Angels are mysterious and celestial beings that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. In various religions and cultures, angels are often depicted as divine messengers and servants of God, residing in the heavenly realms. But what exactly do angels do in heaven?
While the concept of angels and their roles may differ among religious traditions, this article aims to explore the common themes and beliefs surrounding the activities of angels in heaven. We’ll delve into the simple and understandable aspects of their duties, as portrayed in different faiths.
Angels in the Bible
Before we explore what angels do in heaven, it’s essential to understand who they are and what the Bible says about their creation and purpose.
In simple terms, angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve various roles in both the heavenly realm and the earthly realm.
Read also: What do angels eat?
They are not human and exist in a different dimension. In the Bible, angels are often described as messengers, servants, and warriors of God.
Let’s begin by looking at some key Bible verses that shed light on the nature of angels and their roles:
Creation of Angels:
In the Book of Colossians 1:16, it is stated: “For by him [Christ] 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.
“This verse highlights that angels are part of God’s creation, and they belong to the category of “invisible” beings.
Servants of God:
In the Book of Psalms 103:20, we read: “Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word.
“This verse indicates that angels are obedient servants of God, carrying out His commands.
Messengers of God:
In the Gospel of Luke 1:26-27, we encounter the story of the angel Gabriel delivering the news of Jesus’ birth to Mary:
“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.”
Angels are often sent as messengers to convey God’s will and messages to humanity.
Worship and Praise:
In the Book of Isaiah 6:2-3, it describes the Seraphim, a type of angelic being, praising God: “Above him stood the seraphim.
Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'” Angels in heaven engage in continuous worship and praise of God.
Accompanying the Departed:
In some Christian traditions, angels are believed to accompany the souls of the deceased to their final destination, either heaven or hell. This is seen in the Book of Luke 16:22 where angels accompany Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom.
“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”
Now that we have a foundational understanding of angels and their biblical descriptions, let’s delve into the activities that angels are engaged in within heaven.
Activities of Angels in Heaven
Worship and Praise:
One of the primary activities of angels in heaven is worship and praise. The Bible repeatedly depicts angels surrounding the throne of God, singing songs of adoration and declaring His holiness.
In the Book of Revelation 4:8, it says, “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'”
Angels are continually engaged in glorifying God in heaven, acknowledging His supreme authority and majesty.
Ministering to God:
In the Book of Isaiah 6:1-2, it reveals that angels serve in the presence of God: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings…”Angels are not only God’s messengers but also His attendants, assisting in the divine presence.
Carrying Out God’s Commands:
Angels in heaven act as obedient messengers who carry out God’s commands. This is evident in various passages throughout the Bible, such as the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus, as mentioned earlier. These heavenly messengers ensure that God’s will is communicated and executed faithfully.
Protection and Guidance for Believers:
In the Book of Psalms 91:11-12, it is written: “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.”
This verse suggests that angels are tasked with protecting and guiding God’s people on Earth, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Witnessing God’s Glory:
Angels in heaven are privileged to witness the full glory of God. In the Book of Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the heavenly throne room showcases the majesty of God, with angels declaring His holiness. While this doesn’t represent a task as such, it underscores the awe-inspiring experience of being in God’s presence for angels.
Participating in Spiritual Warfare:
Angels are also depicted as warriors in spiritual battles against evil forces. In the Book of Revelation, Michael and his angels wage war against the dragon and his angels (Revelation 12:7). This passage demonstrates the role of angels in opposing and defeating the forces of darkness.
Rejoicing Over Repentant Sinners:
In the Gospel of Luke 15:10, Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This verse indicates that angels in heaven rejoice when a person turns from their sinful ways and repents, underscoring their interest in human salvation.
Islam
In Islam, angels play a crucial role in carrying out God’s divine plan. They are seen as beings made from light who serve as messengers, protectors, and recorders of human deeds. Some of their key responsibilities in heaven include:
Worship and Praise:
Like in Christianity, angels in Islam continuously worship and glorify Allah (God). Their primary purpose is to praise the Creator and carry out His commands.
Recording Deeds:
Angels are responsible for recording the deeds of every human being. Two angels, known as Kiraman Katibin, record all of an individual’s actions, whether good or bad, in a book that will be used during judgment.
Messengers and Guides:
Angels are often sent to deliver messages and guidance from God to the prophets, including the Prophet Muhammad. They are also believed to guide the souls of the faithful after death.
Guardians:
Muslims also believe in the concept of guardian angels, who protect and watch over individuals throughout their lives.
Judaism
In Judaism, angels are seen as messengers and servants of God. Their roles in heaven are often similar to those in Christianity:
Messengers:
Angels are God’s messengers, delivering important instructions and revelations to prophets like Moses.
Praising God:
Angels continuously sing praises to God in heaven, and their worship is considered pure and untainted by human limitations.
Protecting and Guiding:
Jewish tradition holds that angels are assigned to watch over and guide individuals. They are believed to be a source of inspiration, helping people make righteous choices.
Guardians of the Universe:
Angels in Judaism are also seen as the guardians of the natural order and the universe, ensuring that the cosmos operates according to God’s plan.
Accompanying Souls:
Some Jewish beliefs suggest that angels accompany the souls of the departed, helping them on their journey to the afterlife.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, angels or celestial beings are referred to as “devas” and “devatas.” While they are not identical to angels in Abrahamic religions, there are similarities in their roles in heaven:
Divine Beings:
Devas are considered divine beings who inhabit celestial realms. They are associated with various aspects of the universe, such as the sun, moon, and natural forces.
Guardians and Protectors:
Devas are believed to be guardians and protectors of the cosmic order. They maintain the balance of the universe and oversee the workings of the natural world.
Worship and Offerings:
In Hinduism, people offer prayers and offerings to devas to seek their blessings and assistance. Devas are revered and honored in various rituals and ceremonies.
Messengers and Intermediaries:
Some devatas serve as intermediaries between humans and higher deities. They are invoked in religious rituals and acts of devotion.
Conclusion: What do angels do in heaven?
Angels play multifaceted roles in heaven, including worshiping and praising God, ministering to Him, carrying out His commands, protecting and guiding believers, participating in spiritual warfare, and rejoicing over repentant sinners.
The Bible’s teachings provide us with invaluable insights into these celestial beings and their activities in both heavenly and earthly realms.
As believers, we can find comfort and reassurance in the knowledge that angels are God’s messengers, servants, and protectors, actively engaged in fulfilling His divine will.