically in Colossians 1:16, where Paul mentions the Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, and Powers. Their part in the angel hierarchy is mediating the grace, glory, honor, and teachings from God down through this hierarchy.

Virtues and Powers

Their role is to impart blessings to this world and give us supernatural miracles (Romans 8:38). However, the Virtues are the ones who deliver those miracles to the world, using the Old Testament prophets as instruments. God sends them to humans to accomplish various miraculous events. Meanwhile, the Powers are known for restraining demons and evil, unclean spirits (Romans 8:38, Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 1:16).

Third Sphere of the Hierarchy

It’s the group of angels who are close to the human realm, serving as messengers and guardians.

Principalities

Principalities are Earthly authorities and guides by God’s providence manifested in the world. They’re also overseers in society, particularly among groups, nations, and institutions. Principalities are considered guardians of humanity and are associated with rulership.

Archangels / Angels

They’re normal angels with more power but still under the Principalities (1 Thessalonians 4:16, Jude 1:9). Although there are seven Archangels in total, only three are renowned: Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. On the other hand, the “Angels” are the lowest in the angel hierarchy. Moreover, they’re the closest in proximity to humans. They serve as messengers and direct guides for humans. They were the ones who delivered the message of Jesus’ birth to the Shepherds.

Christian Interpretation of the Angel Hierarchy

Overall, the significance of the angel hierarchy in Christian theology is to provide a structured understanding of the spiritual realm. It also helps us comprehend the divine order and angelic beings’ various roles and responsibilities. We can picture the ongoing relationship between God and humanity through these angelic hierarchies.

Although God Himself promised humanity the wonders of Heaven, we still do not know many things. That’s why various accounts from Heaven Is Beyond Imagination stand as good references since they come from actual experiences. Grab a copy today and marvel at the divine mysteries of what lies ahead in Heaven!