Page 119 - Through New Eyes

Angels 113
Finally, the cherubim guard the heavenly throne of God, and
kill those who defile His holiness. Originally, man was given this
task on earth (Genesis 2:15), but Adam allowed the serpent to
take possession of his heart and was defiled. Thus, the cherubim
also guarded the portal of the earthly throne (Genesis 3:24; Lev-
iticus 10: 1-2; 2 Chronicles 26:19). When the Tabernacle was set
up, a curtain of cherubim separated the throne from the rest of
the tent (Exodus 26:31). The outer areas, however, were guarded
by armed Levites, who were to keep away sinful encroachers on
pain of death (Numbers 18:3).10 With the coming of the New
Covenant, the keys of the Kingdom were returned to humanity,
since a Son of Man had become guardian of Eden once more
(Matthew 16:19; Acts 2:3; 5:1-11).

Conclusion
The angelic host models the Church. As angels bear the throne
exalted, so the Church in her preaching and life proclaims and
exalts her King. As angels guard the throne, so the Church
through her discipline guards God’s holiness. As angels worship
at the throne, so the Church worships her Lord in sacrament
and liturgy. And beyond this, angels also model for us our work
in the world. As angels delight to work and run God’s world for
Him, so should we, for in His service is perfect freedom.