By: Junior Tate Ministries Many people say things like, “Heaven gained another angel today,” or “When we die, we become angels watching over our loved ones.” These phrases are often spoken from a heart of love and comfort—but they are not what the Bible teaches. God’s Word is clear: humans and angels are two completely different kinds of created beings, with different purposes and different roles in God’s plan. When believers die, we do not become angels. Instead, the Bible reveals something far greater and more glorious for the redeemed in Christ. In this article, we will carefully walk through Scripture to see: We will let the Bible speak for itself and build our understanding from the Word of God—not from traditions, stories, or popular sayings. What Happens When We Die? The Bible teaches that death is not the end of our existence. Our body dies, but our soul and spirit continue. Death and Judgment Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Every person has an appointment with death (unless they are alive at the rapture), and after death comes judgment. The Bible does not say, “After death we become angels,” but “after this the judgment.” Believers Are Present with the Lord For those who are saved, death brings them immediately into the presence of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” Paul teaches that to be “absent from the body” (physical death) is to be “present with the Lord” for the believer. He says nothing about changing into angels; instead, he speaks of being with Christ. Paul also says: Philippians 1:23 – “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” To “depart” this life is to “be with Christ.” This is the believer’s hope—not becoming an angel, but being in the presence of the Savior. The Unbeliever’s Condition After Death Jesus gives us a serious picture of what happens to the unsaved after death in Luke 16. Luke 16:22–23 –“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Notice two important truths: Again, Scripture shows a clear distinction between humans and angels. Angels serve in God’s plan around death, but the dead person does not turn into an angel. How God Created Humans and Angels Differently To understand why we do not become angels, we must see how God created each group. Humanity Created in God’s Image From the beginning, God tells us something unique about humans: Genesis 1:26–27 –“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Humans are made in the image of God. The Bible never says this about angels. God also formed man uniquely: Genesis 2:7 – “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” We see God personally forming man and breathing into him. Humanity has a special place and relationship in God’s creation. Angels Created as Ministering Spirits The Bible also speaks clearly about the nature and role of angels: Colossians 1:16 – “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Angels are part of the “invisible” creation—thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. They are created beings, but different in nature from mankind. Hebrews describes their role: Hebrews 1:13–14 –“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Angels are ministering spirits. They serve those who will inherit salvation—but they are not the ones inheriting salvation in the way humans do. They serve the redeemed; they are not the redeemed. This same chapter emphasizes that the Son (Jesus Christ) is better than the angels, and that believers are brought into sonship with God through Christ (see Hebrews 1 and 2). Humans Are Lower Than Angels Now—but Will Be Exalted in Christ Right now, humans are in a lower position than angels in strength and glory, but that is temporary. Made a Little Lower Than the Angels The psalmist writes: Psalm 8:4–5 –“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” Man is “a little lower than the angels” at present. Hebrews applies this also to Christ in His incarnation: Hebrews 2:7–9 –“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that … Read more
