Guardian Angel

Definition and Meaning

A guardian angel (Korean suho cheonsa, 守護天使) is literally "an angel who guards and protects." The term refers to the belief that God sends an angel to watch over a particular person, nation, or community, or to an angel so sent. In a broad sense, it denotes the idea that angels help and protect believers. In a narrow sense, it denotes the idea that each person has a particular angel assigned to that person alone. Differences among denominations arise mainly from how they regard the narrow sense.

Biblical and Historical Background

Passages commonly cited in support of the idea of guardian angels include the following:

• Psalm 34:7 and Psalm 91:11-12: The psalmist declares that "the angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him" and that God "shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
• Matthew 18:10: Jesus says of the "little ones" that "in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
• Acts 12:15: When Peter, released from prison, comes to the door, those gathered say, "It is his angel."
• Hebrews 1:14: Angels are called "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."
• Daniel 10: The angel Michael appears as one charged with the people of Israel. This passage is read as a basis for the idea of angels who guard nations.

Some of the early Church Fathers are known to have taught that an angel accompanies each person. The Catholic Church inherited this tradition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd. The Catholic liturgical calendar observes the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels on October 2.

After the Reformation, Protestants approached the question with caution. In the Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin held it to be clear that angels together watch over all believers. He wrote, however, that one cannot say with certainty whether a single angel is assigned to each person. On the basis of Colossians 2:18, Protestants have also warned against worshiping angels or praying to them.

Practice in Korean Churches

No Korean Protestant denomination has adopted belief in guardian angels as official doctrine. In preaching and teaching, the subject is usually treated in the broad sense that "God protects His people through angels." Even then, emphasis is placed on God's providence as the source of that protection.

• Reformed tradition, including Presbyterians: Following Calvin's position, this tradition affirms the protective ministry of angels. It often leaves open, as a matter Scripture does not clearly address, whether each individual has a dedicated angel.
• Pentecostal and charismatic circles: Testimonies of receiving angelic help in times of crisis are shared relatively often. Even in these circles, however, praying to angels or calling on them by name is generally not accepted.
• Anglicanism: The Anglican calendar includes the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels on September 29. The Anglican Church of Korea shares this tradition.

In popular culture outside the church, the term "guardian angel" is widely used as a metaphor for a person who looks out for someone. The term is often used in this everyday sense within the church as well.