Saint Michael: Jesus, Jesus Pre-incarnate or a Type of Jesus?
By Jerry Adesewo
Every year, on the 29th of September, the Cherubim and Seraphim families across the world gather to celebrate Saint Michael’s Day. It is a solemn yet joyful observance in honour of the heavenly warrior, Michael, the Archangel, who stands as God’s chief messenger of war, light, and divine justice. And whom the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church himself, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase, declared as the captain of the church. Hence the popular hymn: “Michael Olusegun…”
READ ALSO:SODOM IN THE CATHEDRAL
For us in the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, the Feast of St. Michael is more than just a liturgical tradition; it is a spiritual reminder of divine authority and celestial order. In our hymns, prayers, and reflections, we celebrate the ministry of angels as part of God’s continuing work in creation. But this year, as I joined in the prayers and listened to testimonies about the protection of God’s people, a deeper question rested on my heart — one that has lingered across centuries of Christian thought: Who really is St. Michael?
Is he Jesus Himself before the incarnation, or merely a type — a symbolic foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate Captain of Heaven’s Hosts?
The Scriptural Portrait of Michael
Michael appears only a few times in Scripture, yet those appearances are significant.
In Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1, Michael is described as “one of the chief princes” and “the great prince who stands for the children of your people.” He is the heavenly protector of Israel, a spiritual warrior who contends with the prince of Persia on behalf of God’s people.
In Jude 9, we see him again — “Michael the Archangel” — disputing with the devil over the body of Moses. Interestingly, he does not invoke his own authority but says, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Finally, in Revelation 12:7–9, Michael leads the armies of heaven in war against the dragon, Satan, casting him and his angels out of heaven.
In every one of these accounts, Michael represents divine power, righteousness, and victory over evil. He is heaven’s warrior, standing firm against rebellion, deception, and darkness.
Why Some Believe Michael Is Jesus
Over time, several Christian traditions have drawn parallels between Michael’s description and the works of Christ, especially in His pre-incarnate existence.
- Similarity of Roles
Michael defends God’s people; Christ defends the Church. Michael casts out Satan; Christ defeats Satan eternally. Michael wars against evil; Christ crushes the serpent’s head. The functions appear similar enough for some to conclude that Michael might actually be a title or role for Christ before He took on flesh.
- The Meaning of His Name
The name Michael means “Who is like God?” — a question that in itself declares the supremacy of God. Some theologians argue that this title points not just to reverence, but to representation — that Michael embodies God’s authority, a reflection that aligns with Jesus’ divine mission on earth.
- The Voice of the Archangel
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Paul writes that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven “with the voice of the archangel.” Since the Lord here is Jesus, some interpret that as evidence of shared identity with Michael, the only archangel named in Scripture.
Why Others Say Michael Is Not Jesus
However, a careful reading of Scripture — and indeed, the doctrine of Christ Himself — invites caution:
- Christ Is Above All Angels
The writer of Hebrews is emphatic: “For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You’?” (Hebrews 1:5). Jesus is not an angel — not even the chief of them. Angels are created beings; Jesus is Creator. Angels are servants; Jesus is Lord.
- Michael’s Deference
When Michael said, “The Lord rebuke you,” in Jude 9, he acknowledged a higher authority. If Michael were Christ Himself, he would have rebuked Satan directly, as Jesus did during His temptation in the wilderness.
- Distinct Worship and Function
Angels serve; Jesus is worshipped. Michael leads the angelic host, but Jesus commands the universe. To equate the two, therefore, may blur the boundary between the Creator and the created.
Michael as a Type or Foreshadowing of Christ
Yet, to say that Michael is not Jesus does not mean he has no connection to Him. Scripture often uses figures and types to prefigure greater realities — Moses as a type of Christ the Deliverer, David as a type of Christ the King, and Joseph as a type of Christ the Saviour.
In that sense, Michael stands as a type of Christ — a heavenly reflection of Jesus’ authority in battle, justice, and protection.
When Michael rises in Daniel 12:1 to defend God’s people during a time of great trouble, it mirrors Christ’s own promise to return for His church during tribulation. When Michael leads angels to victory over Satan in Revelation 12, it echoes Christ’s final triumph over the powers of darkness.
Michael’s courage, purity, and victory symbolize the eternal triumph of the Lamb. His very name — “Who is like God?” — becomes a worshipful proclamation of Christ’s deity.
Personal Reflection: The Spirit of Michael’s Feast
Every September 29, as the Cherubim and Seraphim family celebrates the Feast of St. Michael, I find myself reflecting deeply on the meaning of that observance.
I remember my first experience of Michael’s Day as a young believer — the sound of the trumpets, the red garments, the prayers rising from the altar in competition with burning incense and the spirit filled isoji atewo (clapping revival). We sang hymns of warfare and victory, and I watched many receive the gift of the holy spirit.
Yet beyond the ritual and rhythm of worship, I sensed something profound: a reminder that we are not alone in this battle of life. That even when darkness threatens, heaven’s armies stand on guard — not because of Michael’s power, but because of Christ’s command.
As the years passed and my understanding deepened, I began to see St. Michael’s Day not just as a commemoration of an archangel, but as a celebration of Christ’s authority manifested in His servants — both angelic and human.
So when we sing, “Michael, the Great Prince, fight for us,” what we are truly declaring is, “Lord Jesus, our Captain of Salvation, fight our battles and give us victory.”
Lessons for Today’s Church
- Reverence, Not Worship of Angels
We honour the ministry of angels, but we worship only Christ. Angels serve under His command; they are not mediators of grace.
- Understanding Our Spiritual Warfare
Just as Michael contends against principalities, so believers must engage in prayer, purity, and perseverance. Spiritual warfare is not fought with noise, but with holiness.
- Christ Remains Supreme
Whether we see Michael as a type or symbol, the truth remains that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus.
Conclusion
Saint Michael reminds us of the order and authority of heaven — that there is divine government even among angels. But he also reminds us that at the center of that order is Christ, the eternal Word, Commander of hosts, and the Victor over Satan.
So, whether we view Michael as Jesus’ messenger, His pre-incarnate form, or a typological shadow, the lesson remains the same: there is no victory outside of Jesus