Angels have become the subject of discussion among many today. Many today, including Hollywood have become fascinated with them. The misunderstanding of angels has fostered some false doctrines within the religious world and some misconceptions within the world in general. I just want to take a little time and look at a few things concerning angels.
Let’s first look at some things that we do know about angels from the Scriptures. Angels are created beings, created by God. (See Psa. 148:1-5) They, therefore, are not deity. We also see that angels possess certain attributes. We see that they are immortal as we can be. (Luke 20:36). They are mighty and powerful (2 Pet. 2:11) and possess emotions (Luke 15:10). Most are obedient to the Lord (Psa. 103:20), but they are not perfect and capable of displeasing God (Job 4:18; Jude 6). Although spirits, they are able to take on human form at times. (Gen. 19:1)
We also see that angels have certain functions. Their primary functions seems to be that of messengers. As a matter of fact, the word "angel" means "messenger." Angels have in the past conveyed God’s laws to man. (Acts 7:53; Heb. 2:2) They have revealed God’s word to the prophets. (Zech. 1:9) They have relayed messages or instruction to men. (Luke 1:26ff; Acts 8:26) However, this function of angels is no longer seen, because of the complete revelation of God’s word that we now have. (cf. Heb. 1:1-2) We also see that angels function as ministers to man. (Heb. 1:14) I do not know all that is involved in this. I do know that an angel took care of Elijah in a time of need. (1 Kings 19:4-8) An angel also delivered Peter from prison. (Acts 12:7-11) I am not sure exactly what form their ministry takes today, but I do believe that they minister to Christians today in some way. I believe the Hebrew writer when he says that they are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation." We also know that angels ministered to Jesus in various ways. They heralded his birth (Luke 2:10-15), sustained Him in the wilderness (Matt. 4:11), and proclaimed His resurrection (Matt. 28:5-7). We are also told that they serve and praise God in heaven. (Rev. 5:11-12)
I think that it is also important that we look at some myths and misconceptions about angels. There are many ideas about angels floating around today that have no real basis in Scripture. Many think that angels are the souls of righteous people who have died. The Bible does not teach this. The righteous dead are in paradise - a division of the Hadean world (the grave) - awaiting the resurrection. One does not become an angel when dying. One is a spiritual being to be sure, but not an angel. Angels are different. Angels and the righteous dead will only be equal after the resurrection. (cf. Luke 20:34-36; Mark 12:25) Notice, however, that even then we will be "as the angels," but we will not "be angels." - still different. There are also many ideas put forth by men as to the appearance of angels. Most think of angels as winged humans with halos above their heads. This image has its roots in human tradition and religious art. There is little support in the Scriptures for this. There are winged creatures known as cherubim and seraphim in the Old Testament, but it is not clear whether these are the same as angels. They are part of the "host" of heaven and certainly similar to angels, but not necessarily the same. Now angles have taken on human form when appearing to man, but are spiritual beings and as such, most of the time have a spiritual form - whatever that might be. I’m sure we will know one day.
I would not want to end any look at angels without exploring relationship that Jesus has to angels, because there are some that teach that Jesus is just an angel - a created being - and not God. But according to Bible teaching, Jesus cannot be an angel. Jesus was in the beginning with God and created all things, including angels. (cf. John 1:1-4) The Hebrew writer makes it clear that Jesus in not an angel but better than them. (Heb. 1:1-14) He is better than the angels. (v. 1-4) He has obtained a more excellent name and is God’s Son. (v. 4-6) He is worshipped by angels. (v. 6) He is referred to as God on a throne. (v. 8) He was asked to sit at right hand of God - something no angel ever asked. (v. 13) Therefore it is clear that Jesus is not an angel, but God. Now some think that Jesus is referred to as "the Angel of God" or "the Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament. (See Ex. 14:19 and 1 Cor. 10:4; cf. Dan. 3:25,28) Even if this is so and Jesus in the Old Testament is referred to by the term "Angel," it is clear from Bible teaching that He is different from and superior to them. He is God, while they are not. Consider that it is also true that we (men) are referred to as sons of God. (Rom. 8:14-17) Jesus is also referred to as the "Son of God," but he is different from and superior to men. He is God, while we are not. No, Jesus is not an angel.
Let’s try to get a clear picture in our minds of exactly what angels are and not confuse the myths and false doctrines concerning them with reality. They are not to be worshipped (Col. 2:18), but we should respect them for the work that they do for God, whatever that might be. The only things that we really know about angels is what is revealed in God's word. If we wish to know more, then let’s make sure that we make it to heaven, where angels will be present and we will be as them.
-- Edward O. Bragwell, Jr.