We are often called angels by those who love us—our families, friends, and colleagues.
But beyond these sweet words, Scripture and the study of angelology reveal that true angels, God’s heavenly messengers, exist. They dwell in the heavenly realm, a dimension beyond the physical universe, and are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who [will] inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14).
But where did angels come from? Do they perish? A biblical understanding of angelology helps us find answers to these and other common questions about angels.
What Is Angelology?
Angelology is the study of angels, particularly within the Christian religion. It helps us answer questions such as:
- Why should Christians study angelology?
- What is the origin of angels?
- How many angels are there?
- Who are some of the well-known angels in the Bible?
- Do angels die?
- What is the fate of evil angels?
- Are angels invisible?
Why Should Christians Study Angelology?
Before we explore some of the questions we often have concerning angels, we should first talk about why it’s necessary to study angelology.
1. Angelology Reveals God’s Protection and Care for Mankind
Studying angelology helps us see that angels are God’s agents of protection. They guard us both physically and spiritually.
The Scripture has clear examples of this. God sent an angel to close the mouths of the lions so they could not hurt Daniel (Dan. 6:22). In Acts 12:7–11, an angel frees Peter from prison to prevent his execution. Even our children are assigned guardian angels who always watch over them, as stated in Matthew 18:10.
One verse I always turn to in times of possible danger is Psalm 91:11–12, which states:
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
Most of the time, we are not aware that God’s angels are protecting us, but they are always there. At times, though, their presence becomes obvious and unmistakably clear.
2. Angelology Explains the Divine Order and How Things Work in God’s Kingdom
Learning about the angelic world gives us insight into God’s broader design and purpose for both the seen and unseen. The Bible shows that angels have different roles. Some deliver messages, others protect, and some worship God continually.
Through angelology, we learn that we are not only mere witnesses to this divine structure but also active participants in it. Angels serve in the heavenly realm, whereas we are called to walk in faith and obedience on earth, trusting that God’s unseen order is always at work for His glory and our good.
What Is the Origin of Angels?
Like everything else in God’s creation, angels were brought into existence through His will and power. We read this in Nehemiah 9:6.
You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them.
Later, the apostle Paul writes the following in Colossians 1:16.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Who Are Some of the Well-Known Angels in the Bible?
Angelology reveals that angels are referenced roughly three hundred times from Genesis to Revelation in various ways, but in most instances, their names are not revealed. A few of those we can identify by their names include:
Gabriel
Gabriel is a divine messenger. He appears to the prophet Daniel to provide understanding of visions (Dan. 9:20–23) and later to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19). Gabriel also appears to Mary (Luke 1:26–38) to proclaim the pregnancy of Jesus.
Michael
Archangel Michael is a warrior and protector. He appears in Revelation 12:7–12 and leads the heavenly armies in battle against the dragon (Satan). In Jude 1:9, Michael contends with the devil over the body of Moses, demonstrating his role as a guardian and defender of God’s people.
Satan
Satan is a fallen angel cast down from heaven (Isa. 14:12) and is a great enemy of God and man. Jesus echoes this imagery, saying, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18). In Job 1:6–7, angelic beings appear before God, and Satan was there as well.
Along with Satan, other angels (demons) also fell, not because they were created evil, but because of their own sin. Demons now operate under Satan’s influence and share in his rebellion and condemnation (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:7–9; Rev. 20:10).
Abaddon
Abaddon is a fallen angel with authority over some demonic forces, which the Bible calls locusts, during the end-times judgment (Rev. 9:1–11). He is called the angel of the abyss, or bottomless pit. In Hebrew, Abaddon means “destruction,” and in Greek, he is called Apollyon, meaning “destroyer.”
Other Angels in the Bible
You may also have come across angels known as cherubim and seraphim. Cherubim guard sacred places (Gen. 3:24; Ex. 25:19), while seraphim constantly worship and praise God (Isa. 6:1–8).
How Many Angels Are There?
The number of angels is incredibly vast and likely beyond human comprehension. Their exact total is known only to God. This mystery is echoed in the book of Job, where he asks, “Is there any number to his armies?” (Job 25:3).
Scripture gives us another glimpse into the immense multitude of angels in existence in Revelation 5:11.
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands ….
Similarly, Daniel 7:10 records,
… a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him….
We also see confirmation of the great number of angels in Luke 2:13 when a “multitude of the heavenly host” came to tell the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.
Do Angels Die?
Angels do not die. Like humans, angels are created by God. But unlike humans, they don’t have physical bodies that are mortal.
Jesus confirms this in Luke 20:34-36, saying about believers:
… but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
The good angels will praise, worship, and serve the Lord forever. So, what about the fallen angels (demons)?
What Is the Fate of Evil Angels?
The fallen angels will be punished. My thoughts go to the book of Revelation, where the fates of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet are described.
They will be cast into the lake of fire, where they will be “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Rev. 20:10). The passage clarifies that fallen angels do not cease to exist, and torment implies ongoing suffering while conscious, not dead. And we know from what Jesus says in Matthew 25:41, the fallen angels will accompany the devil to that fate.
Of course, as the Creator, God has the power to end the existence of angels, but Scripture shows that He will not.
Are Angels Invisible?
Angels are spiritual beings, not physical ones, so they’re typically invisible to us. However, Scripture records several instances where God allows them to become visible.
One powerful example is when Elisha’s servant was overcome with fear upon seeing an enemy army closing in on their city. Little did the servant know they were surrounded by angels. He just couldn’t see them with his physical eyes. We see this recorded in 2 Kings 6:17.
Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
In Hebrews 13:2, we learn that angels can come in human form:
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
We Thank God for His Angels
The knowledge we gain about angels helps us reflect on the majesty of God. Scripture reveals that all angels, including Michael, Gabriel, and even Satan, were created. These ministering spirits are countless and invisible. Angels do not die physical deaths, though the fallen ones will be condemned eternally.
Studying angels through the Scripture and how they act only under God’s command should point us back to His greatness. May God send His angels to minister and watch over us.
Stay blessed, woman of faith!
Ready to Explore Systematic Theology More In-Depth?
Angelology is just one branch of Systematic Theology, a disciplined approach that allows us to better understand and explain our religious beliefs by organizing theological concepts into a logical framework.
Read What is Systematic Theology? A Beginner’s Guide to get a solid overview of all ten branches, and then be sure to visit these articles on the Esther Press website to explore each area more in depth.
- Theological Anthropology: What Does it Mean to Be Human and Have a Relationship with God?
- Pneumatology: Who Is the Holy Spirit and Why is He Important?
- Bibliology: How Does God Communicate with Humanity?
Be sure to visit our article on how to find a good theological Bible Study for women for helpful tips and recommendations for finding the right theological Bible study for you. Alternatively, you might enjoy these Bible studies perfect for small groups if you prefer to read and discuss with a group.
