What Are Angels Really Like?

What comes to mind when you think of angels? Most people probably think of angels as they appear in many artist's renderings. Usually, they're shown floating around playing harps and looking quite feminine. Is this an accurate portrayal of these beings or could there be more to them than the cupid-like creatures we often picture them as? Let's examine what the Bible says about angels.

If you asked people on the street what they thought angels are, many people would probably say that they are glorified human beings. In other words, some people believe that humans become angels after they die. The Bible clearly teaches that this is not the case. Angels are spiritual beings that were created by God (Psalm 148:2,5). We don't know exactly when the angels were created, but we do know it was before the creation of the earth. We're told in the book of Job that the sons of God (angels) shouted for joy when He laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4-7). Quite possibly, the angels were created immediately after the creation of the heavens.

The number of angels is not specified in the Bible, but we can assume that there are a great many. At least one passage in Scripture refers to an innumerable company of angels (Hebrews 12:22).

As stated above, many people have a certain image in their mind when they think of angels. When we look to the Bible, we find that these images may not be very accurate. Angels are spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:13,14), which means they have no physical form (Luke 24:37-39). Apparently though, angels can appear visibly to humans when it's necessary. When they do appear, it's usually in human form and almost always as males. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Scripture also tells us that many people have encountered angles unwittingly (Hebrews 13:2). In some cases, angels took on a more heavenly form that usually struck fear in the hearts of the people they were appearing to. In most of these instances, the angel's first words were, "Do not be afraid". This would seem to indicate that they do not look like cute, chubby infants with wings like many people think. Instead, they must appear very awesome and powerful in order to make people fall on their knees in fear.

According to Scripture, angels are greater in knowledge and power and wisdom than humans, but they are not all knowing and all powerful. Angels were created with free will and are capable of sinning just as humans are. This is evident in the story of Lucifer, who we now know as Satan. He and his followers were angels who chose to rebel against God. They are usually referred to as fallen angels. For their sin they were cast out of heaven and continue to wage a spiritual battle against God and his followers to this day. The Bible tells us how this battle turns out as one day they will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

The Bible also speaks of different classes or groups of angels like the cherubim (Ezekiel 1:6) and the seraphim (Isaiah 6:2,6). We also know the names of a few of the angels who continue to serve God. Michael and Gabriel are commonly referred to as archangels. Michael is usually portrayed as a warrior, and is responsible for watching over the children of Israel. Gabriel usually functions as a messenger, delivering special announcements to God's people.

Angels have a variety of tasks and responsibilities to carry out. They are always willing and able to do God's work and their primary objective is to minister to those who would receive salvation (Hebrews 1:14). The Bible tells us that the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents. Some angels apparently do nothing but praise and worship God day and night (Isaiah 6:1-3). Others serve as messengers or guides to God's people (Daniel), (Matthew 1-2). Sometimes God uses angels to execute his judgments on the wicked (Acts 12:23). Angels were created as ministering beings and thus meet a variety of human needs such as providing, protecting, delivering, strengthening, and encouraging.

According to the Bible, angels are actually quite different than many of us thought. They are very real beings serving very real purposes for God. The spiritual realm is real and God wants us to be aware of the cosmic battle going on around us. Perhaps you have unwittingly entertained an angel in your life. Angels have played a vital role in God's plan throughout history and will continue to do so until the end of time.