Angelology series
By Jerry Batson, Th.D.
Special to The Alabama Baptist
Angels as they appear in the Bible have both positive and negative characteristics.
Consider first the negative distinctions. We have noted previously that angels have not always existed, but were created by God, just as humans have not always existed, but were created by God. However, some significant differences distinguish these creations. Unlike human beings, angels are not created in the image and likeness of God. When it suited God’s purposes angels on occasion appeared as human messengers to declare the mind of God to human listeners. Human beings on the other hand are never said to take the form of angels, neither during their lifetimes nor thereafter. Innocent babies or young children, however cute and loveable, are never said to become little angels when they die nor are uncommonly devout believers ever said to become big angels when they die.
Unlike humans whom God created as male and female with the specific mandate of “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28), angels do not produce offspring in the form of little angels. Such a conclusion is implied in the biblical declaration that angels neither marry nor are given in marriage (Matt. 22:30). The unexpressed and underlying reason for God’s mandate to men and women is that humans die. We might then conclude that angels do not need to procreate because angels do not die. Since from the beginning God created “an innumerable company of angels” (Heb. 12:22), no need exists for angels to bring forth after their kind.
Multiplicity of angels
Christ referred to the multiplicity of angels when He faced the arresting mob in Gethsemane. Having told Peter to put away the sword, Christ asked, “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than 12 legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53).
Jude 6 and 2 Peter 2:4 speak of some angels that sinned and have been cast into hell to await judgment. Unlike sinning humans, sinning angels do not have opportunity to be forgiven. Of course, unlike humans who have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, not all angels have sinned. These angels are not in need of forgiveness and do not experience salvation, as do human sinners who repent and turn to Christ in saving faith. Hence, angels cannot sing redemption’s song based on personal experience. Nonetheless, angels are said to have keen interest in the saving work of Christ (1 Pet. 1:12), and they look with joy upon humans who repent (Luke 15:10).
Part of God’s will
Turning to the positive distinctions of angels, the Bible presents angels as unfailing worshippers of God, something that cannot be said for the most faithful of Christians. In addition, angels who have never sinned carry out perfectly the will of God in their heavenly abode. Against the background of heaven’s perfection, Christ teaches us to pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10). Angels are part of God’s will being done perfectly, without failure or exception and without delay or only occasionally. Angels are not to be faced with the last enemy of humans, that is, death. Being spiritual in nature, angels have the distinction of never dying. Not only did Christ say in Luke 20:35–36 that angels “neither marry nor are given in marriage,” in speaking about the resurrection life of believers, He added, “nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels” at the point of being beyond the reach of death.
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