Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

Episode: Different Kinds of Angels

Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Sinclair B. Ferguson (A)
Produced by: Ligonier Ministries

Episode Overview

In this episode, Sinclair B. Ferguson explores the biblical accounts of angels, discussing the different kinds and ranks of these heavenly beings. Ferguson reflects on what Scripture reveals about angels—highlighting their appearances, roles, and the mysteries surrounding them. The episode encourages listeners to appreciate the richness of the unseen, heavenly world and challenges assumptions about what is truly real and substantial.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Varieties and Ranks of Angels

• Opening Reflection (00:08):

  • Sinclair introduces the week’s theme: angels and their ministry, especially in the context of Christmas.
  • He notes, “There seem to be different orders of angels and perhaps even different kinds of angels.”

• Archangels and Their Roles (00:37–01:22):

  • Michael:
    • Referred to as an archangel in 1 Thessalonians 4, associated with the Lord’s return.
    • Described as a “guardian and protector of God’s people,” appearing “in a kind of military context ... like a general among the hosts of heaven.” (01:08–01:22)
  • Gabriel:
    • Named in Daniel chapters 8 and 9; considered another “chief prince.”
    • Acts as “more of a kind of royal herald, a communicator and interpreter of the divine will,” seen in the announcements to Zechariah and Mary (01:22–02:00).

• Distinct Roles of Michael and Gabriel (02:00–02:15):

  • “These two chief princes, archangels, express God’s purposes in deeds and in words. One guards the people of God and the other communicates God’s will to them at crucial moments.”

2. Different Kinds of Angelic Beings

• Cherubim (02:15–03:13):

  • Cherubim first appear in Genesis 3:24, “guarding the way to the Garden of Eden.”
  • Symbolized on the Ark of the Covenant as “guardians of the glory of God.”
  • Ezekiel describes cherubim with “four faces” and notable, otherworldly attributes: “like non-identical twins”; “extraordinarily powerful creatures.”
  • Ferguson wryly asks, “Who first thought up the idea of calling children’s choirs little cherubs?” (03:13)

• Seraphim (03:13–03:54):

  • Unique heavenly beings described in Isaiah 6, “servants of the holiness of God ... ministers of his goodness and grace.”

• The Reality and Mystery of Heavenly Creatures (03:54–04:58):

  • These beings are described both in visions (Isaiah, Ezekiel) and in actual events (Genesis 3).
  • “They are real and majestic beings.”
  • Ferguson remarks on Ezekiel's attempt to describe their indescribable nature: “their appearance was like burning coals of fire ... darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.”
  • Raises the question: “Are these creatures angels at all? Or are there other kinds of creatures in this extraterrestrial world, as well as angels and archangels?”

3. Reflections for Today (04:58–06:09)

• Sinclair offers two takeaways:
  1. Reflect on “just how rich and full that heavenly world of God really is.”
  2. Challenge the assumption that the physical world is the most real:
     • “Have I assumed too easily that this is the real world, the world that really matters ... when the truth is that world [the heavenly realm] is actually very substantial, very real and full of glorious life?” (05:22)
     • “We are only one branch of the amazing family God has created ... There’s another heavenly branch ... And one day those two families will meet together in the new heavens and the new earth.” (05:38)
  • He concludes:

  “No wonder those who are already in heaven must have discovered it’s full of amazing and wonderful surprises. That’s something to look forward to.” (06:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Michael the Archangel as War Leader:

  “He always seems to appear in a kind of military context, appearing on behalf of God’s kingdom, as the guardian and protector of God’s people, like a general among the hosts of heaven.” (01:08)

• On Gabriel’s Role:

  “He seems to be less of a military leader and more of a kind of royal herald, a communicator and interpreter of the divine will.” (01:38)

• On Cherubim Imagery:

  “They sound to me just a little like nonidentical twins, don’t they? And they bear away the glory of God from the temple when man has defiled.” (03:13)

• On the Mystery of Heavenly Beings:

  “We might even ask, are these creatures angels at all? Or are there other kinds of creatures in this extraterrestrial world, as well as angels and archangels?” (04:44)

• On the Substance of the Heavenly World:

  “The truth is that world is actually very substantial, very real and full of glorious life.” (05:28)

• The Final Hope:

  “No wonder those who are already in heaven must have discovered it’s full of amazing and wonderful surprises. That’s something to look forward to.” (06:09)

Important Timestamps

• 00:08 — Introduction to the theme of angels' different orders
• 01:08 — Michael as the military archangel
• 01:22 — Gabriel’s unique role as communicator
• 02:15 — Introduction of cherubim and their biblical descriptions
• 03:13 — Reflection on cherubim and common imagery
• 03:54 — Introduction of seraphim and their significance
• 04:44 — Questioning the full range of heavenly beings
• 05:22 — The reality of the heavenly world compared to ours
• 06:09 — Closing reflection on the hope of heaven

Tone and Style

Sinclair B. Ferguson’s tone is thoughtful, reflective, and gently humorous, bringing theological concepts to life in a warm, accessible way. He carefully balances biblical exposition with devotional reflection, inviting listeners to marvel at the mysteries of God’s heavenly creation and encouraging deeper faith in things unseen.