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What do angels look like?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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21
Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14), so they do not have any essential physical form. But angels do have the ability to appear in human form. When angels appeared to humans in the Bible, they resembled normal males. In Genesis 18:1-19, God and two angels appeared as men and actually ate a meal with Abraham. Angels appear as men many times throughout the Bible (Joshua 5:13-14; Mark 16:5), and they never appear in the likeness of women.

Other times, angels appeared not as humans, but as something other-worldly, and their appearance was terrifying to those who encountered them. Often, the first words from these angels were "do not be afraid," because extreme fear was such a common reaction. The keepers of Jesus' tomb became as dead men when they saw the angel of the Lord (Matthew 28:4). The shepherds in the fields in Luke 2 were "sore afraid" when the angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

As for physical characteristics, angels are sometimes described as winged. The images of cherubim on the ark of the covenant had wings that covered the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20). Isaiah saw winged seraphim in his vision of the throne of heaven, each one having six wings (Isaiah 6:2). Ezekiel, too, saw visions of winged angels. Isaiah 6:1-2 depicts angels having human features-voices, faces and feet. Angel voices are heard singing and praising God in several other passages. The angel at Jesus' tomb is described as having a brilliant appearance: "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow" (Matthew 28:3).

Whatever appearance angels take on, there is reason to believe they are incredibly beautiful. Ezekiel tells us that Lucifer was "lifted up" in pride over his beauty. In addition, beings such as angels, who are continually in the presence of God, would be expected to have extraordinary beauty because God's glory is reflected upon all that is around Him.

See http://www.gotquestions.org/angels-look.html

July 01 2013 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Billy P Eldred Supporter
My favorite Bible verse for this question is Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." 

So angels, at least some of them, at least some of the time, look just like anyone else you might meet. Some also look like mighty warriors but I guess some of the people we might meet do as well. (:

The lesson is that angels look to us how God chooses for them to look as they are messengers from God and He chooses how they should look based on the message. (They would therefore only look fearful if the message was meant to warn us using fear.) They might appear beautiful if awe or wonder would amplify the message. Etc. 

Another lesson is that God is active in our lives and therefore we should treat others well because we may be mistreating God's messengers (and thereby God himself) without knowing it. 

Should we seek out angels? Only in the sense that we should seek God and be receptive to ANY message or messenger He chooses to send our way. (Including real people) Should we fear angels? Only in the sense that if they are warning us that the warning is from God and should be headed. As in "Repent!"

January 10 2016 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


3
Data Tony Flores Supporter Tony Flores a servant of Jesus Christ
I believe in angels because the Bible tells me they exist. Angels are created beings Col 1:16. They are spiritual beings Psalm 104:4 that appear and disappear at will with unimagined speed, and can assume the form of humans Gen 19:1-3.

Angels are under God's authority 1Peter 3:22. Their nature Heb 2:7 and knowledge 2 Sam 14:20 are superior to that of man's. They have supernatural power and strength 2 Peter 2:11 and can fly Isa 6:6' speak Heb 2:2, reflect God's joy Luke 15:10. Never marry or die Luke 20:35-36. They can discern between good and evil 2 Sam 14:17, Holy escorts in life Heb 1:14 and death Luke 16-22.

Angels are organized in terms of authority, power, and glory. Their ranks consist of archangels, seraphim, cherubim, principalities, power, thrones, and dominion Eph 1:21, Col 1:16, 1 Peter 3:22. An Angel of the Lord with a Capitol A in the bible is Jesus Christ Exodus 33-14; 32:34 Isa 63:9, Gen 32:30; 48:16; Gen 16:9-10; Gen 21:17-19; Exodus 3:2-6.

There are four angels names mention in the Bible, Lucifer Isa 14:12, Michael Jude 9, Gabriel Luke 1:19 and Abaddon Rev 9:11. Lucifer and Abaddon are part of the fallen angels.

Angels can appear as humans Dan 8:15-16, Luke 1:11-20, Luke 1:26-33, Gen 3:24. An example of what they look like, Cherubs are described as having lion-like strength, man-like intelligence, eagle-like speed and ox-like service Ezekiel 1-10. These four symbols represent the for characteristics of righteous servants of God in earth.

When you feel like giving up, remember the message of the Lion od Judah: endure! "He who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthews 24:13). Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and only through Him is the Way to Eternal Life.

July 17 2015 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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