Podcast Summary: "Worship with the Angels"

Podcast: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Date: December 12, 2025
Episode Theme:
This devotional episode explores the Biblical role of angels in worship, emphasizing that Christians gather alongside these heavenly beings to praise God. Sinclair B. Ferguson guides listeners through Scriptural moments of angelic worship, encourages awe for God’s throne, and invites deeper reflection as the church prepares for Christmas.

Main Theme and Purpose

Sinclair Ferguson reflects on how Christians, especially as the Christmas season approaches, should consider the presence and activity of angels in worship. He underscores that while angels are never to be the object of Christian worship, believers are, in a profound sense, co-worshipers with them when they approach God’s throne.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mystery and Ministry of Angels

• Although "from one point of view...we don't know all that much about them" (00:13), Scripture reveals significant insights into angels’ roles, especially in worship.

• Ferguson reminds listeners not to worship angels themselves, citing scriptural warnings (e.g., Colossians 2 and Revelation 22).

  "Angels are not to be worshipped, but they are worshipers." (01:11)

2. Angels as Ministers of Praise

• Angels worshipped at creation:

  • Referenced Job 38, where “the heavenly sons of God shouted for joy when God laid the foundation of the earth.” (01:32)

• Angels worshipped at the Incarnation:

  • Psalm 148: “Praise God, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.” (01:55)

• Ferguson personally shares that reading Revelation chapters 4 and 5 shaped his understanding of true worship.

  "I don't suppose I fully understood what the passage was saying. I think I still don't. But I had a sense that this was true worship, and I longed for it." (02:18)

3. Revelation’s Vision of Worship (Revelation 4–5)

• Describes the scene of God’s throne, surrounded by cherubim (four living creatures), 24 elders, and innumerable angels.

• All creation eventually joins in worship as the Lamb opens the scroll.

  "And this entire congregation of cherubim and elders and angels, and eventually every living creature praises God. What a help to us to join in that heavenly worship with the angels of God." (03:02)

4. Worship’s Eternal Perspective – Hebrews 12

• Hebrews 12:22–24 gives the theological foundation for Christians gathering with “innumerable angels in festal gathering... to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.” (03:35)

• Earthly congregations are profoundly linked with the heavenly assembly in worship.

  "This is the church we're really going to. We are joining with the angels as they conduct the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ." (04:05)

• Jesus is called the liturgos (the priest who leads the liturgy) (04:15).

• John Owen is quoted: “It’s true that all true worship takes place in heaven.” (04:33)

5. Worship’s Awareness & Reverence

• Referencing 1 Corinthians 11, Ferguson urges believers to be aware of angelic presence as they worship.

  "Remember where you are. You're in church. And the church that you're ultimately in is the church in which the angels worship." (05:06)

• Worship is not just a local, visible act, but participation in the heavenly choir—including the angels and “those who have now been saved to sin no more.” (05:18)

6. Awe, Devotion, and the Incarnation

• Ferguson concludes that meditating on angels in worship should move Christians toward “greater awe and deeper devotion” for Christ.

• Angels worship Christ as their King, who is also our King—Jesus, who humbled himself at the incarnation and is now “crowned Lord of all.” (06:00)

• Final blessing: Encourages listeners to approach the coming Lord’s Day remembering they join the angels in heaven when they worship.

  "...to sing not only here on earth, but to sing with the angels in heaven." (06:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Angels are not to be worshipped, but they are worshipers." (01:11)
• "I don't suppose I fully understood what the passage was saying. I think I still don't. But I had a sense that this was true worship, and I longed for it." (02:18)
• "This is the church we're really going to. We are joining with the angels as they conduct the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ." (04:05)
• "It’s true that all true worship takes place in heaven." – John Owen, as cited by Ferguson (04:33)
• "Remember where you are. You're in church. And the church that you're ultimately in is the church in which the angels worship." (05:06)
• "...to sing not only here on earth, but to sing with the angels in heaven." (06:32)

Important Timestamps

• 00:08 – Opening reflection on angels at Christmas
• 01:11 – Warning: Angels are not to be worshipped
• 01:32 – Angels at creation and Incarnation
• 02:18 – Personal impact of Revelation 4–5
• 03:02 – Angels and all creation praising God
• 03:35 – Hebrews 12: Worship with angels
• 04:15 – Jesus, the priestly liturgos in worship
• 04:33 – John Owen: All true worship is in heaven
• 05:06 – Paul’s reminder: Worship before angels
• 06:00 – Worshipping the incarnate and exalted Christ
• 06:32 – Encouragement: Sing on earth and in heaven

Takeaway

Sinclair Ferguson calls listeners to deeper reverence by realizing that every act of Christian worship is not solitary or merely earthly—instead, it is a joining with angelic hosts before God’s throne. As Christmas draws near, Christians are reminded to worship the Lord Jesus with awe, aware that angels too praise the King who humbled himself for our salvation.