What’s Angelic About You?

In my last article, “Heavenly Angels Which Will You Be, Chained or Free?” I found the information fascinating and quite extensive. Therefore, I decided to do part two.

“Questions and Answer Session”

Q. “Do people become angels after death?”

A. Angels are an entirely different order of creatures higher than human beings. The Bible does not state that angels were created in the image and likeness of God as humans are (Gen. 1:26). Angels are spiritual beings that can take on physical forms to a certain degree.

After death, the believer’s spirit goes to be with Christ (2 Cor. 5:8). The believer does not become an angel. We will serve God throughout eternity, not as angels, but with the angels.

Philippians 3:21 tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Q. “Are angels male or female?”

A. Scripture reference that angels are of the masculine gender. In the New Testament, the Greek word for angel, “Angelos,” is male. The feminine form does not exist. Therefore, scripture references to angels are of the masculine gender. The masculine pronoun is used many times to describe angels (ex.: “He is like” or “His appearance was like”).

Q. “Will there be such thing as genders in Heaven?”

A. Although it is not explicitly taught in the Bible, it seems most likely that people retain their gender after death. Our genders are a part of who we are. Gender is more than physical it’s a part of our very nature and part of how we relate to God. Therefore, it seems that gender will be perfected and glorified in eternity. It is also noteworthy that Jesus retained His gender after His death and resurrection. Matt. 22:30 speaks of people after the resurrection not participating in marriage. However, this does not mean people are genderless. There is no accurate indication that the angels are genderless beings either.

Q. “How does the Bible describe the glorified bodies we will possess in Heaven?”

A. The Bible tells us that our glorified bodies are spiritual and will be imperishable, honorable, and powerful. We will be no longer focused upon the natural senses. The glorified body is not naked but clothed in white garments, pure, and undefiled by sin (Rev. 3:4-5, 18).

Just as our earthly bodies are well suited for life on earth, our heavenly bodies will be well suited for life in heaven. We will have form and solidity to the touch, yet without hindrance to travel (John 20:19, 26; Luke 24:39).

Q. “Do humans beings have guardian angels assigned to them?”

A. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel had the archangel Michael assigned to them (Dan. 10:21; 12:1), but no place in scripture states that an angel is given to an individual. Angels were sometimes sent to individuals, but there is no mention of permanently assigned angels.

The Jews fully developed the belief in guardian angels between the Old and New Testament periods. Some early church fathers believed that each person had a good angel assigned to them and a demon as well. Although the belief in guardian angels has been around for a long time, there is no explicit scriptural basis. Psalm 91 says that God will send ministering angels to protect us.

Q. “Do Christians have the authority to command angels?”

A. The study of angels is referred to as “angelology” Many Christians believe they have the authority to command angels to do their bidding. In contrast, others think that they can command angels in the name of Jesus.

There are no instances in scripture where humans were able to give angels commands, either in the name of Jesus or in their own name. There are no scripture passages where man has control over the work of angels. Therefore, the teaching that believers have control over angels is false. Angels are called “God’s Holy Angels” who are sent to do His bidding (Matt. 25:31; Rev. 14:10).