Answers

By   •   December 28, 2004   •   Topics:

Q:

I've always been fascinated by angels, and I believe in them very strongly. A friend of mine says she also believes in angels but she thinks it's wrong to pray to them. Why is it? After all, angels are heavenly beings, and they might be able to influence God on our behalf.


A:

The Bible clearly teaches that angels are real, and they constantly work in unseen ways on behalf of God’s children. The Bible says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).

But the Bible also clearly teaches that we aren’t to worship angels or pray to them. After God used an angel to reveal to the apostle John what was going to happen in the future, John’s first reaction was to fall down and worship the angel. The angel, however, immediately rebuked him: “But he said to me, ‘Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets. … Worship God!'” (Revelation 22:9).

Why shouldn’t we worship angels? The main reason is because only God is worthy of our worship, and nothing else must be allowed to take His place. Jesus said (quoting the Old Testament), “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10). Angels were created by God (just as we were), and only our Creator is worthy of our adoration.

We also aren’t to pray to angels—and we don’t need to! Jesus Christ has opened heaven’s door to us, and we have direct access to the Father through Him (see Hebrews 4:14-16). Put your trust and faith in Christ alone for your salvation, for He alone is God’s appointed Savior.