Think on These
Things
by Tom McLemore
Question: Sir, will Christians become angels when we are raised from
the dead?
Answer: This is a popular misconception, perhaps arising from
our Lord’s words in Matthew 22:30–“For in the resurrection they neither marry
nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” Jesus does not say that the resurrected are
angels, but they are like angels. In
other words, there is some point of similarity between those who are resurrected
and the angels, viz., that their nature is purely
spiritual and thus marriage (a fleshly relation) is not a possibility. Another factor which suggests the question
may be the popular idea that angels are only good. (Parents often refer to their children as “little
angels” when their behavior is good).
Yet, the term “angel” simply means “messenger” and is thus morally
neutral. The Bible indicates there are evil angels, as well as good (Matthew
25:41; 2 Peter 2:4). In Philippians 3:21 and 1 John 3:2 we learn that the
nature which Jesus now has is that which resurrected Christians will have.
Address questions to tommclemore@juno.com
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