Is Jesus Michael The Archangel?


Some sects that label themselves Christians (such as the Jehovah Witness Organization and Seventh Day Adventists) align Jesus as being Michael The Archangel. Though their doctrines differ (one being much more dangerous than the other) they both go against what the bible teaches.  This is not to say that the scripture doesn't at times refer to Jesus as an angel.  For there was a certain one who is called God (Ex. 3:14) and who spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, who is earlier referred to as the angel of the Lord (Ex 3:2).  Scripture however makes no direct link to Jesus being Michael the archangel.  1Thessalonians 4:16 says the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel.  But to make the assumption that Jesus is Michael the archangel based on the mentioning of the words "voice of the archangel" is to draw beyond what scripture has given.  Even if it is Michael's angelic duty to make this shout or even if Jesus does have the voice of an archangel it does not prove that Jesus is Michael the archangel.  Furthermore scripture foreseeing what some might later claim makes effort to differentiate between the angels and Jesus.    


Hebrews


The book of Hebrews makes several distinctions contrasting the angels and Jesus. The author(s) first gives a reference to the angels, and then contrasts it with a reference to the Son (Jesus), the Son of course being highly exalted over the angels.  All of these references in some form or fashion assert the deity of Christ. 


  • Being made so much better than the angels, as he [Jesus] has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:4)


  • For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Hebrews 1:5, Psalm 2:7)


  • And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let the angels of God worship him.  (Hebrews 1:6)


  • And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:7)


  • But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)


  • But unto which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? (Hebrews 1:13)


  • Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs? (Hebrews 1:14)


Jude


Next we have a mention of Michael the archangel in the book of Jude, as follows:


  • "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not to bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you (Jude 1:9)."


​Now if Jesus was Michael the archangel it wouldn't make much sense for him to say "The Lord rebuke you", for Jesus is Lord and would have rebuked the devil himself.  This in itself should be enough evidence to prove Jesus is not Michael the archangel.  However, there is one other area where we can draw some additional proof upon a thorough investigation.  


Daniel and Revelation


In Daniel chapter 8 and 9, the angel Gabriel appears to Daniel giving him the prophecy.  Now often it is assumed that it was Gabriel who appeared in Daniel chapter 10 too.  However, upon careful investigation it becomes evident that it was Not Gabriel who appeared to Daniel in Daniel chapter 10, rather it was a certain one who is given the following description (Daniel 10:5-6):


  • (1) Clothed in Linen
  • (2) Loins girded with fine Gold
  • (3) Face as of the appearance of Lightning
  • (4) Eyes as lamps of Fire
  • (5) Arms and feet like the color of polished Brass
  • (6) Voice of his words like the voice of a multitude


Now if we compare scripture with scripture it becomes evident that this certain man is Jesus (Rev. 1:18 "who was dead but is alive")  who appeared to Daniel in Daniel chapter 10.  When comparing the description given in Daniel 10:5-6 to the description given in Revelation 1:13-15 we find the following similarities: 


  • (1) Clothed in agarment down to the foot
  • (2) Girt about the pap with a golden girdle
  • (3) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow
  • (4) Eyes as a flame of fire
  • (5) Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace
  • (6) His voice as the sound of many waters


One would have to be purposely contentious not to admit that there exists strong similarities between these two descriptions.  So what exactly does this mean?  Well if it was Jesus who appeared and spoke to Daniel (in Daniel Chapter 10) we must examine what his message was in regards to Michael the archangel?  Below is Daniel 10:12-13


  • Then said he (Jesus) unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. (Daniel 10:12)


  • But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:13)


In these verses we find Jesus telling Daniel how he was withheld for twenty one days, until Michael came to his help.  And so we must ask ourselves if Jesus speaks of Michael coming to his help, how can he be both the one who was helped and the one who came to help? Or how can he speak of Michael if he is Michael? This evidence when put together brings us to the conclusion that Jesus is Not Michael the archangel!  But a contentious one might meet us saying it was Gabriel who appeared to Daniel in Daniel Chapter 10 as it was in chapter 8 and 9.  To which we would ask, why then isn't his lengthy description given earlier in Chapter 8 or 9, but is introduced here in Chapter 10? Or why is it that Daniel doesn't call Gabriel Lord but calls this certain man Lord four times (Daniel 10:16-19)


Why?


But why do these sects make such a claim?  Well from the surface it appears to be a somewhat innocent claim, however after further investigation you will find that it is done purposely to support their false doctrine.  In the case of the Jehovah Witness Organization it is used to support their false belief that Jesus existed as a spiritual creature before his advent on earth.  This is their way of explaining away all the passages that deal directly with the deity of Christ.  For example when you ask, how was Jesus with God in the beginning (John 1:1, which clearly shouts deity), they don't have to be dumbfounded for they can give their (false) answer that he existed as Michael the archangel before his advent on earth.  And so they can appear to be wise to catch and hook those who are not willing to search out the truth. 


For more on the deity of Christ view our page "Is Jesus God?"



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