George H. Warnock — Angelology
b8 — Seven Lamps of Fire
The Four Living Creatures (Rev. 4)
Warnock treats the four living creatures of Rev. 4 (and Ezek. 1) as high orders of angels that surround God’s throne. These beings function not passively but fulfill an active ministerial role on behalf of God’s redeemed.
“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” [b8, Rev. 4:6]
Connection to tabernacle typology: the cherubim over the mercy seat (Ex. 25:18-20) are types of these heavenly beings who guard God’s presence.
Angels as Ministering Spirits
Warnock emphasizes that angelic ministry extends to those who shall inherit salvation:
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” [b8, Heb. 1:14]
The manifold wisdom of God shines forth through the church in relation to heavenly powers:
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” [b8, Eph. 3:10]
Warnock asserts that the four living creatures—understood as a high order of heavenly beings—serve a cosmic purpose: to minister on behalf of God’s redeemed ones in the earth, revealing the manifold wisdom of God against all principalities and powers in the heavenly realms.