Is Jesus Michael the Archangel?

Is Jesus Michael the Archangel?

Dear Mr. Zukeran,

Michael the archangel as Jesus Christ is a belief held in common by both the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventists. While J.W.'s believe that this is additional proof that Jesus Christ was NOT God Almighty, S.D.A.'s believe he is both God Almighty and the "archangel Michael." I realize that both denominations came from similar "roots," and although many of their beliefs are very different from one another, some commonalities, such as death is "sleep" and "Michael the archangel as Jesus Christ" reflect their early common beginnings. Do you ascribe to either of these beliefs? If not, can you explain why?

Thank You,

Sean.

Dear Sean,

I do not believe the Bible teaches that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. The Bible teaches that Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Second person of the Trinity. John 1:1 teaches that Christ is eternal and was with the Father from the beginning. Since the Word was “with” God, Jesus is not the Father but a distinct person, the divine Son of God the second person of the triune God. Matthew 1:23 identifies Jesus as “Immanuel” which means God with us.

Hebrews 1 is a chapter that clearly teaches that Jesus is not an angel. Jesus is superior to the angels in every way. 1:4 states, “This shows that God’s son is far greater or superior than the angels. He has a name that indicates his superiority to them.

Hebrews 1:5 states, “For to which of the angels did He (God) ever say, “You are my son, today I have become your Father?” This is a rhetorical question with an obvious answer. God has not said that to any of the angels. Only of His Son has He stated this to. Not only that God commands all the angels to worship the Son (1:6). God makes it clear that we are to worship Him alone (Exodus 20 and Matthew 4:10). Here in Hebrews 1:6 God commands that angels to worship Jesus something reserved only for God.

From these verses I conclude Jesus is not an angel but the Divine Son of God.

Patrick Zukeran
Probe Ministries
Host of Evidence and Answers Radio show www.evidenceandanswers.org