Angels: Clearing Up the Confusion
Angels have captured human imagination for centuries. From paintings to films, we often see them as glowing beings with wings. Yet, while popular culture is full of fanciful ideas, the truth about angels can only be found in one reliable place: the Word of God. The Bible clears away superstition and offers a faithful and comforting perspective on these heavenly beings.
Do Angels Really Exist?
Yes, angels are real! God created them during the six days of creation. The Bible tells us that before creation, there was only God (John 1:1–3). After He completed His creative work, God “rested from all the work of creating he had done” (Genesis 2:3b). Although the Bible does not specify exactly which day angels were made, their existence is certain.
What Does “Angel” Mean?
The word “angel” comes from the Greek word meaning “messenger.” Angels are God’s messengers, doing His will and delivering His word. The Bible also describes angels as “spirits” (Acts 23:9; Hebrews 1:14). The title “angel” reflects their role, not their nature.
What Are Angels Like?
Angels are spiritual beings without physical bodies. Jesus said, “a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (Luke 24:39). Though they sometimes appear in human form (Acts 12:7), this is only for specific moments. Angels are not divine—they are created by God to serve Him and His people. Hebrews 1:14 calls them “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.”
Are Angels Human?
No. Humans are uniquely made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26) and given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26–28). God breathed life into mankind alone (Genesis 2:7). Angels, on the other hand, are distinct beings created to serve God and assist humanity. They do not marry or have children (Mark 12:25).
Do People Become Angels After Death?
A common misconception is that we become angels when we die. Scripture tells us otherwise. Human souls, after death, are in God’s presence, awaiting the resurrection and their glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Revelation 7). Angels remain distinct creatures.
Are Angels Intelligent?
Yes! Angels possess intelligence and will. They understand God’s wisdom revealed through Christ to the Church (Ephesians 3:10) and joyfully serve believers (Hebrews 1:14). However, they do not know everything. For example, only God knows the thoughts of our hearts (1 Kings 8:39).
How Powerful Are Angels?
Angels are mighty servants of God, described as “mighty ones” (Psalm 103:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7). They guard and protect God’s children (Psalm 91:11–13). Still, their power is always under God’s authority.
Evil angels—fallen ones—also have power. They hold unbelievers captive (Luke 11:21–22; Ephesians 2:2). Yet, believers are equipped by God to resist these dark powers (Ephesians 6:10–17).
Where Are Angels?
Angels exist outside our physical world but appear when God commands it (Acts 12:7). The Bible describes their numbers as countless—”ten thousand times ten thousand” (Daniel 7:10)—and “a great company of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13). Unlike humans, angels do not increase or decrease in number. They are immortal and fixed in number.
Are There Different Types of Angels?
Yes, Scripture hints at different ranks and orders. It mentions “cherubim” (Genesis 3:24), “seraphim” (Isaiah 6:2), “thrones or powers or rulers or authorities” (Colossians 1:16), and even the “archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Among fallen angels, Satan is the “prince of demons” (Luke 11:15). However, we should not speculate beyond what Scripture reveals.
What About Evil Angels?
Originally, all angels were created good. But some rebelled against God, falling into sin and becoming evil. Their fate is sealed; they await eternal punishment (Matthew 8:29). Satan, the chief of these evil angels, is called “a murderer from the beginning” and “the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Though we don’t know exactly when they fell, Scripture suggests pride led to their downfall (1 Timothy 3:6). Satan now prowls like “a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He works to cause unbelief and deceive the world (Ephesians 2:1–2; 2 Corinthians 11:14).
But the Bible teaches all this so that we see our need for repentance and trust in Christ, who has defeated the devil and secured eternal life for us.
What Do Good Angels Do?
Good angels dwell in God’s presence, beholding His glory (Matthew 18:10). They praise God (Isaiah 6:3; Luke 2:13), serve His people (Psalm 103:20–21; Hebrews 1:14), and protect believers (Psalm 91:11–12). They care for children (Matthew 18:10), attend the dying (Luke 16:22), and rejoice over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).
Angels were present at key moments in salvation history: the giving of the law (Deuteronomy 33:2), the birth of Christ (Luke 2:11), His resurrection (Mark 16:5), and His ascension (Acts 1:10–11). They will also accompany Jesus at His return (Matthew 24:31).
They are even present in the worship of the Church (1 Corinthians 11:10) and assist in maintaining order in the world (Genesis 24:7; Daniel 10:13).
How Should We Regard Angels?
We thank God for His angels but do not worship them (Revelation 22:8–9). Angels themselves refuse worship, pointing us to God alone. We honor their service and trust that God sends them to guard us in every trial.
Through Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection, we are assured of forgiveness and life everlasting. We rejoice that God, in His love, sends His holy angels to care for us—until that day when we join them, praising God forever.
For more: Check out lcms.org, Issues Etc., and this sermon.
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