The topic of whether angels appear to people today is an interesting one that many Christians ponder. The Bible contains numerous examples of angels appearing to people, so it’s natural to wonder if God still sends angels to deliver messages and assist believers. While the frequency and nature of angelic visitations may be debated, the Bible leaves no doubt that God does still use angels to accomplish His purposes on earth.
First, we should understand what angels are. Angels are spiritual beings created by God who serve as His messengers and agents. The word “angel” literally means “messenger.” Angels are mentioned nearly 300 times in the Bible, and their responsibilities include protecting God’s people, delivering messages, praising God, and carrying out His judgments (Psalm 91:11, Luke 1:19, Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 16:1). Angels are powerful, yet limited creatures – they are not omnipresent nor omniscient as God is. Angels also cannot act beyond God’s authority.
The Bible contains many dramatic accounts of angels appearing to people with messages or instructions from God. Angels visited Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Daniel, Mary, Peter, Paul, and others. These angelic visitations happened at pivotal moments to convey revelation from God, give guidance, announce births, impart healing, and protect God’s people from harm. Clearly, God dispatched angels to actively participate in events on earth during biblical history. Does He still do so today?
While sensational angel encounters like those in the Bible may not be as common today, God still uses angels to assist believers. Hebrews 1:14 declares angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” This indicates angels have an ongoing ministry on behalf of Christians. Elsewhere, the Bible says angels observe Christian worship (1 Corinthians 11:10) and are curious about salvation (1 Peter 1:12). The book of Acts also records several angel appearances to provide guidance and instruction to the apostles and early church (Acts 8:26, 10:3-7, 12:7-10, 27:23-24). These accounts take place after Jesus’ ascension, providing evidence of continued angelic activity.
Besides biblical examples, numerous stories throughout church history tell of angels appearing to saints, missionaries, pastors, and everyday believers to offer encouragement, deliver miracles, or give guidance. Many Christians have experienced what seem to be angelic interventions or divine appointments orchestrated behind the scenes. Furthermore, although angel visitations may no longer be as overt as in the Bible, angels are still present and active according to Scripture. We are told angels rejoice over each sinner who repents (Luke 15:10), observe our worship and service (1 Corinthians 4:9), protect God’s people (Psalm 34:7), and are even given charge over little children (Matthew 18:10). These truths indicate angels are still involved, though their work may be more subtle or behind the scenes today.
Of course, we must be cautious not to obsess over angels, give them excessive attention, or diminish the supremacy of Christ. As amazing as angels are, they are still created beings. Worship is to be directed to God alone. We should also test any spiritual experiences against Scripture to avoid deception. The Bible warns that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), so not every angelic encounter is positive or genuinely from God. While rare, even angels can err (Genesis 19:1-26, Jude 1:6). Scripture is our safeguard and the lens through which all spiritual experiences must be evaluated.
In summary, while dramatic angelic visitations like those in the Bible may not be an everyday occurrence today, God still utilizes angels to accomplish His work and minister to Christian believers. The stories and realities of angelic involvement did not vanish after the biblical era. Yet the Bible also exhorts caution, soberness, and discernment when evaluating supernatural encounters, whether involving angels or other spiritual beings. As with all aspects of faith, Scripture remains our guide.
The topic of angelic appearances ultimately points us toward God’s love and care for His people. The Lord dispatches angels not to draw attention to them, but to carry out His purposes on earth. This reminds us that God actively works on our behalf, even when we cannot perceive it with our physical senses. His angels encamp around us (Psalm 34:7). God uses both natural and supernatural means to protect, guide, and sustain His children. While we may not frequently see the angels God sends, we can be confident as believers that “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7).
In closing, angels are very real, and there are surely occasions when God may send them to believers today, whether visibly or invisibly. Yet the focus should remain fixed on Christ, not angels. Jesus is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name…including all angels” (Ephesians 1:21). It is Christ who saves us and indwells us by His Spirit. While angels serve valuable purposes, it is God alone who deserves our highest affection, awe, and worship.
So do angels appear to people today? The biblical evidence suggests God does still send angels to assist believers and advance His purposes, though likely in less overt ways than in Scripture. Yet the emphasis should not be on seeking sensational angel encounters, but on drawing close to Jesus Christ and trusting God’s unseen hand is at work in both natural and supernatural ways. God lovingly cares for His children and administers our lives with great wisdom. Whether through angels or other means, we can take comfort that God will provide all we need to walk in obedience to Him and fulfill our purpose for His glory.
In summary:
- Angels are spiritual beings created by God who serve as messengers and agents.
- The Bible contains many examples of angels visibly appearing with revelations and messages from God.
- Scripture suggests angels are still active today in more subtle ways like protecting believers, observing worship, ministering, and praising God.
- We must be cautious not to obsess over angels or diminish Christ’s supremacy over them.
- While rare today, some accounts suggest God may still send angels to assist believers in overt or subtle ways.
- The focus should be on drawing close to Christ, not seeking angel encounters.
- God can use natural or supernatural means like angels to care for His children.
