Angels are subjects of fascination inside and outside Christianity. These heavenly beings have been portrayed in countless ways, with artists reimagining them in all manner of forms from innocent winged babies to ordinary looking adult humans with concealed wings. Widely held beliefs about angels aren't limited to their physical appearance, they extend to their responsibilities and conduct too. We often see celestial beings fulfilling the role of guardian when they are depicted in popular culture. Lots of people find the notion that angels are watching over them or their loved ones comforting, and there are numerous references to angels as guardians in the Bible. Just like guardian angels, fallen angels, which are also referred to in Scripture, have also been figures which have captivated the imaginations of a multitude of minds. Both types of angels have featured in art, films and TV programmes but how well do these mediums characterise them? And how far do any of the common representations come to reaffirming what we know about angels from the Bible? Take a look at the following verses and decide for yourself.
Psalm 34:7 - The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalm 91:11 - For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Matthew 2:19-20 — After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.
Luke 15:10 - In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Luke 20:35-36 - But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are the children on the resurrection.
Hebrews 13:2 - Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
2 Peter 2:4 - For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment.
Jude 1:6 - And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.
Revelation 4:8 - Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all round, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: '"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty," who was, and is, and is to come.'
