THE NATURE OF ANGELS
I am told that there are 180 references in the Bible to the beings usually referred to as angels. We,
therefore should be interested in the nature and work of these beings. The word for angel in the New
Testament literally means “messenger.” It can be applied to a human messenger (Jas. 2:25) or even to
Satan’s messengers (Matt. 25:31), but most of the references in the Bible refer to the messengers of God
(Matt. 1:20). With this in mind, let us consider the nature of God’s messengers, or angels.
1. Angels are heavenly beings. “and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord
Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire” (2 Thess. 1:7). They reside in heaven with
God and will come with Jesus when He returns.
2. They are created beings. “for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth...”
(Col. 1: 16). According to this verse Jesus created all things--even in heaven (a reference which would
surely include angels). We should know that people, especially children, do NOT become angels when
they die. In Matthew 22:30 Jesus said that they are AS the angels in heaven--not that they ARE angels in
heaven.
3. Their number is innumerable. “but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels” (Heb. 12:22). God has at His command a
host of beings beyond our ability to count.
4. They do not marry, nor do they procreate. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given
in marriage, but are as angels in heaven” (Matt. 22:30). Marriage is a human institution limited to this
life and this world. While we are on this subject, angels are always referred to as male--never female. They
do not have offspring. In other words, there are no Daddy, Mommy and baby angels. Such is not taught in
the Word of God, but is simply a cute, sentimental idea made up from whole cloth by uninspired men.
5. They are subject to God’s will. “For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down
to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Pet. 2:4). Those angels
who choose to reject God’s will are consigned to a place of judgment (Jude v. 6). The Bible not only describes the nature of angels, it also informs us regarding their work. If the Lord
wills, we will discuss that subject next week.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: To worry about what we can’t help is useless--to worry about what
we can help is stupid!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
therefore should be interested in the nature and work of these beings. The word for angel in the New
Testament literally means “messenger.” It can be applied to a human messenger (Jas. 2:25) or even to
Satan’s messengers (Matt. 25:31), but most of the references in the Bible refer to the messengers of God
(Matt. 1:20). With this in mind, let us consider the nature of God’s messengers, or angels.
1. Angels are heavenly beings. “and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord
Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire” (2 Thess. 1:7). They reside in heaven with
God and will come with Jesus when He returns.
2. They are created beings. “for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth...”
(Col. 1: 16). According to this verse Jesus created all things--even in heaven (a reference which would
surely include angels). We should know that people, especially children, do NOT become angels when
they die. In Matthew 22:30 Jesus said that they are AS the angels in heaven--not that they ARE angels in
heaven.
3. Their number is innumerable. “but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels” (Heb. 12:22). God has at His command a
host of beings beyond our ability to count.
4. They do not marry, nor do they procreate. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given
in marriage, but are as angels in heaven” (Matt. 22:30). Marriage is a human institution limited to this
life and this world. While we are on this subject, angels are always referred to as male--never female. They
do not have offspring. In other words, there are no Daddy, Mommy and baby angels. Such is not taught in
the Word of God, but is simply a cute, sentimental idea made up from whole cloth by uninspired men.
5. They are subject to God’s will. “For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down
to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Pet. 2:4). Those angels
who choose to reject God’s will are consigned to a place of judgment (Jude v. 6). The Bible not only describes the nature of angels, it also informs us regarding their work. If the Lord
wills, we will discuss that subject next week.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: To worry about what we can’t help is useless--to worry about what
we can help is stupid!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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