Angels: Messengers and Warriors in the Unseen Realm

The Bible speaks often of angels, but in modern culture they are sometimes reduced to decoration or vague symbols of goodness. Scripture presents them instead as real personal beings who serve God and play an active role in His plan.

What Are Angels?

Angels are persons. Like us, they have intellect and will, which are the two essential qualities of personhood. They are finite spirits, created by God, who exist without physical bodies.

The word “angel” describes their role as messengers, not their nature.

By nature, they:

• Are personal beings with intellect and will

• Exceed humans in power and intelligence

• Do not have physical bodies

• Do not marry, reproduce, or die

They are organized in a hierarchy that includes archangels, principalities, powers, and other ranks. Some angels, such as cherubim and seraphim, are devoted entirely to worshiping God and guarding His holiness.

Not All Angels Are Good

Not all angels remain faithful. Some turned their wills against God, rejecting His truth and goodness. These fallen angels are called demons. They use their great intelligence to deceive, tempt, and discourage people.

Do Angels Exist?

The Bible treats belief in angels as a central truth.

• Angels appear throughout both Old and New Testaments.

• Jesus Himself taught about angels and spoke of their constant presence before the Father (Matthew 18:10).

• He affirmed their existence when correcting the Sadducees, who denied both the resurrection and angels (Mark 12:25–27).

If angels do not exist, then Jesus was wrong when He taught these things. That would make Him less than a fully trustworthy teacher, which undermines the foundation of Christian faith.

Belief in angels is not limited to Christianity. Judaism and Islam also affirm their existence. Even some ancient philosophers, like Aristotle and Plotinus, argued for immaterial beings involved in the order of the universe.

Why Angels Matter

Knowing that angels exist shapes our understanding of the spiritual life.

• Those who follow God have more-than-human allies in the spiritual battle.

• Those who reject God face more-than-human opposition.

• Spiritual warfare is not only an image. It is a real struggle between personal beings, both human and angelic, on the field of creation.

The Takeaway

Angels are not symbols or vague energies. They are real personal beings created by God to serve Him and to assist His people. Some have remained faithful to their Creator, and some have rebelled. Knowing this changes how we read Scripture, how we understand the world, and how we live each day.

Reflection

Consider the reality that right now, unseen, there are personal beings in the service of God who act as messengers, guardians, and warriors. If you truly believed that you were surrounded by allies in the spiritual battle, how would it change your prayer, your courage, and your hope?