Do We Become Angels When We Die?

 Angels have always been an interesting subject especially around the time when the hit TV show, "Touched by an Angel" was on the air. There have been many discussions about them including whether or not each individual person as a guardian angel.

One question that does come up from time to time is whether or not we, human beings in general, become angels when we die. I am really not sure what has led people to ponder this question., but I do know some people, including Christians, believe we are going to become angels especially after we have done enough good in the world. 

Does the Bible have anything to say on this? As a matter of fact, it does.

First, angels are servants to those who receive salvation: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14). Those who inherit salvation are those who have put their faith and trust in Christ

Second, Jesus is the only Begotten Son of God made in the likeness of His brothers to become our High Priest and make propitiation for our sins (see Hebrews 1 and 2). 

Third, angels are not sparred when they sin: For if God did not spare angels who sinned, but cast them into the pit and delivered them to chains of darkness, being kept for judgment (2 Peter 2:4).

Fourth, Christians will judge the angels: Does any one of you, when he has a case against another, dare to be tried before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not worthy to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? (1 Corinthians 6:1-3).

Fifth, Jesus said, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). There is rejoicing when a sinner repents in the presence of angels meaning those who repent will not become angels.

Sixth, angels will not experience salvation: It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been declared to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:12).

Seventh, "Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight—we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Saints who depart this life are at home with the Lord and do not be transformed into angels.  

Finally, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18). Christians are being transformed into the likeness of Christ not angels. 

Will we become angels when we die? Biblically speaking, no. 

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Book Review: Angels by Jack Graham

The 1990's was a decade that had many Americans wondering about angels. I think what made everybody curious was the hit TV show, "Touched By An Angel," which lasted for 9 seasons. Many books were written on Angels and people shared their stories of their encounter with Angels as if it was a near-death experience.

The Bible has many things to say about angels. They are very real. They may not look like the guys in white robes with a halo over their heads and wings on their backs. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, written a book on this very subject simply titled, Angels. One thing Graham does that I appreciate is communicate with his readers that people do not become angels, which is a myth that many believe especially inside the church. Believers in Christ inherit eternal life and angels are ministering spirits that serve those who have eternal life according to the book of Hebrews.

Graham begins with what angels are and goes through the Scriptures which is a great place to start off with. However, the book at times, in this case many, takes some interesting turns. Lets take holiness for example. Angels cannot gazed at the glory of God. If you read the Bible, angels always cover their faces when looking at the glory of God. Nothing wrong with what Graham said here, but he goes into our holiness as in holy living. Anything wrong with that? No, however, I thought this book was about angels.

The more I keep reading this book, the more it feels like Graham was chasing a lot of rabbits. Was this a book on Angels or a book on holy living? Don't misunderstand me, there are great books on holy living and should be read. I felt like Graham was trying to add material to make a best seller, though I don't think that was his intention.

Studying angels is important because it is in the Bible. Like all things in scripture, God put it there through human authors and must be studied. There are books on angels, as well as demons, that are good, but I felt Graham's book fell very short.

Thanks Bethany House for letting me review this book.

You Will Not Be An Angel

There is a myth among some Christians that deals with angels. Some Christians believe that when they die they will become an angel. I am sure where Christians get that idea, but I know it is not in the Bible. That image comes from Hollywood believing that a good person gets their angel wings. What does the Bible say about this issue:

1. We will judge the angels. 1 Corinthians 6:3 says that we will judge the angels. Ephesians 2 tells us that we have been seated with Christ in the heavenly realms meaning we have been given some of Christ's authority which includes participating with Christ in the final judgment.

2. Angels will never inherit salvation. The writer of Hebrews said, "For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten you' (Hebrews 1:5). Jesus came and died for sinners in our place for our sins and not the sins of angels.

3. Angels serve those who are saved. Angels are "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14).

When you die, you do come into the presence of God, but you do not become one of his angels. In fact, you are in better position then angels because angels will never know the joy of salvation as those whom Christ has redeemed do.