What are Angels?

Which invisible beings created by God are especially important to us?¹

The angels.

Note: Angel means “messenger.” God frequently used angels to announce important events in the history of salvation: the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:1-20): the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-21); the resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:4-7); the ascension and second coming of Jesus (Acts 1:10-11).

What are angels?²

Angels are pure spirits without a body, created to adore and enjoy God in heaven.

Were the angels created for any other purpose?³

The angels were also created to assist before the throne of God and to minister unto Him; they have often been sent as messengers from God to man; and are also appointed our guardians.

What else does the Bible tell us about angels?⁴

• They are spirit beings who were created holy (Genesis 1:31).
• Some angels rebelled against God. They are the devils or demons (2 Peter 2:4).
• The good angels are many and powerful. They serve God and help us (Daniel 7:10; Luke 2:13; Psalm 103:20-21; Psalm 91:11-12; Hebrews 1:14). Bible narratives: One angel put to death 185,000 of Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 19:35). Elisha and his servant were protected by the heavenly hosts (2 Kings 6:15-17). An angel set Peter free (Acts 12:5-11).
• The evil angels are also many and powerful. They hate God and seek to destroy everything that is good, especially faith in Christ (Mark 5:9; Ephesians 6:12; Mark 4:15; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8-9). Bible narratives: The serpent led Eve into sin (Genesis 3:1-5). Satan sought the destruction of Job (Job 2). The tempter tried to mislead Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11).

Footnotes

1. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 99.
2. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 35.
3. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 36.
4. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 100.