Do We Become Angels When We Die?
Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 NLT
On Sunday at church, we sang the chorus “Holy Ground.” Part of the song goes like this: “We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around.”
When those words are sung, we are not singing about the people around us, or our loved ones who have died; we are singing about special beings that God created called angels.
I have noticed that more and more people believe their loved ones become angels when they die. While I understand that thought might bring comfort, the idea does not line up with Scripture. In fact, the truth is even more comforting.
Your loved one who dies in Jesus is still your loved one, not an angel. In fact, you will know your loved one when you see them again! The disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection, and they also recognized Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration (Elijah never died).
While angels can take on the form and appearance of a human, they are still spirit beings. Even our verse above draws a sharp distinction between Angels & Christians. The Bible teaches that your Christian loved one who died is with Jesus in soul/spirit, while their body remains here. One day, their body will be resurrected, glorified, and reunited with their soul/spirit. They haven’t become an angel, but they will be perfect. What a glad day that will be!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for helping us to understand the difference between angelic beings and humans. We know that You created both, and have a plan for both. Thank You for the promise of the resurrection and glorification of those who die in Christ. We look forward to the day when we will be with our loved ones again, and especially with You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.
To read more about what happens when a Christian dies, go here.