Ellen Chat Conversation

In the heavenly hierarchy described by Ellen White, the position of a covering cherub was one of the most exalted honors granted to created beings. Before his fall, Lucifer is identified as the "first" of these covering cherubs, indicating that he held the primary or most prominent position among a specific group of high-ranking angels (7MR 62.4). This designation as "first" implies the existence of others who shared in this specific role of standing in the immediate presence of God (TA 28.4). While Lucifer was the most honored among them and stood next to Christ in power and glory, he was not the only one assigned to this station (IC 3.2).

The role of the covering cherubs involved standing upon the "holy mountain of God" and being enshrouded by the direct beams of divine glory (PP 35.1). This position was characterized by a state of being holy and undefiled, where these beings served as the closest attendants to the Creator (4MR 84.2). Following the apostasy and fall of Lucifer, the vacancy left by his rebellion required a successor. Gabriel is identified in other writings as the angel who now occupies the position from which Lucifer fell, standing in the presence of the Lord as a high messenger to humanity. Thus, while Lucifer was the original "first" covering cherub, the office itself continued with other holy beings who remained loyal to God (HF 305.2).

You might also want to explore:What were the specific duties and responsibilities of the covering cherubs in heaven?How did Gabriel's role change after the fall of Lucifer?What does Ellen White write about the relationship between Christ and the high-ranking angels before the rebellion?

In the heavenly hierarchy, the position of the covering cherubs is described as a specific and highly exalted office. Lucifer is consistently identified as the "first" of these covering cherubs, a title that implies he was the leader or most prominent among a group of beings assigned to this role (4MR 84.2). This designation as "first" suggests that the office was not held by a single individual alone, but by a plurality of high-ranking angels who stood in the immediate presence of the Creator (7MR 62.4). The structure of this heavenly order is mirrored in the earthly sanctuary, which was built according to the pattern of the heavenly original. In the Most Holy Place, the ark of the covenant featured two golden cherubs positioned at either end of the mercy seat (TA 100.2).

These figures, with their wings outstretched and their faces turned toward each other, represent the actual heavenly beings who look with reverence upon the law of God and the plan of redemption (EW 252.1). Following the fall of Lucifer, the position he once held was not left permanently vacant. The "anointed ones" who now stand by the Lord of the whole earth are described as occupying the position that was originally given to Satan as a covering cherub (TA 150.3). These holy beings continue to serve as the closest attendants to the throne, maintaining communication between the heavenly courts and the inhabitants of the earth (TA 150.3).

While the exact total number of all cherubim and seraphim is described as part of an "unnumbered host," the specific role of the covering cherub is consistently associated with those who stand in the direct beams of divine glory (MB 104.2). The descriptions of the sanctuary and the fall of the "first" cherub indicate that this elite group consists of at least two primary figures who flank the throne of God, representing the entire angelic host in their devotion to the divine government (EW 252.1).

You might also want to explore:What were the specific duties and responsibilities of the covering cherubs?How did Gabriel's position change after the fall of Lucifer?What is the significance of the cherubim's position over the mercy seat in the sanctuary?