National Association of Christian Ministers Manual to Ministry: Terms #
In Christian theology, an angel is a spiritual being created by God to serve as His messenger, servant, and agent in the world. The word “angel” derives from the Greek word “angelos,” meaning “messenger.” Angels are considered to be personal, immortal beings endowed with intelligence and will, but without physical bodies, existing in the spiritual realm. However, the base definition is that of “messenger,” which can simply be a person with a message.
Angels are prominently featured throughout the Bible, from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation. They act as God’s instruments, carrying out His divine will and delivering His messages to humans. For instance, the Archangel Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, highlighting the angels’ role in pivotal moments in salvation history.
Theologically, angels are seen as exemplars of obedience to God and are often depicted as protectors and guides for believers, fighting against spiritual forces of evil, as described in Ephesians 6:12 and the Book of Revelation. They worship and glorify God constantly, as depicted in the heavenly visions of Isaiah and Revelation.
Angels also play a role in eschatological events, as seen in their involvement in the final judgment and the end of the world, where they accompany Christ in His second coming, separate the righteous from the wicked, and participate in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
