I have a picture of an angel hanging in my living room. A family friend gave me a picture of this stone angel when I got married, and she said it would protect our home.
Angels dominate popular culture. Whether in movies, TV, or decorations, there are various interpretations dealing with angelic beings. Throw in the “fallen angel” narrative of Lucifer, the Devil, and we have a ready-made battle between good and evil in a fantastical realm unseen to us. The secrecy and mystery add to the appeal.
But how much of the discussion about angels is real? How much is a myth? The Bible gives some clear ideas about angels and their roles and how they affect our everyday lives.
The concept of angels is multifaceted, and various religious traditions, cultural beliefs, and theological perspectives contribute to a diverse understanding of these celestial beings. Here are some of the different perspectives on angels:
In Islam, angels play a significant role as divine messengers and servants of Allah. The Quran mentions various angels, including Jibreel (Gabriel), who revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. Angels are seen as obedient and dutiful servants of God, carrying out specific tasks according to His command.
Judaism also acknowledges the existence of angels, often portraying them as messengers and agents of God’s divine will. In Jewish tradition, angels such as Michael and Gabriel are recognized, and they are seen as celestial beings closely connected to the divine.
In New Age and spiritual traditions, angels are often perceived as benevolent, guiding entities that provide support, protection, and assistance to individuals on their spiritual journey. Angelic communication and guidance are explored through practices like angel card readings and meditation.
Various cultures have their own folklore and mythology surrounding angelic beings. These beings may be seen as intermediaries between the divine and the earthly realm, carrying messages or guiding individuals. The characteristics and roles of these beings can vary widely across different cultural contexts.
Many people, regardless of religious affiliation, hold the belief in guardian angels. These are seen as personal angels assigned to individuals to offer protection, guidance, and support throughout their lives. The concept is prevalent in popular culture and is often associated with the idea of a personal protector.
Some theological traditions, particularly within Christianity, propose a hierarchical structure of angels. This hierarchy categorizes angels into different orders or choirs, each with specific functions and roles. Examples include Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, and Archangels.
Across many perspectives, angels are often viewed as intermediaries between the divine and humanity. They serve as messengers conveying God's will, bringing guidance and protection, and sometimes carrying out specific tasks on behalf of the divine.
While there are common themes, the specific roles, characteristics, and significance attributed to angels can vary widely across different religious and cultural contexts.
The Bible provides insights into the identity and origin of angels, offering a glimpse into the nature of these celestial beings. While not exhaustive, biblical passages shed light on the essence of angels and their divine purpose.
In the Scripture, angels are consistently portrayed as heavenly beings created by God to serve in His presence. They are described as spiritual entities that dwell in the celestial realm, distinct from human beings but with the ability to interact with the earthly realm. The Bible does not provide a detailed account of the creation of angels, but it affirms their existence as part of God’s divine order. Colossians 1:16 states that all things, including angels, were created by and for Christ, emphasizing their divine origin.
While not explicitly detailed, the Bible implies a hierarchy among angels. Michael is often referred to as an archangel and a warrior angel (Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7), suggesting different roles and ranks among celestial beings. In some instances, the Bible mentions the “Angel of the Lord,” a manifestation believed by many scholars to represent a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This figure plays significant roles in guiding, protecting, and communicating God's will in various Old Testament narratives.
The Bible alludes to the fall of certain angels who rebelled against God. Revelation 12:9 speaks of the dragon, identified as Satan, and his angels being cast out of heaven. These fallen angels are often associated with demonic forces opposing God and His purposes.
While the Bible offers glimpses into the identity, it doesn't provide exhaustive details. The focus is often on their roles as messengers, servants, and worshipers in the divine order established by God.
The Bible provides a rich portrayal of the roles and activities of angels, depicting them as divine messengers, servants of God, and participants in the cosmic order.
Angels are frequently depicted as messengers delivering important announcements and revelations. In the Old Testament, Gabriel announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:11-38). Similarly, an angel appears to the shepherds to proclaim the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-14). Angels often announce significant future events. In the book of Revelation, angels play a crucial role in unveiling and proclaiming the unfolding of God's plan for the culmination of history and the establishment of His kingdom.
Angels serve as guides and protectors for individuals. In Exodus 23:20, God promises to send an angel to guard and lead the Israelites on their journey. Psalm 91:11-12 affirms that God gives His angels charge over believers, protecting them from harm. Angels are described as ministering spirits sent to serve believers. Hebrews 1:14 emphasizes their role in assisting those who will inherit salvation. While their specific activities may vary, the overarching theme is their involvement in the well-being of God’s people.
The Bible depicts angels as actively participating in heavenly worship. Revelation 4 and 5 describe angels surrounding the throne of God, joining in adoration and praise. Their worshipful activity emphasizes their devotion to God’s glory and majesty. According to Luke 15:10, angels also rejoice over one sinner who repents. This emphasizes their awareness of human decisions and the joy they experience when individuals turn to God.
Angels are agents of God’s will, carrying out His divine purposes. In various Old Testament narratives, angels are involved in executing judgments, such as the angel of death during the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 12:23) and the destruction of the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35). Certain biblical passages depict angels as warriors engaged in spiritual battles. Michael described as an archangel, is identified as a warrior angel in the conflict against the dragon (Revelation 12:7).
Angels are involved in protecting and delivering individuals in times of need. Psalm 34:7 declares that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, delivering them from trouble. Acts 12 recounts an angel rescuing Peter from prison. The Bible suggests that angels may be involved in accompanying the departed to the afterlife. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, angels carry Lazarus to Abraham’s side (Luke 16:22), illustrating their role beyond the earthly realm.
The Bible is replete with fascinating stories featuring angels, showcasing their diverse roles as messengers, protectors, and instruments of God's divine will.
One of the most iconic angelic appearances is the announcement to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel informs Mary that she will conceive the Son of God, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. This heralds the miraculous virgin birth and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Abraham receives a visit from three angels who bring the announcement of Sarah’s impending pregnancy (Genesis 18:1-15). This encounter also involves the angels sharing God’s plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah, showcasing their role as bearers of divine messages. Angels intervene to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-22). Their protective role underscores their function as agents of God’s mercy and deliverance.
Jacob experiences a dream in which he sees angels ascending and descending a heavenly ladder (Genesis 28:10-22). This vision occurs at Bethel, and it signifies God's presence and promise to Jacob, highlighting the connection between heaven and earth. Later, in Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with an angel, resulting in a blessing and a change of his name to Israel. This encounter illustrates the transformative power of divine interaction and the persistence of Jacob in seeking God's favor.
In the story of Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6), an angel shuts the mouths of the lions, sparing Daniel's life. This narrative underscores the protective role of angels and their ability to intervene in moments of peril.
An angel miraculously releases Peter from prison in Acts 12:1-7, guiding him past guards and iron gates. This story showcases the supernatural deliverance facilitated by angels in response to fervent prayer.
Joseph, Jesus’ adoptive father, receives angelic messages in dreams, guiding him to accept Mary’s divine conception and later instructing him to flee to Egypt with the Holy Family to escape Herod's massacre of infants. These angelic appearances guide Joseph in protecting Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15)
In the Easter story, in Matthew 28:1-10), angels appear at the empty tomb of Jesus, announcing His resurrection to the women who come to anoint His body. This pivotal event underscores the central role angels play in conveying the message of Christ's triumph over death.
Each narrative reflects the multifaceted nature of angels as instruments of God’s grace and messengers of His redemptive plan.
The Scriptures provide insights into angels and their impact on believers, shedding light on their roles as messengers, protectors, and guides.
One prominent way angels affect our daily lives is through their role as messengers. In numerous biblical accounts, angels are dispatched by God to deliver important messages to individuals or communities. These messages often contain guidance, assurance, or warnings. Therefore, we find comfort and direction in the belief that angels continue to convey God’s messages, providing guidance in times of uncertainty.
Angels also serve as protectors in the lives of Christians. While there isn’t scriptural support for a specific guardian angel for every person, the Bible does portray them as guardians assigned to watch over God’s people. This assurance of divine protection brings us comfort, fostering a sense of security in our daily lives. Whether facing physical dangers or spiritual battles, we can trust that angels are actively involved in safeguarding them from harm.
Furthermore, angels act as guides, steering us along the paths of righteousness. The Bible recounts instances where angels directed individuals to make crucial decisions aligned with God’s will. In the Old Testament, an angel guided Hagar in the wilderness, providing her with direction and sustenance. Similarly, angels guided the disciples to proclaim the message of salvation after the resurrection of Jesus. For us, angels continue to guide us, prompting us towards virtuous choices and helping us navigate life’s challenges.
Additionally, angels are perceived as worshipers in the heavenly realm. This celestial worship serves as a source of inspiration for us in our daily lives. Believers find encouragement in knowing that angels, who dwell in the divine presence, continually exalt the Almighty. This realization deepens our own worship and devotion, fostering a connection with the heavenly realms.
It's important to remember, however, to be careful not to worship angels. Often, angels made it clear in the Scripture for people not to bow down to them. Only God is worshipped (Revelation 19:10). Also, for any in Christ, we need no priest or heavenly intermediary between us and God. We have direct access to the throne room, and our lives are hidden in Christ at the right hand of God (Colossians 2). Angels exist and still have roles, but we never confuse their role with our all sufficiency upon Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Bulat Silvia via ©Canva Pro