The Bible has much to say about the existence and role of angels. Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and carry out His will. Though there are many references to angels throughout Scripture, much mystery and misconception surrounds these heavenly beings. What does the Bible really teach about angels? Are they actively at work today? Let’s explore what God’s Word reveals.
The Nature and Role of Angels
The Bible tells us that angels are immortal spirits created by God (Psalm 148:2-5; Hebrews 1:14). They do not marry or reproduce (Matthew 22:30). Angels are servants of God and messengers who carry out His will (Psalm 103:20; Luke 1:19). The word “angel” means “messenger” in both Hebrew and Greek. Angels also act as protectors, watching over God’s people (Psalm 91:11, Hebrews 1:14). They appear in both the Old and New Testaments, acting as messengers, protectors, and worshipers surrounding God’s throne.
One key role angels play is to deliver God’s messages to humanity. In Scripture we see them bringing timely words to individuals such as Daniel (Daniel 9:21-23), Mary (Luke 1:26-38), Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21), the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15), and many others. Angels also carry out God’s judgments, destroying wicked cities and nations and executing other acts of His judgment (2 Kings 19:35, Acts 12:23). They will be involved in end times judgments as well (Revelation chapters 8-10, 15-16).
In addition to messenger roles, angels are depicted as protectors. They guard and deliver God’s people from harm (Psalm 34:7, Daniel 6:22). The book of Hebrews calls angels “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Angels also minister to and protect little children according to Matthew 18:10. God charged his angels to guard the pathway of the righteous according to Psalm 91:11.
Angels also surround God’s throne and worship Him continually according to passages like Psalm 148:1-2, Isaiah 6:1-3, and Revelation 5:11-12. They serve God day and night in His presence. Angels seem to be organized into differing ranks and have varying roles and authority, with archangels like Michael being among the highest rank.
Notable Angels in the Bible
The Bible mentions a number of angels by name who carry out key roles in God’s plan. Here are some of the most significant angelic figures:
- Michael – Michael the archangel is called “the great prince” in Daniel 10:13 and “one of the chief princes” in Daniel 10:13. He leads the angelic forces in spiritual warfare (Rev. 12:7) and will stand for Israel in the latter days (Daniel 12:1).
- Gabriel – Gabriel also holds a prominent position among the angels. He was sent to deliver important news about the coming Messiah to both Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21) and Zechariah (Luke 1:19). He also announced the forthcoming births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:11-20, 26-38).
- Cherubim – The cherubim seem to be an exalted order of angelic being associated with the presence, glory, and holiness of God. They first appear in Genesis 3:24 as guardians of Eden after Adam and Eve are expelled. Overlaid gold cherubim were woven into the curtains of the Old Testament tabernacle (Exodus 26:1, 31) and the veil of the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:31). A pair of 15-foot tall gold cherubim stood in the Most Holy Place of Solomon’s temple, representing the throne and presence of God (1 Kings 6:23-28). Ezekiel’s visions describe four-faced cherubim as part of the glory of God’s throne chariot.
- Seraphim – Seraphim only appear explicitly in Isaiah’s vision of God’s heavenly throne room in Isaiah 6:1-7. They are described as fiery six-winged beings who hover above God crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3). Their name means “burning ones.” Along with cherubim, they appear to be among chief angels who directly surround God’s throne.
This is not an exhaustive list – many other angelic messengers are named or referenced throughout the Bible. But it provides a sampling of key angels whom God chose to carry out special missions in service of His kingdom plan.
The Existence and Activity of Angels Today
This raises a key question – do angels continue to exist and operate today? Or were their roles confined to biblical times? There’s no doubt that angelic activity was far more prominent during the eras covered by the Old and New Testaments. But the Bible indicates angels continue to be active. For one thing, Biblical passages about their protective care (Psalm 91:11, Hebrews 1:14) do not limit it to Bible times. Jesus’ statement about guardian angels watching over children (Matthew 18:10) suggests ongoing ministry. Other New Testament verses also hint at angelic activity continuing today (Acts 12:15, 1 Corinthians 4:9).
At the same time, Scripture warns us not to become preoccupied with or worship angels (Colossians 2:18). And it nowhere encourages believers to seek special angelic encounters or pray to angels. So the Bible appears to treat ongoing angelic activity as real but routine, requiring no fanfare or special attention on our part. Angelic beings are God’s servants, not ours. Our focus should be on relating to God in faith through Jesus Christ, not obsessing over angels.
However, believers can be comforted that God’s angelic agents continue working behind the scenes on His behalf. They aid, protect, serve, and deliver God’s people today just as in biblical history. Angels continue to inhabit the heavenly realms surrounding God’s presence. Though unseen, they minister according to God’s will in partnership with the rest of God’s kingdom.
Angels or Demons?
A conversation on angels should address the relationship between holy angels and fallen demons. Scripture indicates that Satan and demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God and turned to evil (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6). Not all angels chose to follow Satan’s rebellion. The holy angels referenced throughout the Bible continued serving God faithfully. But those who fell became adversaries of God’s kingdom and purposes. Demons thus represent what holy angels could have become – and theutter tragedy of failing to fulfill one’s original created purpose.
So angels and demons share an original creation and nature. But through choices made, they are now engaged in rival kingdoms – God’s kingdom of light versus the domain of darkness under Satan’s evil influence.Interaction with angels focuses on holy angels loyal to God. Our stance toward demons should be avoidance and resistance, as they work against God’s will.
Discerning True Angels from False Ones
This raises the need for discernment. Not every supernatural encounter comes from the true God. Satan can appear as an angel of light, and demons may disguise themselves as angels or servants of God (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Scripture gives several tests for discerning heavenly from deceptive angelic beings:
- True angels always point to the supremacy of Christ and the good news of the gospel, not drawing attention to themselves (Colossians 2:18-19, Hebrews 1:4-14).
- They never contradict God’s Word or command unbiblical practices (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Galatians 1:8).
- Angels cultivate reverence for God, not for themselves. They refuse worship directed to them (Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9).
- Spiritual beings who do not confess Jesus Christ as Lord and appear in spiritual darkness should be rejected (1 John 4:1-3).
Applying these tests requires knowing Scripture well. But the sincere seeker who measures encounters by God’s Word can avoid deception.
Purposeful Messengers, Not Playful Cherubs
In popular culture, angels are often portrayed as playful toddlers with wings who make us feel good. But this fails to capture the awe-inspiring heavenly reality. Angels are formidable, glorious, holy beings – not to be cooed over or taken lightly. Scripture reveals angels as the most impressive created beings, worthy of respect and close association with the Almighty. They pour forth praise in God’s presence and carry out his high purposes. While joyful, righteous, and benevolent in doing God’s will, angels are no trivial cherubs.
Rather than obsessing over angels, we would do best to focus on Christ. It is only through His righteousness that human beings can appear holy before our Holy God. But the biblical truth of angels can reassure us – God’s invisible servants actively work to accomplish His good will. The cosmic stage is peopled not only with men and women, but with glorious angelic spirit-beings employed by the Most High. God is served by numberless heavenly armies united to carry forward His mighty plan of salvation.