Angels seem to be everywhere nowadays - angel cards, angel charms, angel therapy, lots of books about angels and a lot more. One of the best-selling books in recent years has been Lorna Byrne’s, “Angels in my hair”. She claims to have had many encounters with angels and to have received a lot of comfort from them. Some people believe that a white feather falling in their pathway can be a message from an angel.

So why are angels so popular? What should we believe about them? And can they really help you?

Why are angels so popular?

Angels are much talked about today for three reasons:

• Firstly, not everyone is satisfied with material things such as money and pleasure; they are looking for some deeper meaning in their lives. They are keen therefore to receive messages from supernatural beings such as angels

• Another reason has to do with the fact that many people are vulnerable and sad and think that angels can bring them comforting messages.

• And finally, there is a money-making industry stirring up an interest in angels. Lots of money can be made by those who write about angels or provide angel therapies.

What should we believe about angels?

One should take great care to know the truth about angels because there is a lot of nonsense being written about them and some of this can be very dangerous. Do you realise that it is in the Bible that we can really learn the truth about angels? Here are 5 things that the Bible tells us about the angels:

1. They are created beings and therefore are subject to God, their creator, who is much greater than they are.

   Their inferiority to the Lord Jesus is very clear from the opening chapter of the book of Hebrews. For example, verse 4 states that Jesus “became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs”.

2. They do help to carry out many of God’s plans.

   For example, an angel announced the good news that Jesus the Saviour had been born. Luke 2 verse 10: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.’” This also included executing judgments at times upon those who were defying God. Thus Acts 12:23 tells us: “Immediately because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms.” The popular books about angels never mention the solemn truth that angels can be sent as instruments of judgment.

3. Angels have been sent to protect God’s people.

   The most notable example of this was the time when Elisha was protected from his enemies by a company of angels. 2 Kings 6:17 tells us that Elisha’s servant “looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” And in Psalm 91 we are called upon to sing praise about the fact that angels protect the one who trusts in the Lord, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

   No wonder then that in Hebrews chapter 1, the angels are described as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” That is encouraging, isn’t it?

4. Angels are active in worshipping God.

   Angels are active in worshipping God. Angels find their greatest delight in the worship of God. In the vision that the prophet Isaiah had, he saw seraphs calling to one another “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory”(Isaiah 6:3). And in the book of Revelation the angels are often portrayed joining in the adoration of the Lord. For example, in chapter 4 verses 11 & 12 we read: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang, ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.’” What a massive congregation that is engaged in the worship of God!

5. Many angels will accompany Jesus when he returns to judge the world.

   2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 tell us that the Lord Jesus will be “revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.” Angels may have a ministry that is now mostly in the realm of the invisible but, on the Day of the Lord’s return, their presence will be unmissable

   So, if you want to find out more about the angels, don’t turn to the pages of best-selling but misleading books such as those of Lorna Byrne; rather turn to the inspired Word of God.

Can angels really help you?

You can see from what we have mentioned already that angels have been used to help and protect people on special occasions. However, the Bible never tells us to seek after a meeting with angels – they are sent at God’s command. The Bible tells us that we are not to pray to angels. Rather than look to the angels for help, you should look instead to the angel-maker, God Almighty. He is the all-powerful helper of all who turn to him for mercy.

Most importantly, no angel can save you from your sins. Whether you realise this or not, this is your greatest need. Sin not only spoils our lives but puts up a barrier between us and God. But the good news is that Jesus died to save all who believe in him. It is far, far more important to trust him and look to him for help in your time of need. As Hebrews 2:9 assures us: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”

So rely upon what the Bible says. Then, you will not only know the truth about angels but also about Jesus who is able to give you the help you really need.