Angelology
(Angels)
I believe that angels in the Bible are primarily messengers of God. They act as intermediaries between God and humanity, carrying out divine will, delivering messages, and providing guidance. Angels are presented in two primary forms in Scripture: natural and supernatural.
1. Natural Angels
Some angels appear in human form and serve as direct agents of God. These "natural angels" often take on the appearance of men and interact with people without revealing their celestial nature. For example, in Genesis 18, three visitors (angels) appear to Abraham in the form of men, sharing God's message and blessing. In the New Testament, the angel who visits Mary in Luke 1 and the angels who appear at Jesus' tomb after His resurrection also appear as men. These angels are simply human-looking messengers, but their role remains distinctly divine.
2. Supernatural Angels
These are the traditional angels depicted in most religious art and theology, with wings and a radiant appearance. They often appear in moments of great significance. In the Old Testament, angels like the ones who appeared to the shepherds in the fields at the birth of Jesus or the angelic host who surrounded God's throne are shown as having supernatural qualities. Their appearance often overwhelms human observers, who respond with fear and awe. These angels are depicted with attributes like wings, brightness, and sometimes a fearsome presence, signifying their holy and majestic nature.
3. Angels as God’s Messengers
Throughout Scripture, angels fulfill the essential role of delivering God's messages to humanity. This is perhaps their most important task: to proclaim God's will and guide His people. In the book of Revelation, for example, the seven angels are sent to deliver God's messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:20). The angelic message is never self-serving but always directed towards fulfilling God's ultimate plan for humanity.
4. The Role of Angels in Scripture
In addition to their role as messengers, angels serve in other capacities. They act as warriors (e.g., Michael in the book of Daniel), protectors (e.g., the angel who guards the Israelites in Exodus), and ministers of God’s judgment (e.g., the angels involved in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah). They also serve as comforters, as seen in the Gospels when angels minister to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). Despite their varying roles, angels consistently serve God and His purpose, never acting on their own initiative.
5. Human Interaction with Angels
I also believe that angels can interact with humans in more direct ways. While not all angelic encounters are readily understood by humans, angels have the capacity to appear when necessary, delivering timely messages, sometimes in times of distress or need. However, I do not believe that every seemingly “spiritual” or “supernatural” experience is angelic in nature. Angelic interactions, when they occur, are always consistent with God’s truth and direction for humanity.
6. The Mystery of Angelic Beings
Scripture does not give exhaustive details about angels, and many aspects of their existence remain mysterious. For instance, angels are not omnipresent like God; they are created beings and have limitations. Despite this, they are powerful and are depicted as having great wisdom and authority under God’s command. They are spiritual beings who operate within the divine order but are not to be worshipped. While angels are awe-inspiring, the Bible makes it clear that all glory is due to God alone (Revelation 22:8-9).