Living creatures: as represented by Ezekiel (Leviticus 1-10) and John (Revelation 4, etc.), are the cherubim. They are distinguished from angels (Revelation 15:7); they join the elders in the "new song" (Revelation 5:8,9); they warn of danger from divine justice (Isaiah 6:3-5), and deliver the commission to those who execute it (Ezekiel 10:2,7); they associate with the elders in their sympathy with the hundred and forty-four thousand who sing the new song (Revelation 14:3), and with the Church in the overthrow of her enemies (Revelation 19:4).

They are supposed to represent mercy, as distinguished from justice, mercy in its various instrumentalities, and especially as connected with the throne of God, the "throne of grace."