Thread: Ursinus: The Church Composed of Angels and Men?

From Ursinus' Commentary on the HC:

God created the world, that he might by his providence always govern, rule, and preserve it, and so continually shew forth his wonderful works, which he hath performed from the beginning of the world, and which he now performs, or will hereafter perform; but especially that he might govern the church, composed of angels and men. This end is subservient to the second. Pg. 146, para 3

I have never heard of angels as being included in the 'the church'. In what sense are angels 'purchased' by the blood of Christ? How are angels a part of the 'body' of Christ?

Here's a shot in the dark...could he be referring to the church as the elect (composed elect angels and men)?

By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death. WCF (3.3)

See Hebrews 12.

So the earthly church, who is chastened by the Lord, and who look diligently for the grace of God, are joined with an innumerable company of angels to form a greater heavenly church?

God chose "elect angels" and put them under Christ "the head of the church". The elect angels continue in the state of holiness in which they were created, and are included in the Church.


1Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels,
that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.


John Gills
A BODY OF DOCTRINAL DIVINITY
Book 1—Chapter 16 pg 137-138
OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD.
The special goodness of God, as to the effects of it, elect angels, and elect men, only
partake of, which is sovereign and distinguishing; God is good to the elect angels, in
choosing them in Christ, preserving them from apostasy, confirming them in the
estate they were created in, granting them nearness to himself, and many other
peculiar favours; when the angels that sinned are not spared by him, but are reserved
to judgment (1 Tim. 5:21; 2 Peter 2:4).