The Hebrew and Greek words which are translated “angel” mean “messenger.” These messengers can either be spirit beings who are holy, or human messengers. This article is about the spirit beings.
The origin and nature of angels
Angels are created beings (Nehemiah 9:6). They are not made from fire. Fire is part of the physical universe. Angels existed before God created the physical universe (Job 38:4–7). Angels are a higher order of creation than mankind (Psalm 8:5). However, followers of Jesus are placed above angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). Even so, we should respect angels (Jude 1:8–9). We must not worship them (Revelation 22:8–9). Since they are spirits they do not need food (Luke 10:20; Hebrews 1:14). However, they can eat if they wish (Genesis 18:8; Genesis 19:3).
The fall of some angels
All angels were created holy and righteous. Satan and some of the other angels rebelled against God (Revelation 12:7). They are referred to as “fallen angels.” Jesus referred to “the devil and his angels.” These angels rebelled with Satan and chose to follow him. They have an evil nature. See the article on Satan.
However, multitudes of angels did not rebel. They are called “elect” or “chosen” angels (1 Timothy 5:21). They have a good nature. They are the ones described in the rest of this article.
The work of angels
Angels have various responsibilities
Angels worship God and the Jesus the Lamb (Isaiah 6:2–3; Revelation 5:8–13). However, angels do not intercede for believers as part of their worship. Jesus Himself intercedes for His followers (Hebrews 7:23–27).
Angels obey God (Psalm 103:20–21) and do what He commands. They have some administrative responsibilities and can make some decisions, but only under God (Daniel 4:17; 1 Kings. 22:22).
The word “angel” means “messenger.” Angels sometimes communicate to man for God. They announced Jesus’ birth (Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:31). They also announced His resurrection (Matthew 28:2–7). They were sometimes involved in providing God’s Word to His people (Daniel 8:16; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2).
The angels make up God’s heavenly armies (Psalm 68:17; 2 Kings 6:17).
Angels guard believers (Psalms 34:7; Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15). They rescue the persecuted (Acts 5:18–20; 12:7).
Angels carry the souls of believers to Paradise at death (Luke 16:22).
The “destroyer” of the Passover (Exodus 12) was probably an angel (Hebrews 11:28; Exodus 12:22; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:15; 1 Corinthians 10:10;). Sometimes God used “a company of destroying angels.” (Psalm 78:49 ESV).
According to the Word of Truth, angels do not help create human fetuses. God does this (Psalm 139:13–17). Angels do not quiz a person after death to determine his or her fitness for Paradise. A person’s eternal destiny is decided before their death. A person who trusts the death and resurrection of Jesus to pay for his or her sin will go to heaven (John 11:25–26). Otherwise, that person will go to Hell (John 3:36).
The angels take various forms which are appropriate to their work.
Angels who appear in the Word of Truth take many forms. Often they are terrifying in appearance (Daniel 8:16–17). They can take the form of men (compare Matthew 28:2–7 with Luke 24:4–7). Seraphim (Isaiah 6:1–3) and cherubim (Ezekiel 10:14) have different forms. Angels take other forms as it pleases God or as required by the tasks God gives them (Exodus 25:20; Revelation 4:6–11).
The number and order of angels
The Word of Truth says that the number of angels cannot be counted (Hebrews 12:22). This vast number must require some organization. Both fallen (Ephesians 6:12) and elect angels (Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16) have order and ranks.
Angels who are named in God’s word.
Michael is mentioned five times by name (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7) and twice by his position of archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9). The Greek wording of Jude 6 suggests that Michael may be the only archangel.
Gabriel is mentioned four times in the Word of Truth (Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26). In each case he is acting as a messenger from God.
The Destroyer may be a name of a particular angel. Or, “destroyer” may refer to a function.
Satan is a fallen angel, is mentioned by name (Job 1:6). He has other names. See the article on Satan.
The future of angels
The Lord Jesus said that angels do not die (Luke 20:36). The angels who rebelled against Him will be punished forever in the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:41).
What about jinn?
According to the word of Truth, there are no supernatural beings that are part spirit and part human. Spirit beings are divided into angels that serve God (Psalm 91:11) and evil spirits that fight against God and His followers (fallen angels, demons – Ephesians 6:12). The Bible does not describe supernatural spirit beings who can be both good and evil.