Copyright 2023 by Dr. Joan Berry
The Idea of sending messages to God via angels is a false teaching that began in the early decades following the crucifixions of the apostles Simon Peter and Paul. Simon Magas (a magician and idol worshiper) appropriated Simon Peter’s name and created a counterfeit Christian church that exists today. The events of Simon Magas can be further read at joan-berry.com and the “A Study on Angels.” I strongly advise any Christian to read the research presented there. One of Magas’ false teachings that lingers today is that we can pray to angels/saints to take a message to God. Angels are created creatures and not divine. God provides them as protectors and helpers according to His will. They are God’ servants and only He guides them as to when and where they are to help us. We do not need an angel or a dead saint to send a message to God. Jesus Christ is our mediator to God. The Bible contains numerous warnings against praying to/or worshiping angels and in the following article, those warnings will be discussed.
Who or what are Angels
Angels are created by God and are spirit creatures with free will and intelligence. They are visible to God but not visible to humans. Some of the angels have the power to appear as humans. An example is when an angel appeared to Abraham in Genesis at least two/three times. (Psalms 103.2, Hebrews 1.5,14, 7.25). God created angels to be protectors and servants of true Christians. However, we do not have a guardian angel sitting on our shoulder all the time. God determines where and when an angel is needed. They stay with us until they are no longer needed according to God’ will.
Why we are not to Pray or Worship Angels
Only God deserves our praise and prayers. The Bible clearly says that Jesus is our only mediator with God (1 Timothy 2.5), and the angels that accept worship are demons. Also, those angels are violating God’s commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Genesis 20.3). Another example is found in Revelations 22.8-9. By praying to angels, a person may be led to other unbiblical and sinful acts such as consulting the dead, getting advice from the dead, and talking to spirits.
Are Angel Figurines Allowed in Christian Homes?
The apostle Paul warned against the temptation to worship angels: “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:18-19). A person who worships angels has become proud and is not staying true to God. (Get Questions Ministries 2002-2023). On the positive side, an angel figurine can be a reminder of God’s protective presence over our lives. The Bible acknowledges there are spiritual forces at work around us (Ephesians 6:12), and it tells us that angels are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). It is certainly admirable to remember and consider God’s love and watchful care over our lives.
Sources
Get Questions Ministries (2002-2023).
The Apologetics Study Bible: Christian Standard Bible. (2017). Holman Bible Publishers. Nashville TN