The Nature of Angels

 When you think of angels what image comes to your mind? Chubby little babies with wings? White-robed beings from another dimension? Imaginary beings from the pages of mythology? The Bible is our only reliable source for understanding the nature of angels. 

The Bible, in fact, describes angels as real, supernatural beings that were created by God. Psalm 148, verses 2 and 5 say, “Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly host  . . .. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.” Colossians 1.16 attributes the creation of angelic beings specifically to God the Son, saying, “For by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Angels, therefore, are real spirit beings that are distinct from human beings. People don’t become angels when they die. Angels are a unique part of God’s creation. 

Angels are spirit beings. They don’t possess physical bodies. Hebrews 1.14 says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” In Ephesians 6.12 Paul, speaking of fallen angels, says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

Although angels don’t possess physical bodies, they can appear in physical form. The prophet Isaiah saw certain angels called Seraphim surrounding the throne of God. In Isaiah 6.2 he wrote, “Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.” Another prophet, Ezekiel, saw a different class of angels called Cherubim. Ezekiel 1.5-6 says, “In appearance their form was that of a man, but each of them had four faces and four wings.” In the New Testament angels appeared at the time of Jesus’ birth and at the empty tomb after His resurrection. Matthew 28.3 describes one of these angels, saying, “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” When angels appear in physical form, their appearance seems to vary depending on the circumstances. 

As impressive as an angelic appearance would be, the Bible warns us not to worship angels. Angels are created beings. Only God, the Creator, deserves worship. We should never worship angels, but we can learn from angels how to worship God. Like the angelic beings in Revelation 5.12 we should cry out, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain.” Why not open your heart to worship the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ today.