Does the Antichrist have a guardian angel? 

Thomas teaches that “the devil by suggestion infuses his wickedness more copiously into [the Antichrist] than into all others.”  Since the wickedness of the Antichrist exceeds that of all other men, does God still give him the benefit of a guardian angel? 

November 20, 2023

Does the Antichrist have a guardian angel? 

Thomas teaches that “the devil by suggestion infuses his wickedness more copiously into [the Antichrist] than into all others.” 

Since the wickedness of the Antichrist exceeds that of all other men, does God still give him the benefit of a guardian angel? 

Thomas says this: 

Even the Antichrist will have a guardian angel. 

For a universal law should not be changed on account of a single person. 

And in this way, too, his punishment will also appear as more just because he will not have been deprived of the benefits provided to all human nature. 

Nor is such guardianship altogether in vain, since, even though he will not be converted to the good, he will desist from many evils, having been drawn away from them by his guardian angel. 

For an angel always obtains at least this effect through its guardianship of any obstinate person.

Thomas makes three interesting points here

  1. He teaches that exceptions make bad rules when he says “a universal law should not change on account of a single person.” 

  1. The fact that the Antichrist has a guardian angel proves the goodness of God who gives to all men liberally even when He knows His gifts will be rejected. 

On the other hand, this fact also proves the wickedness of the Antichrist who totally spurns God’s grace. 

  1. Even though the Antichrist’s guardian angel will not be able to “convert him to the good,” he will at least be able to prevent him from doing as much evil as he would have done. 

Guardian angels have this effect on all men regardless of if they are saved or not. 

Thomas teaches that all men, even the Antichrist, have a guardian angel and that nothing you do in this life can separate you from their protection. Let us thank God for the graces we have received through our heavenly guardians! 

Thanks for reading, 

The Daily Thomist