Biblical Teaching · Bible Studies · New Testament
Worshiping Angels? Should We Worship an Angel?
7 min read, approximately
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
To understand this subject, we first need to break it down. So let us ask: Who created angels? What are angels, what is their position, and what is their role?
Who Created Angels?
God’s Word teaches us that angels are God’s creation:
“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, the highest heavens and all their hosts, the earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them. You give life to all these things, and the hosts of heaven worship you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
What Are Angels, What Is Their Position, and What Is Their Role?
Amazingly, the Lord takes the time to teach us that:
\1. Angels Are Spirits, and a Spirit Is… Let Us Allow God’s Word Itself to Teach Us
“While they were still speaking about these things, Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you. Startled and afraid, they thought they were seeing a spirit. But he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do these thoughts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet: it is I myself. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have. After saying this, he showed them his hands and feet.” (Luke 24:36-40)
However, God’s Word sometimes records that they can take on human bodily form, as in Genesis 19, Zechariah 5:5-11 and other passages.
\2. Angels Hold a Much Lower Position Than Jesus… In Fact, God’s Word Teaches Us That:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or powers. Everything was created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might have first place in everything. For it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell in him, and through him to reconcile all things to himself, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace through the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:15-20)
\3. The Bible Makes the Role of Angels Clear: ‘They Are All Ministering Spirits, Sent to Serve Those Who Will Inherit Salvation’…
To confirm all of this, let us read:
“In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets many times and in many ways. In these last days he has spoken to us through the Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom he also made the universe. The Son is the radiance of his glory and the exact expression of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After accomplishing the purification of our sins through himself, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. He became as much greater than the angels as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son; today I have fathered you? And again: I will be his Father, and he will be my Son?
And again, when he brings the Firstborn into the world, he says: Let all God’s angels worship him. Of the angels he says: He makes his angels spirits and his servants a flame of fire. But of the Son he says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions. And: You, Lord, laid the earth’s foundations in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain. They will all grow old like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe, and they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end. To which of the angels did God ever say: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1)
Should We Pray to Angels or… Worship Them?
Now that this is clear, let us turn to the question: Should we pray to angels or… worship them?
Let us look at the answer through 3 examples from God’s Word:
\1. Manoah and the Angel
“Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD: Please let us detain you, and we will prepare a young goat for you. The angel of the LORD replied to Manoah: Even if you detain me, I will not eat your bread. But if you wish to make a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD. Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD. Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD: What is your name, so that when your word comes true, we may honor you? The angel of the LORD answered: Why do you ask my name, which is wonderful?” (Judges 13:15-18)
Did the angel accept prayer or worship?
\2. The Angel, Your Fellow Servant
“The angel said to me: Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb. And he said: These are the true words of God. I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and a fellow servant of your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:9-10)
What did the angel say?
\3. John and the Angel
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. After I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said to me: See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, a fellow servant of your brothers the prophets and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:8-9)
Is it clear?
If we should neither pray to angels nor worship them, whom should we pray to and worship?
“Therefore God also exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
But:
“Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:23-24)
What are we waiting for?
May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have a wonderful day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook