Extracts of Francis Turretin
One important question in theology is this:
Were angels created by God, and if so, when were they created?
The Bible teaches clearly that angels are not eternal beings. They did not always exist. God alone is eternal, without beginning or end. Angels, though glorious and powerful, are creatures made by God.
Turretin carefully explains this doctrine by defending two main truths:
Angels were created by God.
They were created in the beginning, together with the world, or very near the beginning of creation.
The Bible plainly teaches that all things outside of God were created by Him.
“By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible...” — Colossians 1:16
This verse includes invisible beings, which refers to angels.
“Praise ye him, all his angels... for he commanded, and they were created.” — Psalm 148:2,5
The angels themselves are commanded to praise God because they were created by Him.
Turretin insists that only God is eternal by nature.
God alone:
has no beginning,
depends on no one,
exists by His own power.
Angels are different:
they are finite,
dependent,
changeable creatures.
Even the highest angel lives only because God continually sustains him.
The difference between God and angels is not small but infinite.
God is:
Creator.
Angels are:
creatures.
To worship angels, therefore, is a terrible sin because they are servants, not God Himself.
“Worship God.” — Revelation 22:9
Some ancient philosophers wrongly believed spiritual beings existed eternally. Turretin rejects this completely.
If angels were eternal:
they would not depend on God,
they would possess divine attributes,
and there would be more than one eternal being.
But Scripture teaches:
there is only one eternal God.
“Before the mountains were brought forth... even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” — Psalm 90:2
Everything besides God had a beginning.
Turretin asks:
At what point did God create the
angels?
The Bible does not give an exact day or hour. Therefore, we must speak carefully and avoid unnecessary speculation.
Still, Scripture gives enough truth to guide us.
Turretin argues that angels were most likely created at or near the beginning of the six days of creation.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
The phrase “heaven and earth” often means the whole universe, including invisible creatures.
Also:
“In six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is.” — Exodus 20:11
“All that in them is” includes angels.
Therefore, angels were not created long before the material world.
Some claimed angels existed for countless ages before the earth was made. Turretin rejects this for several reasons.
The Bible nowhere teaches that angels existed eternally before creation.
Where Scripture is silent, we should avoid bold speculation.
John 1:3 says:
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
Everything created had a beginning.
Genesis speaks of “the beginning” of creation, not many ages of created existence before the world.
God created all things in wisdom and order.
The universe was made as one harmonious whole:
heaven,
earth,
angels,
mankind,
and all creatures.
It is fitting that angels, who serve within God’s created order, were created together with that order.
Most likely, yes.
Turretin believes angels were probably created before the sixth day when man was formed.
One important reason comes from Job:
“When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” — Job 38:7
The “sons of God” here refers to angels rejoicing at God’s work of creation.
This suggests angels already existed while God was forming the earth.
Still, Turretin warns against excessive curiosity. Scripture gives enough for faith, but not enough for endless speculation.
God did not create angels because He needed them.
God is perfectly sufficient in Himself.
He created angels:
for His glory,
to display His wisdom and power,
to serve His purposes,
and to minister to His people.
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” — Hebrews 1:14
Holy angels are servants of God and helpers of His church.
Even mighty angels are creatures.
How much more should man humble himself before the Creator?
Angels are glorious beings, but they must never be worshiped.
The highest angel is still only a servant before God’s throne.
The creation of angels shows:
God’s infinite power,
His wisdom,
and the greatness of His kingdom.
The visible world is not all that exists. God rules over both visible and invisible creation.
Turretin teaches an important lesson:
we should not go beyond
Scripture.
Curiosity about hidden things often leads to error. The believer should rest in what God has revealed.
“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us.” — Deuteronomy 29:29
Francis Turretin teaches that:
angels were truly created by God,
they are not eternal,
they were made in the beginning along with the world,
probably before the creation of man,
and they exist for God’s glory and service.
This doctrine protects the greatness of God alone.
Only God
is eternal Creator.
Everything else — angels, men, and the
universe itself — exists because God willed it to be.