Angels

Angels

Angels are spiritual creatures created by God.

They do not have physical bodies like human beings, yet they are real and personal beings who know, love, and serve God.

Throughout Scripture, angels appear as God’s messengers, servants, and protectors of His people.

“Who makest thy angels spirits.” — Psalm 103:4

What Are Angels?

Angels are pure spiritual beings created by God before the creation of humanity.

Unlike human beings, angels do not possess physical bodies. They are intelligent and free creatures who exist to glorify God and carry out His will.

The existence of angels is a truth of Christian faith clearly revealed in Sacred Scripture.

Why Did God Create Angels?

God created angels out of His goodness and wisdom.

Like all creation, angels exist to know, love, and serve God.

They participate in God’s plan of salvation by worshiping Him and assisting in His work throughout salvation history.

What Do Angels Do?

Angels continually worship God in Heaven.

They also serve as God’s messengers and ministers.

Throughout Scripture, angels:

• Deliver God’s messages.
• Protect God’s people.
• Guide individuals.
• Assist in God’s plan of salvation.
• Worship before God’s throne.

Every mission of the angels ultimately points people toward God.

Angels in Scripture

Angels appear throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

• An angel guards the Garden of Eden.
• Angels assist Abraham and Lot.
• An angel speaks to Moses.
• The Archangel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus.
• Angels minister to Christ during His earthly life.
• Angels proclaim Christ’s Resurrection.

The Bible consistently presents angels as real participants in God’s work.

The Angelic Hierarchy

Christian tradition speaks of different choirs or orders of angels.

Scripture mentions various angelic beings, including:

• Seraphim
• Cherubim
• Thrones
• Dominions
• Virtues
• Powers
• Principalities
• Archangels
• Angels

While Scripture does not explain every detail, these different orders reflect the richness of God’s spiritual creation.

Guardian Angels

Catholics believe that God lovingly provides guardian angels to watch over and guide His people.

Guardian angels help protect us spiritually and encourage us toward God.

“See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father.” — Matthew 18:10

Archangels

Scripture specifically names three archangels:

• Saint Michael
• Saint Gabriel
• Saint Raphael

These archangels are entrusted with important missions in God’s plan of salvation.

Catholics honor them as faithful servants of God.

Fallen Angels

Not all angels remained faithful to God.

Some angels freely rejected God and rebelled against Him.

These fallen angels are called demons.

Satan is the leader of the fallen angels.

Although demons are real, Christians need not live in fear. Christ has already conquered sin, death, and the powers of evil.

Key Truths About Angels

• Angels are spiritual creatures created by God.
• They are intelligent and free beings.
• Angels worship and serve God.
• They act as God’s messengers and ministers.
• Guardian angels watch over God’s people.
• Scripture identifies Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael as archangels.
• Some angels rebelled and became demons.
• Christ is Lord over all angels and all creation.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The existence of angels reminds us that reality is greater than what we can see.

God is constantly at work in both the visible and invisible world.

Angels remind us that we are never alone and that God lovingly guides and protects His people.

Above all, angels point us toward worship of God and faithful obedience to His will.

Continue Learning

Now that you understand what angels are, the next step is: What is a Guardian Angel?

Learn what Catholics believe about guardian angels and how God cares for His people through their protection and guidance.