In a world fascinated with the supernatural, angels have captured our imagination through movies, books, and art. From vampire sagas to Renaissance paintings, popular culture presents countless depictions of angelic beings. But how much of what we believe about angels actually comes from Scripture? The answer might surprise you.
Beyond the Myths
When most people think of angels, they picture feminine figures with flowing hair, wings, and harps, sitting peacefully on clouds. These images, reinforced by commercials and artwork, have shaped our understanding for generations. Yet the Bible presents a dramatically different picture of these powerful beings.
The Apostle Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 1:16-19 that we should not follow “cunningly devised fables.” Even though Peter witnessed Christ’s transfiguration and heard God’s voice from heaven, he emphasized that we have “a more sure word” in Scripture. This principle becomes crucial when studying angels—we must place our faith in what God’s Word says rather than in cultural myths or personal experiences.
What Angels Actually Are
The word “angel” originates from the Hebrew (malak) and Greek (angelos) words, which mean “messenger.” This fundamental definition appears 103 times in the Old Testament and 175 times in the New Testament. At their core, angels are messengers of God, commissioned with specific responsibilities to discharge.
Scripture uses various terms to describe these beings: “sons of God,” “morning stars,” “holy ones,” and “heavenly hosts.” In Job 38:7, we read that when God laid the foundations of the earth, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” This remarkable passage reveals that angels were present at creation itself, watching in wonder as God spoke the universe into existence.
Created Beings with Purpose
Angels are not evolved creatures but specifically created beings. John 1:3 tells us that “all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” Colossians 1:16 expands on this, revealing that Christ created “all things…visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers.” The angelic realm was created by Christ Himself.
Because they are created beings, angels differ fundamentally from their Creator. They are not omnipotent (all-powerful) or omniscient (all-knowing). First Peter 1:12 reveals that angels “desire to look into” the intricacies of the prophetic scriptures, searching to understand God’s redemptive plan just as the prophets did. Despite their limitations, however, angels “excel in strength and might” according to 2 Peter 2:11. Consider Isaiah 37:36, where a single angel destroyed 185,000 enemy soldiers in one night.
Surprising Biblical Facts
Several characteristics of angels challenge popular assumptions:
They appear as men. Every biblical account describes angels appearing in male form. Hebrews 13:2 speaks of entertaining “angels unawares”—possible only because they looked like ordinary men. Revelation 21:17 even measures heaven’s walls “according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.”
Most don’t have wings. Contrary to countless artistic depictions, the vast majority of angels do not possess wings. Only specific classes of angels—cherubim and seraphim—are described with wings.
They are immortal. Hebrews 2:9 explains that Christ had to take human form to “taste death for every man,” because angels do not die. They neither age nor grow old. Mark 16:5 describes an angel at Jesus’ tomb as a “young man,” despite being thousands of years old.
They are innumerable. Hebrews 12:22 speaks of “an innumerable company of angels,” a host too vast to count.
The Heavenly Hierarchy
The angelic realm is highly organized with different classes and ranks. Psalm 89:7 refers to “the assembly of the saints” in heaven, indicating structure and order.
Cherubim represent one of the highest orders of angels. Ezekiel 10 describes these extraordinary beings with four faces (man, lion, ox, and eagle) and wings. Most significantly, Revelation 4:6-8 reveals four cherubim standing at the corners of God’s throne in heaven. These beings are proclaimers and protectors of God’s glorious presence and holiness.
The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, where the high priest sprinkled blood once a year on the Day of Atonement, directly corresponded to these heavenly beings. The earthly mercy seat pointed to the true throne of God, surrounded by cherubim.
Ezekiel 28 contains a sobering revelation: Satan himself was “the anointed cherub that covereth”—a covering cherub who stood in the very presence of God. Created with beauty and wisdom, equipped even with musical instruments (tabrets and pipes) to lead heavenly worship, he fell through pride. This explains why popular culture consistently depicts angels with wings—it’s part of a deceptive plan to mask the adversary’s true identity, since only cherubim possess wings.
The Foundation for Understanding
These foundational truths about angels prepare us to understand their activities and interactions with humanity. They are powerful spiritual beings, created by Christ, organized into ranks and orders, who serve as God’s messengers and ministers.
As we encounter teachings about angels—whether in books, movies, or personal testimonies—we must return to Scripture as our ultimate authority. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, we should search the Scriptures daily to verify what we’re told.
The angelic realm remains largely invisible to us, yet it is no less real. These mighty beings exist in service to their Creator, carrying out His purposes throughout the cosmos. Understanding what Scripture actually teaches about them protects us from deception while deepening our appreciation for God’s vast creative power and the complexity of His eternal kingdom.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
Friday, January 9, 2026
Resources For Further Study
The Truth About Angels: Basic Facts About the Angelic World (MP3 Audio)