Good question.God always was,is,will be, outside of time.
Man was created in time, is, and will be.
Angels were created, are and will be.
When were angels created, in time or outside of time, or do we know?
Note that this doesn’t imply that angels are ‘eternal’ in the way that God is. Angels are created beings, and although it’s difficult to precisely describe a notion of ‘prior’ or ‘subsequent’ existence outside the bounds of time, it’s clear that God’s existence precedes the existence of angels.If time is the attribute of the physical creation, and if angels are invisible, then one could assume that they were created before time through the Son of God, and for the Son of God.
Actually, if I recall Aquinas correctly, he asserted that the angels had a chance to make their choice for or against God; having made that choice, they have no opportunity to change (based on their nature and on the way that they experience God).I would assume “in time”, because, as the previous poster said, God preceded them, and because as opposed to God, they change, while God never changes.
Angels are not invisible in the sense of God the Father being invisible, correct.Note that this doesn’t imply that angels are ‘eternal’ in the way that God is. Angels are created beings, and although it’s difficult to precisely describe a notion of ‘prior’ or ‘subsequent’ existence outside the bounds of time, it’s clear that God’s existence precedes the existence of angels.
By the way – it isn’t that angels are ‘invisible’… it’s that they’re spiritual (not physical). I’m also not certain that we would say that they’re created “for” the Son of God…
You are absolutely correct, in the sense that a demon cannot change his mind and become an angel, and an angel cannot become a demon; the decision is permanent. however, I was referring to changes in the way of intellectual growth: angels learn, despite the fact that they are incredibly wise, because they are not omniscient, and there are things left for them to learn. I’m sorry I wasn’t clearer on that.Actually, if I recall Aquinas correctly, he asserted that the angels had a chance to make their choice for or against God; having made that choice, they have no opportunity to change (based on their nature and on the way that they experience God).
Did the angels come into being before heaven and earth, or were they made along with them? What service would angels have rendered if they had existed before creation when there was no one in existence who needed their assistance? Thus, it is obvious that, whereas we need their assistance, God has no need of anyone. (Theodoret of Cyrus)
Why did Moses not mention the creation of angels? The people who recieved the Law had no firm basis of angels (except for Gn 16:7); and after many miracles they still hailed an image of a calf as a god. So if these people could so easily do that, what would they have done then if they had aquired knowledge of the invisible nature? (Theodoret of Cyrus)
In reply to God’s needing angels, he dosen’t need them. And he dosen’t need us as well.Here are a couple good questions/answers from Theodoret of Cyrus