2dly. In particular, by immediate
revelation. When any particular soul is freed from the family of this
world, it is revealed to the angels. “There is joy in the presence of the
angels of God” (that is, among the angels, and by them) “over one sinner
that repenteth,” Luke xv.
10. Now, the angels cannot of themselves absolutely know the
true repentance of a sinner in itself; it is a work wrought in that cabinet
which none hath a key unto but Jesus Christ; by him it is revealed to the
angels, when the peculiar care and charge of such a one is committed to
them. These things have their transaction before the angels, Luke xii. 8, 9. Christ owns the
names of his brethren before the angels, Rev. iii.
5. When he gives them admittance into the family where they
are, Heb. xii. 22, he declares to them
that they are sons, that they may discharge their duty towards them,
Heb. i. 14.