ANGELS ON ASSIGNMENT

A Paper From Melodyland School of Theology

J. Rodman Williams, Former President

Due to the widespread expression of concern about the book Angels on Assignment, by the late Pastor Roland Buck, a group of five persons recently covened at Melodyland School of Theology for serious consideration. Not only was the book available but also several tapes and interviews of the late pastor Buck. As a result of the deliberation the five persons—three professors and two regents of the School of Theology—felt it important to make some public declaration concerning the matter. The paper that follows is a result of this deliberation.

DISCUSSION:
Inasmuch as many others, such as Dr. Williams and his Melodyland School of Theology colleagues, have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things regarding the late Rev. Roland H. Buck, just as those who, from the beginning, were eyewitnesses -even as ministers of the word delivered these reports to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, dear reader and fellow servant of Jesus, The King, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

This account addresses, among other things, the points raised in the paper under review.

The paper is in two parts: Part One—a series of biblical affirmations, warnings, and tests in relation to visitation of angels. This part, closing with an expression of concern, intends to be a biblical statement against which any visitations might be weighed and evaluated.

This first part is fundamental because we live in an era when for many, experience is paramount. Therefore, the view that if an experience is real, it must be right often predominates. We must, however, acknowledge that Scripture is the final authority and thereby judge all experiences—not the reverse. For while Scripture and experience go hand in hand, the former is the means by which we test the latter.

I agree: Scripture tests experience, not the other way around.

Part Two will deal specifically with Pastor Buck's book. Since it is more readily available than the tapes and interviews, quotations (except in one case) will be taken therefrom. The procedure will be that of setting down the tests, found in Part One, and under each heading listing relevant quotations. Pastor Buck will be quoted in context and the Scriptures allowed to speak. It is hoped that this presentation will assist interested Christians in seeing that there is severe doubt as to who assigned Pastor Buck's angels.

The tests proposed here are not altogether supported by scripture -to test the validity of an unknown. Therefore, I shall propose my own "tests"; however, in my case, I shall back the proposed test with a scripture.

PART ONE

I. We affirm the reality of angels

There is ample biblical testimony to their activity—both Old and New Testament.

We do not number ourselves among the Sadducees, past or present, who "say that there is nor resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit" (Acts 23:8).

That is correct: Angels do exist.

II. We affirm that angels may be experienced

Experiences with angels are recorded a number of times in the Old and New Testaments by many men and women of God—Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Ezekiel, Daniel, and many others in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, e.g., Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Jesus Himself, shepherds, women at the tomb, apostles at the ascension, Peter, Philip, Cornelius, Paul, John.

That is also correct.

Biblical assurance is also given of angels' continuing activity and presence. Examples:

Ps. 34:7*	"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them."
Ps. 91:11-12	"For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone."
Mt. 18:10	"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven."
Heb. 1:14	"Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation "
Heb. 12:22	"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering…"
Heb. 13:2	"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
*All quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the Revised Standard Version. For my part, I shall name any source for a scripture citation, and I expect to principally use the King James Version (KJV), which is in the Public Domain in the United States -and the Amplified Bible (AMP), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

Contemporary experiences of angels has ample biblical base—whether such experience is recognized or unrecognized.

Billy Graham: "Angels, whether noticed by men or not are active in our twentieth-century world. Are we aware of them?" (Angels: God's Secret Agents, p. 168)

III. We affirm the following:

A.	Angels are largely anonymous. (Note the biblical hesitancy about angel's name: "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" Jdg. 13:18) An "angel" "An angel of the Lord" "Angels of God", etc. Michael and Gabriel are named (but only in reference to extraordinary tasks in the process of biblical revelation: Daniel 8-10, 12; Lk. 1; Jude 9; Rev. 12) Any other names go beyond biblical record. That is correct. However, the absence of a particular account, naming a particular angel, does not deny, prohibit, or preclude the validity of said account. Since this is a main problem point of Dr. Williams paper, I am going to camp here a little while and clarify. Two examples to illustrate: #1: Just because your name is not listed in scripture, that does not deny that you exist, now does it? #2: Indeed: Scripture itself attests that numerous -even in excess of hundreds of millions of holy angels -exist! "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place." --Psalm 68:17 (KJV) "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels," --Hebrews 12:22 (KJV) "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;" --Revelation 5:11 (KJV) Let's camp here a while and look at that last scripture. Does anyone know what 10,000 times 10,000 is? That's right: It's 100,000,000, which is one-hundred million. And then, "thousands of thousands" is added to that. Even one thousand "of thousands" is a million, so we must add multiple millions to the previously stated number of at least 100 Million. Folks, that's a lot of angels, so it is possible for there to be more than 'Michael' and 'Gabriel' experiences -although it is by no means guaranteed.
B.	Angels are little described. Neither male nor female—Mk. 12:25 May appear in the form of a man—e.g., Gen. 19:1; Jdg. 12:6; Mk. 16:5 May appear in "dazzling apparel" (or white)—e.g., Lk. 24:4; Acts 1:10 Nothing regarding age, size, other dress, etc. Any other descriptions go beyond biblical record. That is correct. But this is a restating of the previous point, which I addressed above.

IV. We affirm the specific roles of angels to be the following:

A.	Praising and worshipping God.
	Ps. 103:20 "Bless the Lord, O you his angels…" Ps. 148:2 "Praise him, all his angels…." Heb. 1:6 "Let all God's angels worship him." Rev. 5:11-12 "…the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb…"
B.	Announcing extraordinary events in biblical history. e.g., Birth of Isaac and Destruction of Sodom—Genesis 18 The call to Gideon—Judges 6 The Birth of Jesus Christ—Lk. 1 & 2 The resurrection of Jesus—all Gospels The return in glory—Acts 1
C.	Interpreting Divine Visions in biblical revelation. e.g., Daniel's visions—Daniel 8 & 9 Zechariah's vision—Zech. 1 John's visions—frequently in the book of Revelation
D.	Consoling, strengthening, protecting, delivering. e.g., Consolation—Gen. 16:9-11 Strength—I Kgs. 19:5; Mt. 4:11; Lk. 22:43 Protection—Ex. 14:19; 23:20; Ps. 34:7; 91:11; Mt. 18:20 Deliverance—Num. 20:16; Dan. 6:22; Acts 5:19; 12:7
E.	Giving simple directions to fulfill God's purpose. e.g., to Elijah—"Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king…" 2 Kgs. 1:3 to the Apostles—"Go and stand in the temple and speak…" Acts 5:19 to Philip—"Rise, go to the south…" Acts 8:26 to Cornelius—"Send men to Joppa…" Acts 10:5 to Paul—"Do not be afraid Paul; you must stand before Caesar…" Acts 27:23
F.	Executing judgment e.g., upon Israel—2 Sam. 24:16; 1 Chr. 21:14 Upon Israel's foes—2 Kgs. 19:35; Isa. 37:36 Upon King Herod—Acts 12:23 Upon evil at large—Mt. 13:41; 2 Th. 1:7; Rev. 8:7-12 (and elsewhere)
Any other roles of angels are not in accordance with the Scriptures. That is not entirely correct: Something is only "not in accordance" with scripture if it is specifically prohibited. Let's review: Just because your name is not listed in scripture, that does not mean that your existence is "not in accordance" with scripture, now does it? Dr. Williams makes use of this particular line of attack, so my rebuttals may seem repetitive, but this is not intended; there are some actual points addressed besides this issue -and it is not all boring, I assure you.

V. We set forth the following biblical warnings regarding angelic visitations:

A.	An angel is to be accursed if he proclaims an "other" gospel. Gal 1: 8 "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary [or "other than," "more than"] … let him be accursed."
B.	An "angel of light" may be Satan in disguise. "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light"—this Satan is like false apostles who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ (1:13).
C.	An angel (by nature a "spirit") is not to be believed simply because he is a spirit. I John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God…"
D.	An angel may, therefore, be a "deceitful spirit." I Tim. 4:1 "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from [fall away from] the faith by giving heed to deceitful [or 'seducing' KJV—or 'misleading'] spirits…" That is correct: Some angels are fallen angels, fired by their former Employer, God The Father.

VI. We set forth a number of tests for visitations (in accordance with I John 4:1—"Test the spirits" and I Thessalonians 5:21—"Test everything").

Test I—Are there angels identified by non-biblical names?

Test II—Are the angels given extra-biblical description?

Test III—Are they performing roles beyond the biblical picture?

Test IV—Are they sources of additional information beyond biblical confirmation"

Test V—Are they in any way proclaiming an "other" gospel?

If the answer is yes to any of these five, they fail the test of being angels of God.

That is not correct: Let's look at these so-called 'tests' one-by-one:

* "Test I—Are there angels identified by non-biblical names?"
Answer: Yes, and this is consistent with scripture: When Gabriel appeared to Daniel, his name was not previously mentioned in scripture, yet this did not invalidate his arrival. (Same with Gabriel's mention of Michael's name to Daniel.)

So, it is scriptural to conclude that Gabriel and Michael are not the only angels capable of doing God's bidding without having first being "named" in prior passages! -Or, rather, would Dr. Williams and colleagues presume to tell God that He can only send these angels!? Can someone say 'Putting God in a Box'??

* "Test II—Are the angels given extra-biblical description?"
Answer: Not all angels look alike! -And, indeed, there are surely things about the angels that is not in scripture --lack of mention does not necessarily mean 'false, false!' -but, of course, it is no guarantee of validity either.

* "Test III—Are they performing roles beyond the biblical picture?"
Answer: Dr. Williams and colleagues are 'Putting God in a Box' again: There may be things God did not include in scripture -since, after all, we still see through the glass darkly:

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."--1st Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)

"For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]."--1st Corinthians 13:12 (AMP)

* "Test IV—Are they sources of additional information beyond biblical confirmation""
Answer: Why, of course -or else why would they need appear! (Of course, anything they say or do can not violate known scripture.)

* "Test V—Are they in any way proclaiming an "other" gospel?"
Answer: Ibid. (We're now beating a dead horse ... moving on ...)

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Now, I set forth the "real" Biblical tests for both "angelic visitations" and "prophets" who may claim to speak in the Name of the Lord:

* Test I—SPECIFIC TEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: Angel or “Prophet” must be righteous, specifically regarding not denying Jesus.
“2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1st John 4:2-3, NKJV, New King James Version: © Thomas Nelson, Inc.)
Apparently, the demons are so evil that they are sensitive and vulnerable to the name of Jesus and thus incapable of admitting that Jesus is Lord. For them, according to this verse, it is impossible to admit Jesus is Lord (and Savior and very God, worthy of worship) without going crazy.

* Test II—GENERAL TEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: The general lifestyle of the prophet must be righteous.
This test apparently only applies to people (not angels!), and it doesn’t even work well unless you get to know the person...
** 15 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
** 16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits..." (Matthew 7:15-16a, KJV) WHAT ARE THEIR FRUITS, you wonder?
** "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness..." (Philippians 1:11, KJV)

* Test III—SPECIFIC TEST OF ACCURACY: The specific “prophecy” or “revelation” must be accurate - 100%.
This is the “classic” test or the “gold test” of a “true prophet”: Does the prophecy or prediction come true? (Deuteronomy 18:22) If the “prophet” or “angel” or dream or vision says anything false about things past, present, or future, you can scratch it. The New Testament version of the “Gold Test” from Deuteronomy 18:22 is found in James 1:17, which reads: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights...”

* Test IV—GENERAL TEST OF ACCURACY: The “general” method of contact with the spirit world must be accurate, not prohibited.
Is the general prophecy a method permitted by God, that is, did the "prophet" use a forbidden witchcraft method to call up the spirit, or did it appear in one of the permitted ways, such as a vision or an angelic visitation? (See e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12, NKJV, New King James Version: © Thomas Nelson, Inc.

If you ask God for an answer via, say, calling up and “speaking with” the dead -or the Ouija board -or even astrologers and horoscopes, then any answer you get may be -and probably will be from a demon, not God or His Holy angels.

* Test V—HOLY SPIRIT TEST: There must be a witness of the spirit in the believer, who listens for the check in the spirit.
Is there the testimony of the Holy Spirit, a gut feeling, so to speak? (Psalms 95:7-11; John, chapter 10, generally) His sheep (us) hear his voice (the Holy Spirit), so we must chill out and listen carefully, however, we many be tricked, so we must use all five tests in order to get a good handle and “fine-tune” our intuition, our gut feeling, our ability to hear and understand the Holy Spirit.

If the 'prophet' or 'angel' fails even one of these tests, they are not speaking for God.

VII. We are greatly concerned about the following:

And, so am I, but I am not paranoid on unnecessarily narrow, as the Pharisees were, with all their "extra laws" which they made up.

A.	Failure of discernment—though the supernaturally good is being multiplied in our time, the evil is likewise rapidly accelerating.
B.	The possibility of the development of a "religion of the angels." Note the warning in Colossians 2:18—"Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the religion [or 'religion'—threskeia—cf. Acts 26:5; James 1:27] of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head…" (New International Version).
C.	The danger of presumed additional revelation being given through angelic visitation. The Christian faith was "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).

PART TWO

Test I (related to III. A. above)
Are there angels identified by non-biblical names?

Answer:

Whereas two of the late Pastor Buck's visitors identify themselves as Michael and Gabriel, two others, not named in the Bible, are identified as Chrioni and Cyprion. "He [Gabriel] introduced me to the second angel whose name as Chrioni! That's a peculiar name. I never heard that" (40). "Gabriel, Chrioni, and a ministering angel name Cyprion … said, 'We want you to join in worship with us … '" (195).

Answer:

I already covered that. Moving on...

Test II (related to III.B. above)
Are the angels given extra-biblical description?

Answer:

Whereas some of Pastor Buck's descriptions tally with the Bible, he clearly goes beyond it. "No two of them look alike! They are different sizes, have different hairstyles, and completely different appearances. Chrioni has a hairdo much like many men have today, and he looks about 25 years old. I do not know what he would weigh in earthly pounds, by my guess would be close to 400 pounds. He is huge, seven or more feet in height, and often wears a brown pull-over shirt and is casually, but neatly dressed in loose-fitting brown trousers. His shirt laces at the top with what looks like a shoelace. Gabriel often appears in a shimmering white tunic with a radiant gold belt about five inches wide, white trousers and highly polished, bronze-colored shoes. His hair is the color of gold!" (45). "I noticed Michael was dressed somewhat like Gabriel. His white tunic had a type of elegant gold embroidery on it, and he wore a wide, gold belt. He wore a type of sandal, and his feet were the color of someone with a deep tan… His hair is light, almost flaxen. He appears to be about 25 years old… The other warring angles wore a type of brown tunic, or shirt, tied at the neck with what appeared to be a shoelace. This was worn over very loose trousers" (169).

Answer:

I already covered that. Moving on...

Test III (related to IV.A. through F. above)
Are the angels performing roles beyond the biblical picture?

Answer:

Whereas some of Pastor Buck's descriptions tally with biblical roles, his reporting goes far beyond the Bible. (I already covered this 'general' point, but some of these specific theological points bear closer scrutiny -see below.) The angels carry on lengthy conversations with Pastor Buck—"some fifty hours of angelic conversations" with "sixteen separate visitations" (13, 15) in two years. Within a few more months the number of visitations had come to twenty-three (statement at Full Gospel meeting, Boise, Idaho, September 17, 1979). In the Bible angel visits are quite rare and the words are few. (A little odd, I admit, but no contradiction of scripture.) The angels bring messages from God for the world. "Each time the angels have come they have brought a message from God for the world" (15). Pastor Buck's book contains many of these "inspiring messages" (37), for example a whole chapter of messages in sermonic form called "God's Priorities" (chapter VI). In the Scriptures, however, the angels only announce extraordinary events (see IV.B.), and interpret divine visions (IV.C.). They do not give lengthy messages. (Putting God in a box again, I see. Moving on...) The angels "… have orders to bring people to a point of either accepting or rejecting Jesus" (33). The Bible nowhere suggests such a role for angels. I respectfully dissent: Angels are God's ministers (Hebrews 1:7), that is, they represent God. Now, GOD's nature is to compel the person to accept Him (John 3:16), but if not, then God shall give them a strong delusion (Isaiah 66:4; 2nd Thessalonians 2:11), thus they would REJECT God. Angels, as God's agents, would therefore act toward the same goals, would they not? Isn't this just what Rev. Buck said they did? Moving on... Gabriel on one occasion "drew a rough sketch of a picture frame," a photograph of which Pastor Buck claimed is in the book (43), to show that God's promises are complete (43); on another occasion Gabriel showed Pastor Buck how to draw a "diagram which explains the importance and function of the atonement" (110-111; diagram on 110). Again, there is no suggestion in the Scriptures of angels, much less Gabriel, performing such roles. There is no prohibition in scripture either! Are we to believe angels, who are fully able to walk and talk are now, somehow, incapable of drawing? This is starting to become annoying. Moving on... The angels receive messages from the Holy Spirit and are monitored by Him. They "were constantly picking up messages from the Holy Spirit. Often when they would pick up reports, they would laugh and become extremely happy" (44). Again, "Michael and the three captains ['warring angels'] who were with him were receiving messages from the Holy Spirit, as he monitored all their activities" (167). There is nothing in the Bible to suggest any such relation between the Holy Spirit and angels—surely not that of receiving messages from and being monitored by Him. OK, finally a "real" theological concern is enunciated here, which I shall address: Now, here, Dr. Williams takes issue with the alleged relationship between the Holy Angels and the Holy Spirit. First, let us look at what the angel told John: In Rev. 19:10 and again in Rev. 22:9, we see John trying to worship the angel. Here, not only does the angel tell him to stop, but the angel also clearly tell John that he is one of his brethren! The KJV renders it as: "I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." OK, now seeing the similarity between the angels and humans (something intuitively already known, but now confirmed by scripture), we ask ourselves this question: Does God speak to His holy angels? YES! Now, we might ask "how?" Well, in humans, we know the Holy Spirit speaks to us. So, is it too unreasonable to accept that the Holy Spirit also speaks to the holy angels, who, by the way, are certainly more sensitive to The Spirit, because they are in a higher state than humans -and have not "fallen?" LASTLY, most mainstream Protestants and Catholic Christians accept that The Holy Spirit is "GOD." (I simply assume the reader understands this concept and not try to prove the Holy Spirit is the 3rd Person on the Triune God. Is that OK?) Thus, as VERY GOD, don't you think the Holy Spirit would be *above* the holy angels -and thus CAPABLE of giving orders? 'nuff said! The angels are described as having pushed down the walls of Jericho. "Chrioni told me the angels took their positions on top of those walls, waiting for the shout… When they [ the angels] heard the shout, every angel who was there pushed with all him might and strength, and the great big thick walls went DOWN into the ground… This was an act of the angels" (179). Obviously Pastor Buck is adding to the biblical record, but claiming it as true because Chrioni told him so. (Also earlier Pastor Buck reported, in connection with the deliverance of Israel from Pharaoh and his charioteers: "We [Chrioni speaking] threw lightning bolts at them! We pulled the wheels off their carts!" [47].) This is no more of a problem than Gabriel telling Mary that she was the one to be the virgin who would bear a child! While it was prophesied, nowhere in scripture is 'Mary' named; however, this did not make Gabriel's prophecy to her any less true -simply because it wasn't in any prior "biblical record." Dr. Williams' emotions of doubt here are grabbing at straws, and quite frankly becoming cumbersome to respond to. The angels are described as "unlimited in power" (183). According to the Scripture only God is omnipotent. Obviously, this was a metaphor: No one could reasonably expect a pastor to seriously believe that angels had unlimited powers of any sort. But, I do give Dr. Williams and his team credit for catching this -I had not noticed it on first glance -or even on second pass. Gabriel gives detailed information to Pastor Buck about a trip to the Philippines: "The week before I was to leave for the Philippines, the angel Gabriel met me, spoke with me about the work… He gave me the names of the people to whom he had been ministering, that he said I would meet…" (147). "Gabriel…met me in my office to give me instructions… He said my message would be from the 96th chapter of Psalms…" (150). All such detailed instruction is contrary to the biblical picture of Gabriel who is mentioned only as interpreting Daniel's visions (Daniel 8 and 9) and announcing events related to the Incarnation (Luke 1). Again - this is "putting God in a box." Who's to say that an angel couldn't address such common actions, as travel or preaching. Both of these were addressed to Philip: In Acts 8:26-29, we see a holy angel teaming up with the Holy Spirit, to give Philip direction about both preaching to some Eunuch (v.26, KJV: "Go near, and join thyself to this chariot") -as well as travel directions to get him there (v.29, KJV: "angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert"). Thus, Dr. Williams is not only wrong in his claims it is "against" scripture (it isn't "against" any known scripture), but furthermore, scripture actually give a couple of "positive" examples, above, to prove him incorrect here. This is significant, because even *without* a "positive' example, it would still not necessarily be "against" scripture if it was not prohibited. So, Dr. Williams is doubly wrong, and, in my view, stretching to make untenable claims.

Test IV
Are the angels sources of additional information beyond biblical confirmation?

Answer:

Although Pastor Buck claimed that the angels only gave scriptural information (e.g., "biblical facts … by angelic messengers" [133]), as a matter of fact they frequently gave more than the Bible contains. "Part of the special work God is doing is a broader revelation of himself through the messages brought by angelic visitation" (9--Preface: "A Word from the Wife of Roland Buck"). "Revelations (note the plural) are being brought forth … fresh truths from God's Word" (13-14). "After these glorious revelations, difficult truths become simple" (38). Examples of additional information ("broader revelation," "fresh truths," etc.) have already been indirectly noted under the headings of (Test I) non-biblical names, (Test II) extra-biblical description, and (Test III) beyond biblical activities. A few additional examples may now be noted. "One of the most impressive things the angels told me was that God always has a back-up plan. God says his work will get done even if he has to call in someone else to do it…" (23). Where in the Scriptures is there any suggestion of this? What happens to God's sovereignty, God's foreknowledge, if he acts in such fashion? Omniscience needs no "back-up plan." Where in scripture is there a backup, plan, you ask? * ANSWER: How about Genesis 4:7, KJV, where God tells Cain: "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door." Are we to believe that God didn't know what Cain was going to do? And -if God was so Omniscient, why didn't He just tell Cain what he was going to do in advance? * ANSWER: Or, how about Genesis 18:28, KJV, where God tells Abraham: "If I [God] find there Sodom] forty and five [righteous souls], I will not destroy it [Sodom]." Are we to believe God was "stupid" and needed a "backup plan' -namely, "Ah, I'm God, and My 1st plan is to see if there's 45 righteous people -but, ah, what if there aren't: I need a 'backup plan' -if there are too few, I'll just have to destroy the city. So much for my 'original' plan." * ANSWER: Or, how about Genesis 20:7, KJV, where God tells King Abimelech: "Now therefore restore the man [Abraham] his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine." Are we to believe that God was so stupid that He needed a "backup plan" -namely, he would try to see if Abimelech would obey, but if not, God needed a "backup plan" which would entail killing the king and his household? God forbid and certainly not! God is not that stupid -the reason it seems that was is because Dr. Williams is not considering the "language of God," as revealed in Holy Scripture: Even though GOD knows the future, we don't, and to tell us *all* the future *all* the time would deprive us of a chance to exercise free will and allow God to test us. THAT is what is going on. So, Rev. Buck is not saying God is stupid, as Dr. Williams alleges here. God is simply allowing people to have free will to make choices -TRUE choices that are not burdened down by "Divine Meddling," which would occur if God told us everything. Dr. Williams and his colleague are obviously intelligent, and I in no way wish to insult them; it is surprising they missed these (and other) points. -- Moving on... Concerning the shipwreck of Paul (Acts 27) and the saving of the whole crew, "the angel visitor [to Pastor Buck] said that he had led a host of angels in at that time to make sure each person got to shore. Each one of the 276 who were saved had a big angel watching over them!" (27). The Bible gives no such information. Pastor Buck adds, gratuitously, that his own angelic visitor "was the angel who was with Zacharias, with Paul at the shipwreck, with Moses to scatter the enemies, and with Joshua" (29). The Bible says none of this: in fact the angel with Zacharias was said to be Gabriel (Luke 1:19), but not named in relation to Paul, Moses, and Joshua. Are we now to accept pastor Buck's "revelation" that goes beyond, perhaps even contradicts, Scripture? "Perhaps" is the correct word here -since scripture does not say to the contrary -and since we weren't there and thus don't know... "One day Gabriel said that these heavenly beings (angels) were on every hill, every tree, and even in the holes of the ground, searching out men and women who were trying to hide from God" (79). Where do the Scriptures give such a picture of angelic presence and pursuit of those running from God? ** "Where"? ** ANSWER: How about in Genesis 16:8-9, AMP, which states: "8...And she [Hagar] said, I am running away from my mistress Sarai. 9The Angel of the Lord [obviously gave pursuit! and] said to her..." (Comments in brackets.) ** ... or HOW ABOUT: Ezekiel 22:30, KJV, which states: "And I [God] sought for a man among them [evil people! -see next part of verse], that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. [See, I told you they were evil.] (My comments in brackets.) Note, if you would, that God is not precluded from using His angels as agents, as demonstrated previously. The angel said it was more important to be like Jesus in meeting the area of a person's need than to be witnessing to people about salvation" (137). How does this correspond with the biblical priority as set forth, for example, in Mt. 28:19, Acts 1:8, II Tim. 4:1-5? Does the angel have an insight beyond Scripture? ** ANSWER: "Witnessing" is not with just words: Ever hear of "actions speak louder than words?" YES, SCRIPTURE BACKS THIS UP: James 2:16, KJV, clearly says: "And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (This makes the recipient wonder what motivated the benefactor to give -and, of course, the person might consider that God motivated the giver's heart: This witnesses the goodness of God -and His love for all mankind.) "Michael said … If you want to read about what is coming, it is found in the twelfth chapter of Revelation, verses seven through ten." Many Bible students see in these verses (about Michael and his angels defeating Satan and his angels and casting them down) a reference to the prior fall of Satan through Christ's death and resurrection, thus not a future event. But if this is Michael's unmistakable word to Pastor Buck—this additional information—then the issue must be considered resolved. No longer will Bible scholars have to debate: Gabriel has spoken! ** ANSWER: It could be duel fulfillment. That is not unheard of or precluded. Moving on...

Test V
Are the angels in any way proclaiming an "other" Gospel?

Answer:

Pastor Buck's angels frequently went beyond the gospel in the sense of proclaiming as "truths" things more than or other than Scriptural teaching. This doubtless has become apparent in many of the matters discussed under Tests I through IV. This will be noted along with additional examples. The angel (unnamed) told Pastor Buck that "God's plan is a family plan. All of the beautiful ties of home and family are eternal…" (22). The Bible nowhere even hints at such eternal family ties. ** THAT IS INCORRECT: "13And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved."--Acts 11:13-14 (KJV) In regard to "rebellious children," "I want them to know when they obey me, there is not one thing from the past against them on their record up in heaven" (25). Also note the words: "… our circle up there is going to be unbroken because God is working to bring whole families to himself" (143). God undoubtedly is so working, but there is no Scriptural assurance that all will be there. The angel said: "You have accepted the teaching that Jesus is the door… but God wants you to know that you are also a door … a door to Christ, and he is the door to God." (32). *Pastor Buck's angel by his own statement goes beyond Scripture and then makes an un-Scriptural proclamation! According to the New Testament, Christ alone is the door (john 10:1-9); all must enter by him. In the angel's statement there is a dangerous shift of focus from Christ to the individual and his authority. Note what follows: "… we are the human doors and … He wants us to take the same kind of authority that these angels are taking and not listen to anyone's objections when they come to us" (32). If we are "a door," why not then the Catholic teaching that Mary is the gate of heaven and the canonized saints doors also? [*In the original manuscript of the book submitted to Professor Walter Martin this sentence read: "… you are also the door, the door to Christ, and he is the door to God." This original statement was still more disturbing, but even with the modification it remains un-scriptural and misleading.] ** THAT IS INCORRECT: Pastor Buck explains this just three (3) paragraphs down, and Dr. Williams seems to have missed it -but here it is again: (Quoting Rev. Buck in the 3rd paragraph after the p.32 quote) "Jesus said, "I am the light of the world," in John 8:12, and in Matthew 5:14 he said, "Ye are the light of the world." This does not give deity to man, because we are not Jesus, but we are the human doors and "the light of the world" which he uses on this earth!" ** MY POINT? Rev. Buck pointed out here that even though Jesus is "the" light, we can still be "lights" -and not violate scripture -this is the "reflection" principle: We "reflect Christ." So, why would this Biblical principal be invalid for "doors?" Answer: It would not! We earlier noted Pastor Buck's statement: "They have orders to bring people to a point of either accepting or rejecting Jesus." Then he immediately adds: "If they refuse, the angels start the cycle over again, and again, and again as directed by the Spirit" (35). This statement is thrice unbiblical: first, as noted there is no biblical teaching that angels are the agents in bringing people to salvation; ** THAT IS INCORRECT: As I demonstrated earlier, angels are God's ministers or agents: Hebrews 1:7. second, the Scriptures do not hold out that for all who refuse "the cycle" is started over again (it might not be so started: ** THAT IS NOT what Rev. Buck is quoted as saying: You quoted him as qualifying that the angels start the cycle over "as directed by the Spirit' -not "infinitely," which you seem to imply here. Heb. 12:25—"See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less shall we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven"); third, it is contrary to Scripture to say that the angels are directed by the Holy Spirit. ** SEE ABOVE: I already addressed this point of disagreement -but do not forget Who "The Holy Spirit" is -and this will help you understand His relationship to the angels. (God, The Holy Spirit is FAR ABOVE the angels!) Also, do not forget the "ministry" of the Holy Spirit to people -SPEAKING to them -and note, if you would, that Scripture NOWHERE denied, prohibits, or precludes Buck's claim here -and, my understanding of the principals, as revealed by scripture, seems to support his claim to boot. LASTLY, (and I seemed to have forgotten this above, so I'll add it here), we recall that The Holy Spirit SPOKE TO Jesus, God the Son. The Holy Spirit also speaks to mere mortals. The angels are in-between, and thus their level of "hearing" the Spirit would be expected to be "in-between." This is exactly as Buck says it is, so he seems to be upheld on the weight of scripture. "One thing God told me was … opposite to my theology … I have preached that once you quit breathing, if you are not saved, and do now know God, you have missed heaven. God said that was not necessarily so. He said that there is a spot where the spirit of mankind may linger for a little time before going on to their permanent abode. Some of them have approached the gates of hell, have even looked in, or have been able to look into heaven, and yet have come back" (59). Where in the Bible is this taught? To be sure, Pastor Buck has this information presumably from an even higher authority than Gabriel or Michael, namely, God himself, but where is such a teaching found in God's Word? It dangerously points in the direction of a second chance after death whereas according to scripture: "… it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27). God also showed Pastor Buck that this spot is "something like a corridor or a tunnel between life and death, a waiting room from which individuals enter into the final place," and "God told me that a person who dies and comes back has returned from this corridor" (59). All this about "a waiting room," returning from a "corridor" is totally foreign to Scripture and reminiscent of occult phenomena. This is not entirely true: Paul, The Apostle, is thought to have been clinically dead after having been stoned to death -and having a near-death experience: "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven."--2nd Corinthians 12:2 (KJV). Where the Bible states that "it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment," this means ONCE -so, even if a person is "clinically dead," yet he is not "finally dead," where the soul has gone beyond the point of no return -kind of like cement hardening, so to speak. So, when Rev. Buck claims the person can be saved, even after having experiencing "death," he is not referring to "final" death, and thus, obviously, he is not lying: If you don't believe me here, ask any number of people (including Paul, the Apostle!) who have had near-death experiences -and in some cases gone to Hell, and yet returned to eventually go to Heaven. We're not about to call Paul a liar are we? If not, then Rev. Buck is on solid ground, theologically. Gabriel shows Pastor Buck a panorama of Christ's return from earth to heaven: "Then I saw Jesus bowed down, with his priestly garments torn and splattered with mud, filthy with the rot and stench of the world. He came with his shoulders bowed, into the presence of God … I saw him coming from the darkness of the pit of hell, bearing the sins of the whole world" (96). This is contrary to the Scriptures which show Christ, having borne the sin and filth of mankind at the cross, rising triumphantly from the grave and thereafter ascending gloriously to the Father. This is not entirely true: What Rev. Buck describes is indeed scriptural: 1And he [the angel] shewed me [Zechariah] Joshua [JESUS] the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD [who spoke to me, Zechariah, the prophet], and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2And the LORD [God, the Father] said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3Now Joshua [JESUS] was clothed with filthy garments [the sins of the world], and stood before the angel [which spoke to me, Zechariah, the prophet]. 4And he [the angel] answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity [Jesus bore the sins of the world here] to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.--ZECHARIAH 3:1-4 (KJV, my comments in brackets) Explanation: "Joshua," is a Hebrew form of Yeshua, aka Jesus Christ, as shown in this vision to Zechariah. What we're seeing here is the "before" picture of Christ having borne the sins of the world. The "after" picture comes into play after he was resurrected. Gabriel says of Christ: "He has turned sin into cinders. He has blotted out the records …" (107). Christ, to be sure, overcame sin, and we are purged by his blood, but sin does remain in our lives. Compare Gabriel's optimistic words with those of Scripture: "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Heb. 12:14). Gabriel adds: "… you will never find the message of pardon in the New Testament. There is no need for pardon: IT HAS BEEN DONE!" (108). Truly "it has been done" in the sense that Christ has made atonement, therefore the message of pardon is now possible and thus is abundantly found in the New Testament, e.g., "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness [remission, pardon] of your sins…" (Acts 2:3): "… every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins" (Acts 10:43). See also Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14, and elsewhere. This "Gabriel" somehow is misinformed about the New Testament teaching. Dr. Williams made a small typo above -he quoted Acts 2:38, not Acts 2:3. In any event, Gabriel was talking about the legal justification of our position in Christ. Paul, however, was talking about sanctification, an ongoing process, as we "are changed into the same image from glory to glory" (2nd Corinthians 3:18, KJV). Did you catch that? From one (lower) glory, sanctified, little-by-little to a (higher) glory. "God explained to me that rebellion and idolatry are the two things that will take man out from under the covering [the Atonement]" (120). This message "You are Covered"—"a part of every angelic visitation" (111)—even though God is said to be the direct speaker, is contradicted by the further statement: "Our sins are not only covered, but they are removed as far as the east is from the west" (115). How can rebellion and idolatry—sins against God—remove the believer from the covering when the covering has already removed our sins? ANSWER: This is an analogy, which seems to not be understood. Imagine, if you will, that the "sin" is a radioactive piece of Thorium-234 (Half-life of only 24 days: VERY radioactive) -and, add to that the radiation of earth's sun -but without the ionosphere to protect us -and gamma radiation -but without the earth's magnetic field to deflect the charged ions. (With me, so far?) Now, imagine a poor chap who is being hit with all this radiation! (That represents mortally deadly sin.) Now, imagine a "covering" made of thick lead, which blocks out both the solar light and the gamma radiation. (The covering effectively "removed" the radiation, since, after all, it bounces off the shield covering and goes elsewhere, OK? (Thus, the shield removes the radiation "as far as the east is from the west.") The question was: "How can rebellion and idolatry—sins against God—remove the believer from the covering when the covering has already removed our sins?" ANSWER: If the person is enticed by the radiation or light (perhaps it gives a tingly feeling -or is attractive in some way to the person, like a flame is attractive to a moth), then the person will get from under the covering -and, in this sense, the "sins" remove the person from the shield covering -through enticement. IT IS AN ANAOLOGY! No disrespect is meant, but a question of this type falls into the category described by Paul in his letter to Titus: "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."--TITUS 3:9 (KJV) --in plain English, this question makes no sense -and is simply a waste of time. Focus, instead, on Jesus! Jesus is Creator (John 1:1-14, Col.1), Healer, Advocate (1 Jn 2:1), perfect example and role model (John 13:15; 14:12), Saviour, and so much more. The work as a guide, example, and role model, was VERY difficult for Jesus, and painful, taking Him all His life to show us by example -we own Him one: Focus, instead, on this. Actually, Pastor Buck is proclaiming (presumably under the authority of God and Gabriel) an unbiblical doctrine. This becomes an "other" gospel than the Good News of total covering (cf. Also the dangerous statement: "there is also an edge beyond which the covering does not reach" [119]). "Christ … didn't taste physical death for us, because we still have to die…" (77). Even though this is said to be one of Gabriel's messages, it is totally unscriptural. No, it is not: While Jesus tasted physical death, He did so only for Himself. He did did not die "for us," and proof of that is that we must "physically die." He died "spiritually" for us -so we don't have to. This is another example of a vain and unprofitable waste of time on mere words and foolish contentions... "But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one" (Heb.2:9). Christ experienced death both physical and spiritual. To be sure we still have to die, but the sting of death and the grave have been removed (I Cor. 15:54-55—"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death where is thy victory, O death where is thy sting?"). "During the tribulation, the days will be horrible because all of the fallen angels will be on the earth" (168). These words, in the context of some of Michael's messages to Pastor Buck, have no scriptural validity. According to II Peter 2:4, "If God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness reserved for judgment" and Jude 6: …angels who did not keep their own dominion but abandoned their proper abode he has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day" (New American Standard Bible). Pastor Buck's words, presumably with angelic sanction, afford a picture of "the Tribulation" that—however bad it may be—does not include all of the fallen angels on earth. Actually, Rev. Buck does claim that all the fallen angels will be cast to the earth, and this seems to contradict the scriptures that Dr. Williams quotes above -however, Rev. Buck quotes Revelation 12:9-12, which says in pertinent part: "... he was forced out and down to the earth, and his angels were flung out along with him" (v.9). So, since scripture can't contradict scripture, this must mean that either Rev. Buck was mistaken about the "all" part of the angels -or, perhaps the Peter & Jude passages refer to a different time -or, even, the "darkness reserved for judgment" location might include the earth during the tribulation. Each of these is possible.

WARNINGS

In light of the five tests the four biblical warnings (V. A.-D.) seem all the more significant:

A.	An angel is to be accursed if he proclaims an "other" gospel. Many examples have been noted in Pastor Buck's book of angelic messages, either going beyond or contrary to the Gospel and the biblical record. (Refer back to Test V, all ten paragraphs.) To be sure the angelic messages often contained elements of truth, but over and over again foreign matters were declared. What shall we say, then, according to Paul, about such an angel (or angels)? No dice: The claim of "another gospel" is unproven at this juncture based on all the scriptural standards applied so far. (To be fair, however, Buck is not "proved" as valid so far either.)
B.	An "angel of light" may be Satan in disguise. Pastor Buck's angelic visitors often appeared in brilliant manner. "There was such a radiation of divine power which comes from them dwelling in the brightness of God's presence, that I could not stand up" (39). Again, "there suddenly appeared a bluish shaft of pure light about eighteen inches in diameter from the ceiling to the floor. The instant the light appeared both angels fell prostrate on the floor" (42). Again, "… their entire clothing was radiant, with an iridescent glow" (45). Still again, "It is virtually impossible to describe the radiation and the glow that came from their presence" (166). All such descriptions doubtless could apply to angels of God (such as appeared in "dazzling apparel" at the Resurrection), but there is no assurance that such an appearance may not come from another source. I agree. The "bluish shaft of pure light" before which the angels fell prostrate: what guarantee is there that this is the Lord? Nothing -yet. But there will be by the end of this paper. We must constantly bear in mind the words of Paul: "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." Pastor Buck claims that Gabriel said on one occasion: "Satan is aware of the fact that God is doing something in Boise, and he has sent princes of darkness to this area in an endeavor to hurt and rob people. . . " (165). Is it possible that some of the visitors to Pastor Buck were "princes of darkness" in disguise, and that many of the messages, while outwardly seeming so beautiful and benign, really do hurt and rob people in Boise and elsewhere? Surely, we have noted many examples of pleasing (though unscriptural) messages such as: home and family ties are eternal; we are "doors" and have the same kind of authority as angels: there is a second chance for some after death; sin has been burned to cinders; and so on. I respectfully dissent. See above. These kinds of message—and many others—while pleasant and soothing, are contrary to God's Word. If God is genuinely "doing something in Boise," there is all the more reason that "princes of darkness," masquerading as "angels of light" would appear on the scene. In any event, both in their outward appearance and many of their words spoken, Pastor Buck's visitors could have been Satan's disguises.
C.	An angel (by nature a "spirit") is not to be believed simply because he is a spirit. Correct. We are told by John to "test the spirits." I agree -and we will -in very short order. Pastor Buck, however, expresses no desire or intention to make such a check. For example, "I didn't ask the angel to identify himself, or give any credentials"(29). Again, "… when God has sent someone on assignment to represent him, you don't question them" (153). Again, "Well, if what the angels told me is true (and who would doubt angels?)…" (154). Good point, but Dr. Williams neglects to consider that Rev. Buck had the benefit of hindsight in his considerations here -as do I. Both Rev. Buck, and myself, after having applied not those by by Dr. Williams, in which he can't cite to scripture, but, rather *real* Biblically scriptural standards, we both come to the conclusion they probably *were* God's angels -as we shall very shortly see. No attempt to identify, no questions, no doubting—all this is contrary to God's Word (for example, the words of Joshua to an angel—"commander of the army of the Lord"—standing before him: "are you for us, or for our adversaries?" [Josh. 5:13-14]), and can open a wide field for satanic operations. Pastor Buck's attitude represents a far too prevalent mood in our time where many are being carried away, and even destroyed, by naively assuming that if it is supernatural it is of God. But this is not necessarily the case. According to Scripture we are to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (I Thess. 5:21). We will -in time. The good is always in accord with God's Word.
D.	An angel may, therefore, be a "deceitful spirit." Is it possible that Pastor Buck has been "giving heed to deceitful [or 'misleading'] spirits" and thus "departing ['falling away'] from the faith"? "Deceitful spirits" are not to be thought of as obvious spirits of evil such as tempt to disobedience or immorality. "Deceitful spirits" are those who outwardly are of God, even presume to declare his truth and his will, but so subtly distort the message that the hearer scarcely knows what is happening until he has fallen away. The matter of deceit, in a different context, could be involved in another experience reported by Pastor Buck. He claimed to have brought a paper back from "God's Throne Room," on which God himself had written down 120 events soon to happen (52). Pastor Buck laid it on his study desk but by morning the paper had turned to ashes so that no one could read it. Pastor Buck said that several pastors who came to see this phenomenon picked up some of the ashes only to have them "evaporate right off their hands as they held them. In two-and-a-half weeks there was not even one speck of dust left!" (60). Such a story (incidentally, not unlike that of Joseph Smith and the "Golden Plates" in Mormonism) hardly rings with credibility. Could this not be another example of "deceitful spirits" at work? Yes -but not necessarily -and as we shall soon see, probably not.

FINAL CONCERNS

Three concerns were noted at the close of Part One. Further elaboration may now be given.

A.	Failure of discernment. We need more than ever in these critical days, when both good and evil are bring multiplied, to have spiritual discernment. We affirm again the reality of angels, also the possibility of their visitation, and believe that such may occur to any of God'' people. But because all this has to do with the supernatural realm of spirits (whether "ministering" or deceiving"), we must be all the more careful to "test the spirits." This is not to be done in a spirit of disbelief or doubt but through spiritual discernment that is grounded in God's revealed truth in the Scriptures. The danger is that Christian people will allow a spiritual experience, especially a spectacular kind, to so dominate them that, while paying lip service to Scripture, the experience itself becomes the arbiter of truth. An experience of angels—whether good, evil, or illusory (for that matter)—is by its very nature so extraordinary as easily to overwhelm ordinary judgments and subtly to replace the authority of the Scriptures. If Pastor Buck, who undoubtedly had extraordinary experiences, had begun early to test the spirits, he would not have so readily been misled, and, even worse, become involved in misleading countless others. I respectfully dissent: He does not seem to have been misled.
B.	The danger of presumed additional revelation being given through angelic visitation. It has been noted in some detail that Pastor Buck's angelic visitors are given extra-biblical description; some have names not mentioned in the Bible; they often perform roles beyond the Bible; and in many cases, they proclaim an "other" gospel. All this means, in varying degree, that revealed truth in the Bible is by no means definitive or normative. Pastor Buck's early claim, "I have not added to, or taken away from the Word of God" (13) simply cannot be sustained. The angels seem little concerned about the Scriptures, many times going beyond the Word of God. Pastor Buck at one point says: "It might be of interest to you to know that during the two to four hours they have stayed each time they have come, there has not been one verse of Scripture quoted" (15). This statement only reinforces our questioning of the angels' messages (despite Pastor Buck's further word that "not once did they leave without giving me Bible references where the message could be found" [157]). And that is the key: Whether or not a verse was quoted, if Bible references do support Buck's claim, then actions speak louder than lack of words here. For by Pastor Buck's own admission "broader revelation" and "fresh truths" are being given by the angels in our day. So long as it's "true" and "good," then it comports with Philippians 4:8 and James 1:17: "8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest..." and "17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." (KJV) All of this is a very serious matter. Since the angelic visitors are presumed to speak infallibly ("who would doubt angels?"), then through them we have infallible truth in addition to Scripture. Pastor Buck's messages from angels have at least equal importance with the Scriptures—perhaps more importance since they are allegedly direct from heaven and quite contemporary. From now on therefore we need to read both the Bible and Angels on Assignment to have the full truth! All this smacks too much of Joseph Smith and his revelations [is it pure coincidence that the name of Smith's angel Moroni and Buck's angel Chrioni even sound alike?] [Perhaps it *not* a coincidence -but who's to say that Moroni is not the imposter here? -and Chrioni the real thing?] which form a separate and even more authoritative volume than the Bible. It makes us want to sound forth a loud alarm of warning: stop before it is too late!
C.	The possibility of a "religion of the angels" being developed. One of the greatest dangers in Pastor Buck's book, and the recounting of his experiences, is in the growth of a religion, or cult, focusing on angels. There is far more growth of a religion, or cult, focusing on angels. There is far more mention in his book of angels than of Christ and the Holy Spirit: angels are the active agents in all that transpires. It has been noted that the angels are said to be directly involved in bringing people to salvation; the Holy Spirit (who, according to Scriptures, is Himself the immediate agent) is only in the background "monitoring" their activities. Christ scarcely figures as a living person. Gabriel does say: "Do not seek angels. Seek Jesus!" (16), and reference is made to Christ's atonement, but the sense of his being active, alive, and present is almost totally missing. Angels dominate everything. It becomes far more interesting to discover new things about them, new truths from them, even to delight in their visits, than to keep one's focus on Christ. Paul warns, as we have earlier noted, about the person who, in relation to angels, "goes into great detail about what he has seen and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head…" It is to be feared that Pastor Buck has come close to fitting this picture. If so, we would earnestly call his promoters and followers back before it is too late. Otherwise, we may well be in the first stages of the development of a new cult, the cult, or religion, of angels. In the wake of Pastor Buck's sudden death (November 6, 1979) we may anticipate even more "revelations" based upon his lectures and tapes in an attempt to validate Angels on Assignment. The Christian public should be wary of any such extra-biblical utterances and test them by the Word of God.

A closing word: Pastor Buck's book dramatically shows the need for firmer doctrinal understanding. At one point, in the midst of a conversation with Michael, and under Michael's influence, Pastor Buck says: "When God brings truth, we have to forget our little boxes of doctrine, for God can DO what he wants, and KNOWS what he wants to do" (167). The critical danger here is that by forgetting our doctrine—even "our little boxes"—we may fall prey to all kinds of false doctrine: who knows, even "the doctrine of demons" (see again I Tim. 4:1). Pastor Buck asks us to forget our doctrines, not Christ's doctrines -subtle, but key nuance! Pastor Buck's "angels" who neither emphasize Scripture nor are much concerned about doctrine once again prove to be misleading spirits. It is fervently to be hoped that sound doctrine may again become a far more serious matter. Very well -now, let's apply the *real* tests of the BIBLE! -see below...

Copyright ©1997 by J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D.

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* Test I—SPECIFIC TEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: Angel or “Prophet” must be righteous, specifically regarding not denying Jesus.
“2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1st John 4:2-3, NKJV, New King James Version: © Thomas Nelson, Inc.)
Apparently, the demons are so evil that they are sensitive and vulnerable to the name of Jesus and thus incapable of admitting that Jesus is Lord. For them, according to this verse, it is impossible to admit Jesus is Lord (and Savior and very God, worthy of worship) without going crazy.

*** ANSWER: "Regardless of their function, their highest purpose is to EXALT the name of Jesus! When that name sounds in heaven or here on earth, they fall face down and worship him because he is so exalted!" "Ministry of Angels" (Ch. 3, pages 35-48)

*** ANSWER: "God certainly doesn't want us to worship angels, but he does want us to be aware of them and their importance in our lives today." "Ministry of Angels" (Ch. 3, pages 35-48)

*** ANSWER: "No temple could be seen in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are worshipped in it everywhere...(Revelation 21:22-27 TLB)." "God's Priorities" (Ch. 6, pages 73-89)

*** ANSWER: Angels are never to be worshipped. They are so ordained and created that there is no place in their entire being for praise or honor. "Angels On Assignment" (Ch. 13, pages 173-185)

* Test II—GENERAL TEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: The general lifestyle of the prophet must be righteous.
This test apparently only applies to people (not angels!), and it doesn’t even work well unless you get to know the person...
** 15 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
** 16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits..." (Matthew 7:15-16a, KJV) WHAT ARE THEIR FRUITS, you wonder?
** "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness..." (Philippians 1:11, KJV)

*** ANSWER: Not only have I read "The Man Who Talked With Angels" by Rev. Buck's daughter, Sharon White, I read the accounts in her book of many other family members and friends weighing in on what kind of person Rev. Buck was in real life. As incredible as it sounds, his ability to "live Christ" and be firm but loving -and not wilt under pressure -was, in my eyes, even more incredible than all his alleged angel experiences -so much so that when I sometimes wonder "what would Jesus do" -and have trouble, I can get a picture in my mind -based on the two books I read and the tapes I heard, of what Rev. Buck might do in a given situation. What impressed me most initially was the fact that the preacher was an old man with health conditions and knew he probably had only a few more years, thus I don't feel he had a motive to profit by lying. In fact, as I recall, he did not even try to write a book. Charles and Frances Hunter came to HIM and offered to write a book. Thus, he seems quite righteous, passing this test with almost flying colours. Lastly, none of the allegations regarding his righteous lifestyle have ever been refuted, and I have been following his case since it inception -off and on.

* Test III—SPECIFIC TEST OF ACCURACY: The specific “prophecy” or “revelation” must be accurate - 100%.
This is the “classic” test or the “gold test” of a “true prophet”: Does the prophecy or prediction come true? (Deuteronomy 18:22) If the “prophet” or “angel” or dream or vision says anything false about things past, present, or future, you can scratch it. The New Testament version of the “Gold Test” from Deuteronomy 18:22 is found in James 1:17, which reads: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights...”

*** ANSWER: Consider two prophetic predictions made by the author: Rev. R.H. Buck (of the famous Buck knife family) passed away on November 06, 1979, long ago and had no way of knowing if his predictions would come true.

First, on page 93, Buck claims the Holy Spirit told him: "...I have already given wings to my messages brought to you by the angel of the Lord."

Then, on page 70, Buck claims "God told me the pope has no more influence with him than the least of his saints, and has no greater privileges, but because his influence with man is great, his choice is God's concern. Therefore, in order to help in the restoration of his fragmented body, God had chosen a man named Karol Wojtyla of Poland. This prophecy was fulfilled October 16, 1978, when he began his reign as Pope John Paul II."

Now, there's no way of proving God told Buck about the Pope before his selection. However, Buck, who died in 1979, had no way of knowing whether or not John Paul would even *live* after being selected, let alone be so influential -for over almost 30 years! -until John Paul's death on April 02, 2005, just two days after the passing of Terri Schiavo. Even quite a few Protestants, Jews, and Muslims think highly of John Paul, so it is safe to say Buck's prophecy came true.

Also, while there are many other angel books, it's safe to say that his other prediction has come true: Angels on Assignment is one of the classic books, and is circulated world-wide. Both prophecies came true.

* Test IV—GENERAL TEST OF ACCURACY: The “general” method of contact with the spirit world must be accurate, not prohibited.
Is the general prophecy a method permitted by God, that is, did the "prophet" use a forbidden witchcraft method to call up the spirit, or did it appear in one of the permitted ways, such as a vision or an angelic visitation? (See e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12, NKJV, New King James Version: © Thomas Nelson, Inc.

If you ask God for an answer via, say, calling up and “speaking with” the dead -or the Ouija board -or even astrologers and horoscopes, then any answer you get may be -and probably will be from a demon, not God or His Holy angels.

*** ANSWER: For what it's worth, Rev. Buck passes this test too: He neither contacted -nor attempted to contact -the spirit world via forbidden means described above.

* Test V—HOLY SPIRIT TEST: There must be a witness of the spirit in the believer, who listens for the check in the spirit.
Is there the testimony of the Holy Spirit, a gut feeling, so to speak? (Psalms 95:7-11; John, chapter 10, generally) His sheep (us) hear his voice (the Holy Spirit), so we must chill out and listen carefully, however, we many be tricked, so we must use all five tests in order to get a good handle and “fine-tune” our intuition, our gut feeling, our ability to hear and understand the Holy Spirit.

*** ANSWER: Only after careful meditation -and analysis of all the rest of the tests -and after having read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in the KJV -and now over half-way through in the AMP -and with much thoughtful research, I feel that my ability to hear The Holy Spirit on some matters is more keenly fine-tuned -and I strongly feel that Rev. Buck was visited by Holy Angels of God. NOTE: I do not fall for all claims. A good example of that is my Amazon.com book reviews of "Saved by the Light" and "At Peace in the Light" (by Dannion Brinkley, publisher: Mass Market Paperback), in which I call him on several apparently unbiblical themes: On page 202, Saved by the Light, for example, he says there exist many paths to righteousness, instead of Jesus as the only way. On page 60, he mentions one of these rooms has a bed with "musical components" to help a person relax deeply enough to leave his body. This is strictly forbidden by the Bible. See e.g., Ex. 22:18 & Lev. 19:26. And, taken in context with recent actions by Mr. Brinkley: More recently, he's featured on programs in which he assists people in contacting dead relatives. Being a "necromancer," one who talks with the dead to predict the future or doing sorcery or magic, is also Biblically forbidden: Deut. 18:11. And, in "At Peace in the Light," his follow-up book, Brinkley repeats his occult/sorcery themes of leaving the body, assuring a visiting Japanese journalist that it is "quite normal." (Page 176; She gets the shock of her life!) -and repeats the use of "necromanteums" (page 172), where people make forbidden contact with the dead.

So, I conclude that Rev. Roland H. Buck and his book, "Angels on Assignment," appear to pass all five "true" tests with flying colours -when rightly dividing the Word.

BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES:

* BRINKLEY, Dannion, "At Peace in the Light" (HarperTorch, ISBN-10: 0061094463, ISBN-13: 978-0061094460, June 19, 1996)

* BRINKLEY, Dannion, "Saved by the Light: The True Story of a Man Who Died Twice and the Profound Revelations He Received" (Piatkus Books, ISBN-10: 0749914041, ISBN-13: 978-0749914042, August 25, 1994)

* BUCK, Roland H., "Angels On Assignment" (Hunter Books, ASIN: B0016FWZJC, 1979; and, Whitaker House, 2005)

* WATTS, Gordon Wayne, "Angels on Assignment: A critique of the Melodyland School of Theology paper by Dr. J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D." (Alternate Personal website: http://www.gordonwatts.com/angels-Watts.html, Copyright ©2009)

* WATTS, Gordon Wayne, "Angels on Assignment: A critique of the Melodyland School of Theology paper by Dr. J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D." (Main Personal website: http://www.gordonwaynewatts.com/angels-Watts.html, Copyright ©2009)

* WHITE, Sharon Rose (Buck), "The Man Who Talked With Angels" (New Leaf Press (AR), ISBN-10: 0892210885, ISBN-13: 978-0892210886, 1ST edition June 1982; and, Sonlife International, ASIN: B000W0OI2E, 1982)

* WILLIAMS, J. Rodman, "ANGELS ON ASSIGNMENT: A Paper From Melodyland School of Theology" (CBN Website: http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/DrWilliams/ART_angels.pdf, 1980)

* WILLIAMS, J. Rodman, "ANGELS ON ASSIGNMENT: A Paper From Melodyland School of Theology" (Personal website: http://www.jrodmanwilliams.net/angels.html, Copyright ©1997) (Cache found at: http://www.gordonwaynewatts.com/angels-Williams.html or http://www.gordonwatts.com/angels-Williams.html)

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