Angels can change their appearance because they possess a spiritual body. This is a body that lives forever and cannot die. Paul talked about the spiritual body in 1 Corinthians 15 when he spoke about the kind of body that we will have when we are resurrected. Since Jesus said that we will be like the angels, the conclusion that one can safely make is that angels have this kind of body as well.
Here are characteristics of the spiritual body.
a. It changes appearance. For example, angels can appear like flaming fire (Psalm 104: 4)
b. It can travel through space and time and between heaven and earth. Angels ascended and descended to heaven in Jacob’s dream and Manoah and his wife saw the angel ascend to heaven in the smoke of their sacrifice (Judges 13: 2)
c. angels can work miracles like the angel that stirred the water of the pool, healing all those who stepped in first
d. can withstand temperature extremes like the angel who stood in the sun (Rev 19: 17). Jesus also appeared in the fire with Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego (having a party?).
e. can appear in dreams and visions like those in which angels gave Joseph instructions about Jesus.
Hope that you enjoyed. You can inherit this spiritual body by believing in the Lord Jesus.
November 30, 2007 at 4:02 pm |
Good comments about angels! I write books about them (Where Angels Walk as a NYTimes best-seller), and also have a website where I post a new true story every other week. Your readers can sign up by going to the site (it’s free). And if you’d ever want to use a story, feel free (just include the credit line below. I’ll add you to my mailing list if you’d like. You’ll need to click the confirmation to finish the change. If you dont want to be on the list, just unsubscribe at the bottom, but I think we angel people should stick together!
One thought–when you mention that angels can perform miracles—angels work via God’s commands, so when they are performing such miracles, they are doing it on His say-so. Independenly, they are His servants just as we are.
November 30, 2007 at 6:37 pm |
Dear Joan
I was really glad to hear from you. I was asked in Dec 2006 to write about angels so people will know who they are. All of the experiences (except for the first story) are real and personal. Sometimes I write in the third person.
I have a lot to learn about angels and hope that we will keep in touch.
February 14, 2009 at 6:57 pm |
i pray God will show me an angel that through him i may more vividly be aware of his presence and serve him the better
April 13, 2009 at 4:23 pm |
Dear Opoku
It is quite possible that you may have met angels unknown to you, just as Paul told the believers in Hebrews 13:2. That is why we must be hospitable to strangers. Of course, we must be careful not to put ourselves in danger. I met many angels unaware until God opened my eyes to see them. When that happens, you will know.
Blessings
Mercedes