THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Having taken the initiative to discuss the origins of the holy assembly, and recognizing the importance of addressing the holy angels—the most exalted and blessed members of this assembly, who have never strayed into foreign realms—I now aim, with God's grace, to elucidate the divine testimonies relevant to this topic. The Scriptures do not explicitly state whether angels were created or the order of their creation when recounting the world's formation. However, their presence is implied, either through the term "heaven" in the declaration, "In the beginning God created heaven and earth," or perhaps through the mention of the light I previously referenced.
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It is reasonable to assert that they are included, especially since it is written that God rested on the seventh day from all the works He had made—implying that nothing else existed prior to the creation of heaven and earth in the beginning.
If God's creation began with heaven and earth, and the earth He formed was void and formless, enveloped in darkness over the abyss—representing an indistinct mixture of earth and water—this environment lacked light, and thus darkness prevailed; further creation unfolded over six days. How could angels be excluded from God's works and His subsequent rest on the seventh day? While Scripture does not overtly clarify the presence of angels here, it does in other passages. For instance, in the book of Daniel, the song of the three young men in the fiery furnace includes references to angels among God's creations. Similarly, a psalm proclaims: "Praise the Lord from heaven, praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all the stars of light. Praise Him, you heavens of the firmament and the waters that are higher than the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded, and they were created" (Psalm 148:1-5). This revelation clearly indicates that angels were created by God, identified alongside the heavenly beings, affirming the phrase, "He commanded, and they were made."
Who would presume that angels came into being after the enumerated works of creation in six days? Should one hold such a notion, their misguided belief is countered by another equally authoritative passage where God states: "When the stars were made, all My angels praised Me with a great voice" (Job 38:7). Therefore, the angels existed when the stars were formed, which occurred on the fourth day. We cannot assert they were created on the third day, for what was created then is evident before us: the earth was separated from the waters, and each element took on its distinct form while the earth yielded all its growth from its roots.
Were they created on the second day? This cannot be so, as the firmament, known as heaven, was created to divide the lower waters from the upper on that day; the stars were then created on the fourth day. Hence, if the angels are elements of God's creative work from those days, they are certainly the light associated with the day—though not referred to as "day one" in a numerical sense, but rather as "the first day," reflecting its unity. Each day may be connected—second, third, or others—but the same day is reiterated, signifying unity and completeness concerning the sixfold and sevenfold dimensions of creation: six regarding God's creative acts and seven concerning His rest.
When God declared, "Let there be light," and light emerged, if this light signifies the creation of angels, then they undeniably share in the eternal Light, identified as the unchanging Wisdom of God, the Creator of all things, whom we recognize as the only-begotten Son. Enlightened by the very Light through which they were born, the angels became a reflection of light and were designated as day by sharing in the eternal Light and Day, symbolic of the Word of God, through which they too were formed. For the "true Light, which enlightens every man that comes into the world" (John 1:9), equally illuminates every pure angel; thus, their light is not inherent but derives from God. Should an angel turn away from Him, however, he becomes unclean, like those referred to as unclean spirits—now furnished with darkness, deprived of communion with the eternal Light. Evil, then, is not a substance; rather, it represents the absence of good, which has come to be designated as evil.
Praise the Lord, my soul. May we, united in Christ, proclaim this together. O Lord my God, You are profoundly exalted! Psalm 102:1. Where do You find Your greatness? You are adorned with truth and beauty. Acknowledge Him to be adorned, so that He may clothe you in grace. Clothed in light as a garment, Psalm 103:2. Clothed in His Church, which shines with His light—transforming from darkness, as the apostle teaches, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8 You spread out the heavens like a canopy with ease, much like a skin—a metaphor for human mortality. The wisdom of the Divine Scriptures has been imparted to us through mortal beings whose legacy endures beyond their earthly lives.
He covers the upper regions with water, Psalm 102:3. What are these upper regions? They represent the heavenly realm. What is Heaven? Figuratively speaking, it signifies the Divine Scriptures. What comprises these scriptures' uppermost teachings? The command to love, above which there is none. Mark 12:31. Now, why is love likened to water? Because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:5. Where does this Spirit, which is likened to water, originate? For Jesus declared, “Whoever believes in Me, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38. The evangelist clarifies this, saying, “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.”
He goes above the wings of the winds—this signifies His supremacy over the virtues of the soul. What is the virtue of the soul? The love of oneself. How does He conquer it? Because God's love for us surpasses our love for Him.
He transforms spirits into His angels, and makes a blazing flame His ministers. Psalm 102:4. These beings, already spiritual in nature, He sends forth to proclaim His gospel. The blazing fire represents His presence; if the preacher does not have the fervor of the Spirit, he cannot ignite the hearts of those he addresses.
He solidified the earth upon its foundation. Psalm 103:5. He established the Church upon the bedrock of faith. What constitutes this foundation? As the apostle mentions, “For no one can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11. What assurance does this foundation give? It shall not be shaken forever. He cemented the Church upon the foundation of Christ. The Church may tremble if that foundation is disturbed; but Christ—through whom all creation emerged and without whom nothing exists (John 1:3)—holds everything in His majesty (Hebrews 1:3). Because Christ is unfaltering, the Church will endure unfalteringly. Where are those who claim the Church has vanished from the world?
The deep waters clothe her as a garment. Psalm 102:6. Whose garment could this be? It cannot be God's because He is said to be “clothed in light as a garment.” If God is cloaked in light, then whose garment is the abyss? The vast body of water is referred to as the abyss. All flowing waters, including seas, rivers, and underground springs, are collectively named the Abyss. Thus, we understand the earth, as He declared: “He founded the earth.” The Abyss, like a garment, encapsulates it; for the waters envelop the earth, just as a garment covers the body.
The waters rise above the mountains, signifying an increased covering of the earth with the abyss, evidenced during the time of the flood. The prophets, foreseeing the future rather than recounting the past, wanted you to grasp that the Church must endure floods of persecution. There was a time when the torrents of adversaries enveloped the earth, covering the Church to such an extent that even the mightiest mountains seemed to vanish. In such scattering, how could they remain visible? Perhaps these very waters cry, “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my soul.” Particularly those waters that create turmoil and desolation, for the territory that the sea touches is quickly rendered unfruitful.
Why did the apostles flee? Because the waters towered over them. Their might was great, but for a limited time. Listen to what followed:
“From Your rebuke they shall flee.” Psalm 102:7. Indeed, brothers, by God's rebuke, the waters receded from the mountains. And how exalted are the mountains themselves, Peter and Paul! Those who once faced persecution are now honored as rulers. For the waters retreated at the command of God; for the heart of kings is in the hand of God, He directs it wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1).
He commanded peace for Christians; the authority of the apostles has increased and elevated. The waters fled at God's rebuke. “At the sound of Your thunder they shall tremble.” Who does not quake at the voice of God conveyed through the apostles, in the Scriptures, and through His divine presence? The sea quiets, the waters tremble, the mountains stand exposed; the emperor commands peace. But who would have given such an edict had God not voiced His authority? Because it is God's will, it is done. Thus, no individual should claim any achievement for themselves.
“The mountains rise and the valleys sink to the place You established for them.” Psalm 102:8. He continues speaking of the waters. Let us not perceive mountains here as literal earth, nor valleys merely as low terrains; they represent grand waves that once appeared towering, resembling mountains capable of covering the mountains of the Apostles. Yet for how long can mountains rise or valleys fall? They raged, and now they are calmed. When in turmoil, they appeared as mountains; now pacified, they resemble valleys, for He has established a resting place for them—a channel where the tumultuous hearts of mortals have withdrawn. They were once mountains but have now leveled out; yet, dear brethren, even the profound stillness is part of the sea.
Why are they not cruel now? Why do they refrain from their anger? Why do they not try to diminish, if they cannot overthrow, our land? Why is this?
“Listen. You have set a limit that they shall not cross, nor shall they return again to cover the earth.” Psalm 103:9. Now, since the most turbulent waves have received their measure, we are permitted to proclaim these truths freely; because they have been assigned a boundary and cannot overstep it or retreat to cover the earth. So what occurs on the actual earth now that the sea has left it bare? Even though gentle waves caress the shore, and the Gentiles may still murmur around it; I heed the sounds of the waves yet fear not the flood. What is transpiring upon the earth? “You send springs in the valleys.” Psalm 102:10.
You send springs to the lowly valleys—those humble spaces amid the land. Hills and mountains stand high, while valleys and lowlands are low. Do not dismiss these humble places; from there the springs of life flow. Hear the mountains; the apostle stated, “I labored more abundantly than they all.” Although greatness may seem present, in humility, he made a valley for himself by proclaiming, “But I, by the grace of God, am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10. There is no contradiction: mountains can also be valleys; elevated by spiritual virtue, they are referred to as mountains, and by their spirit of humility, they are valleys. It is not I but the grace of God that works within me.