Vol.6 No.1

Q. What does the Bible say about the reality of angels?

A. The name "angel"" came to us from the Greek word aggelos, meaning "messenger." In Scripture these heavenly beings are also referred to as sons of God (job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7) and ministering spirits (Hebrews 1: 14). The Scriptures are full of stories about angels and their interactions with God's earthly family. From these accounts and other Bible passages we can gain insight into their characteristics.

Angels, though not usually seen by the human eye, have disclosed themselves to men and women (see Numbers 22:22-35; Luke 1:11-20, 2638). They also have at times assumed the human form (Genesis 19:1-22). They possess great power (Psalm 103:20), and apparently have great knowledge, but they are not all-wise (Matthew 24:36). The Bible reveals that angels do not marry and are not subject to death (Luke 20:35-36). They travel swiftly (Daniel 9:21-23) and are great in number (Revelation 5:11). Angels help guide the affairs of nations (Daniel 10:5,6,10-14). They protect and deliver God's people (Psalm 34:7, 91:11). And, they will appear with Christ when He returns (Matthew 25:31).

Few Bible truths have deeper personal appeal to the Christian than does angel ministry. The knowledge that heavenly messengers minister to human beings is of untold assurance and strength to children as well as to adults. We work side by side with these unseen heavenly beings who have ready access to the throne of God and who share with us the blessings they receive. Yet they are created beings, and refuse worship from man (see Revelation 22:8-9).

Vol.7 No.6

Q. When I was very young, my sister died and I was told she was living in heaven as an angel. Is this who angels really are?

A. Let us look at Jesus’ own words on this subject: “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven” (Mark 12:25).

Jesus indeed affirmed that the saints would in some ways resemble angels in heaven. But notice when He said this would happen: at the resurrection.

The angels are created beings of a higher order than human beings. (See Psalm 8:5.) They are called “ministering spirits” because they assist God in working for our salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Someday, if faithful, we can meet and talk with angels and perhaps work side by side with them.

In the meantime, the dead all rest in the grave, waiting for the call of Jesus and His pronouncement of judgment (John 5:28, 29).

Your sister is sleeping. If she had a saving relationship with Jesus, she will be resurrected at His Second Coming. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16.)