The Bible teaches that God created three types of rational, spiritual beings: angels, humans, and God. Of these three, humans are unique in that we possess both a physical body and an immaterial spirit. Angels are purely spiritual beings, while God alone is the infinite, eternal Creator. While angels and humans share some attributes, the Bible is clear that we are separate creations.
The term “angelic human” is not explicitly found in Scripture, but it seems to refer to humans who exhibit qualities often associated with angels, such as exceptional righteousness, spiritual insight, and closeness with God. The Bible does describe certain people as having “the appearance of angels” or reflecting angel-like attributes, while still maintaining their human identity.
For example, after Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter struck the high priest’s servant with his sword, cutting off his ear. Jesus responded “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53). Here Jesus implies that the angels who would come to his defense would have an appearance similar to humans, though still fundamentally angelic beings.
In Acts 6, Stephen is described as having “the face of an angel” as he boldly proclaimed the gospel before the Sanhedrin (v. 15). His courageous testimony for Christ apparently gave him an angel-like countenance. Hebrews 13:2 also exhorts believers to show hospitality, “for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This indicates angels can appear quite human-like at times.
While angels may visually resemble humans on occasion, humans should never aspire to become angelic beings. We are separate creations with distinct roles. As Hebrews 2:5-9 explains, while angels inhabit the supernatural realm, mankind is destined to one day “have dominion” over the physical earth as God originally intended. God’s plans for redeemed humanity far surpass that of the angels.
There are several examples in Scripture of righteous men and women who experienced close fellowship with God and reflected godly virtues in their lives:
- Enoch “walked faithfully with God” and was taken up directly to heaven without dying (Genesis 5:21-24).
- Noah was “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time” who “walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9).
- Job was “blameless and upright” and “feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1).
- Moses conversed face-to-face with God and had his face radiate God’s glory after spending time in His presence (Exodus 34:29-30).
- King David was described as a man after God’s own heart despite his flaws (1 Samuel 13:14).
- Daniel distinguished himself among all the ministers of Babylon for his righteousness and faithful prayer life (Daniel 6:3-4).
In the New Testament, both Elizabeth and her unborn son John the Baptist were filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied when Mary came to visit (Luke 1:41-45). After his transfiguration, Jesus’ face shone like the sun and “his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). At Pentecost, tongues of fire appeared over the heads of the believers as they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3).
In each case, being in close relationship with God seemed to make His servants shine forth with certain angelic qualities for a time. However, they remained human beings, not a special hybrid class of “angelic humans.” All believers can reflect God’s glory and character when walking in close fellowship with Him.
Humans and Angels Possess Different Attributes
While humans and angels can appear similar on the surface, the Bible highlights several key differences between the two creations:
- Physical nature – Humans have physical bodies created from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), while angels are purely spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:14).
- Reproductive nature – Humans reproduce physically through sexual union (Genesis 1:28). Jesus makes clear angels do not marry or reproduce (Luke 20:34-36).
- Limits of knowledge – Angels possess superhuman wisdom and enlightenment (2 Samuel 14:20), but their knowledge is limited. God alone is omniscient (Isaiah 55:9; Romans 11:33-34).
- Sin nature – Humans inherited a sinful nature through Adam’s fall (Romans 5:12), while angels were created individually holy. Some rebelled against God of their own free will.
- Salvation offer – God provided salvation and redemption to mankind through Christ due to our sin (John 3:16), but not to fallen angels (Hebrews 2:16).
- Future roles – Redeemed humans will judge angels and rule over the physical creation (1 Corinthians 6:3; Hebrews 2:5-8).
So while humans and angels may share some similarities, the Bible repeatedly distinguishes between the two creations. As Hebrews 2:14 declares, “Since the children have flesh and blood, Christ too shared in their humanity.” Jesus became a man to redeem mankind, not angels.
Dangers of Angel Veneration
Seeking to become “angelic” or worshipping angels is strictly forbidden in Scripture. Only God is worthy of our worship and adoration (Revelation 22:8-9). The Bible contains several warnings against the veneration of angels:
- The Apostle Paul condemned false teachers among the Colossians who promoted “the worship of angels” as well as mystical visions, strict asceticism, and other errors. This was “not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:18-23).
- Paul cautioned Timothy against those who “forbid marriage and require abstinence from certain foods,” traits associated with extreme asceticism. This came from false teachers promoting “the doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1-3).
- In his vision on the island of Patmos, the Apostle John twice fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who was revealing the future events of the Apocalypse to him. Both times the angel rebuked his action: “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God” (Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9).
Attempting to contact angels through vain speculation, mysticism, or occult practices is extremely dangerous. We must worship God alone and come to Him based solely on His revealed Word (Deuteronomy 29:29). As Colossians 2:10 declares, “And you have been filled in Him, who is the head over all rule and authority.” In Christ we have everything we need.
Our Hope is in Christ Alone
The Bible gives no instructions or indications that humans can become semi-angelic beings. Our hope is found in Christ alone, not in ourselves or speculations about angelic evolution. Believers are called to imitate godly virtues like those modeled by angels: faithfulness, courage, righteousness, and worshipful reverence of God. But we must avoid unbiblical extremes like asceticism, mystical experiences, worship of angels, or seeking supernatural experiences.
As Christians, our focus should be becoming more Christ-like in our character and actions day by day through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is the Scriptural process of being made holy. Ephesians 5:1 exhorts us: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” Having the mind of Christ and walking by the Spirit will allow us to radiate God’s goodness and fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Through Christ, God already accepts believers as His beloved, adopted children (Galatians 3:26). We can experience close fellowship with Him both now and for eternity. We do not need to strive to become semi-angelic beings, for humans have an incredible God-given dignity and destiny. What a glorious privilege it is to be formed in the image of God as His unique physical and spiritual creation (Genesis 1:26-27).