Don’t Look for the Wings

What does the Bible actually tell us about angels?

If I read closely, I might be scratching my head. Because tradition has historically depicted these created beings with graphics and narratives that don’t always jibe with the texts.

Probably the most popular but bizarre portrayal of angels today is illustrated in images having feminine physical features and characteristics. There are any number of reasons for this. But, in the original languages, the term “angel” is always recorded as a Masculine noun, confirming the dominion the Lord has designated to masculine authority.

[Greek: ἄγγελος, (ân-gê-lôs) angel, messenger, one who is sent] [Hebrew: מַלְאָךְ (mâ-lâk) a messenger]

I’d also do well to remember that, when cornered by the Sadducees, Jesus reminded them that, for those worthy of “attaining ” to the coming age by being raised from the dead, marriage would no longer be a thing because they’d also be “like the angels.”

So, the reader can safely assume that sexual distinction probably won’t exist either. [Lk. 20:34-36]

Perhaps the Letter to the Hebrews reveals the most about the character and authority of messengers. The very first sentence explains that the Lord God spoke to “the fathers” at many times and in many ways. As the author continues to convince the reader that our current High Priest, Jesus Christ, provides us a much better intermediary to the Father, I can begin to understand how critical a role God’s messengers had originally played in conveying His plan for salvation to the world.

But they’re also spiritual guardians in His agency.

They’re warriors. The ones who didn’t follow the Great Deceiver are critical to the scope of our Lord’s Master Plan. They inform. [Gen. 18:1-5] They protect. [Dan. 12:1] They prophesy [Dan. 12:2-13] They fight. [Dan. 10:13] And the saints of Christ’s ἐκκλησία shall judge them. [1Cor. 6:3]

Most of all, they’re still around. And they have a mission, They’re “ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who are about to inherit salvation.” [Heb. 1:13-14]

Will you inherit?