Were Angels Made in the Image of God?

[Bee5]

Rockerduck,

Again,
Elohim "in the Hebrew" is plural for God and the angels.

God is One God who has several "roles/offices/Names and He gives Himself different "names" to describe what He does in each "role" .

A person can be a grandfather, a father, a son, a farmer all at the same time.. not a bunch of different persons... one person doing several roles/jobs/responsibilities. It is Idolatry to follow some other god than the one and ONLY God who has "several roles"

You are free to decide what you believe and it is all the false teaching of pastors that people latch onto deception instead of the truth..
Read the bible for yourself.
Genesis 1:26-27 is clear that our flesh body "looks the same "as our 1st age angel body.. How can you be made in your own image if you dont have an image to look the same as. Think about it.

2 Peter 3 speaks of the 3 ages of time.

Genesis 1:1.. in the beginning was a long time ago
verse 2... the earth BECAME void. Because of the rebellion of the people God shook the earth , moved us all to a different dimension and ended that 1st age of time and then began this 2nd age where we all (including Himself )have to take on a flesh body so that He could pay the price for the sins and destroy death.

There is a 3rd age coming which will be eternity for those who accept God and His plan for salvation

Again.. you are free to believe what you want. Take it or leave it. Truth is Truth and everyone sails their own ship and has to answer to God.

 

[Rockerduck]

Fallen angels and there are demons (evil spirits ) but fallen demons I have not heard of .

Proof of this statement ?

Matthew 22:30 - Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.
Mark 12:25 - For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Can angels reproduce? | GotQuestions.org

 

[Rockerduck]

Rockerduck,

Again,
Elohim "in the Hebrew" is plural for God and the angels.

God is One God who has several "roles/offices/Names and He gives Himself different "names" to describe what He does in each "role" .

A person can be a grandfather, a father, a son, a farmer all at the same time.. not a bunch of different persons... one person doing several roles/jobs/responsibilities. It is Idolatry to follow some other god than the one and ONLY God who has "several roles"

You are free to decide what you believe and it is all the false teaching of pastors that people latch onto deception instead of the truth..
Read the bible for yourself.
Genesis 1:26-27 is clear that our flesh body "looks the same "as our 1st age angel body.. How can you be made in your own image if you dont have an image to look the same as. Think about it.

2 Peter 3 speaks of the 3 ages of time.

Genesis 1:1.. in the beginning was a long time ago
verse 2... the earth BECAME void. Because of the rebellion of the people God shook the earth , moved us all to a different dimension and ended that 1st age of time and then began this 2nd age where we all (including Himself )have to take on a flesh body so that He could pay the price for the sins and destroy death.

There is a 3rd age coming which will be eternity for those who accept God and His plan for salvation

Again.. you are free to believe what you want. Take it or leave it. Truth is Truth and everyone sails their own ship and has to answer to God.

 

[Rockerduck]

Don't assume that people don't read the bible themselves and understand it. You are adding to God's Word that is not in the bible. What college did you study at? I have my college degree, and the Holy Spirit teaches me. There is a vast swath of difference between Humans and Angels. Where did you get this 1 stage from the bible?

 

[talons]

Matthew 22:30 - Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.
Mark 12:25 - For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Can angels reproduce? | GotQuestions.org

There is a location qualifier in the verse "in heaven" , why didn't the verse just say angels ? Location , fallen angels are not in heaven .
Sons of God in the OT means fallen angels , look in the book of Job .

Genesis 6:2 Context​

1And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

 

[APAK]

You are making up your own definitions. Elohim is plural for one God, meaning the trinity. You Genesis 1:27 is your own opinion, not God's word. Did God tell you this? or you just made it up.

plurality does not mean only 3 times or of a quantity of three of course. And then it could also mean not a number at all, or greater than one, it could mean an exaggeration of, or to describe the real magnitude of power and control that only one possesses.

 

[talons]

“Question of the week: Genesis 1:26-27 states that God created humans in his own image. Do you think the angels also were made in the image of God? Weren’t they referred to as ‘sons of God?’

Well we are not told angels were made in the image of God from scripture . We are told man was made in the image of God in scripture .
I say no angels were not created in the image of God .

Since we are sure that man was created in the image of God I will talk about that fact .

Is part of our image of God the fact that we create and design our own habitat here on this earth . Of course man has built and designed many things in this world .

@Matthias , I don't recall any scripture that tells us of angels creating , do you ?

 

[DuckieLady]

“Question of the week: Genesis 1:26-27 states that God created humans in his own image. Do you think the angels also were made in the image of God? Weren’t they referred to as ‘sons of God?’

My answer: The term “sons of God” is used in the Bible to refer to either angels or to humans who have been redeemed from their sin. The Bible never refers to angels being made in the image of God but the angels being called the sons of God implies that in some context God did make them in his image. However, the manner in which God created humans in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) is distinct from the manner in which God created the angels in his image. …”

Were Angels Made in the Image of God?

Question of the week: Genesis 1:26–27 states that God created humans in his own image. Do you think the angels also were made in the image of God? Weren’t they referred to as “sons of God?” My answer: The term “sons of God” is used in the Bible to refer to either angels or to […]

reasons.org

This author gives a qualified positive response to the question. What about you?

What does it mean to be created in the image of God?

There are different types of angels, especially in Revelation and Ezekiel.

By personal experience, the angels I saw a child did not have wings and looked like us.

As an adult in a VERY traumatic moment, I couldn't see. Was just aware. He was like using a force like something like a fence to what I think was to shield me from the person screaming at me.

 

[Rockerduck]

There is a location qualifier in the verse "in heaven" , why didn't the verse just say angels ? Location , fallen angels are not in heaven .
Sons of God in the OT means fallen angels , look in the book of Job .

Genesis 6:2 Context​

1And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

There are three references. Adam is referred to as a son of God and his direct descendants were sons of God. Angels in heaven are referred to as sons of God in Job. The Born again from above are referred to as a Children of God. (Romans 8:16). Both Adam's sons and Angels are sons of God. The Bible does not clear this up for us. Except we know of fallen angels, demons, and Heavenly Angels.

 

[Matthias]

Well we are not told angels were made in the image of God from scripture . We are told man was made in the image of God in scripture .

That’s right.

I say no angels were not created in the image of God .

You aren’t alone in that position; you’re in the majority.

Since we are sure that man was created in the image of God I will talk about that fact .

Solid ground.

Is part of our image of God the fact that we create and design our own habitat here on this earth . Of course man has built and designed many things in this world .

The ability to create is a way that mankind is created in the likeness of God. It may be a way that we are created in God’s image that the angels aren’t.

@Matthias , I don't recall any scripture that tells us of angels creating , do you ?

The first thought that came to mind is fallen angels creating havoc; agents of evil. They’re behind much of what goes on in the world in this age. They negatively influence our habitat.

My understanding of scripture is that they engaged in sexual relations with human females and created the Nephilim.

The second thought that came to mind is holy angels creating good; agents of good. They’re behind at least some of what goes on in the lives of believers. They positively influence our habitat.

The angels didn’t create mankind - Yahweh did that, alone, by himself - but I believe he did so after speaking first with his angelic court.

 

[Matthias]

“Who is God talking to here [Genesis 1:26]? Who is the us and the our? What else is in the likeness of God? The standard Christian answer is that this ‘us’ is referring to the Trinity - that God is talking to Himself. He looks to Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the three of them decide to go create man in their image.

While this makes sense from a Christian viewpoint, our Trinitarian perspective was centuries away from the writing of Genesis 1 and is therefore not in mind. However, the Bible writers of the time did believe that other spiritual beings existed before humanity existed, so those beings could fit the bill.”

Are Angels Made in the Image of God?

In order to understand the importance of our call to represent God in the world since we are made in his image, we need to recognize the fact that we’re not the only imagers God has created. This i…

jaminbradley.com

The trinitarian pastor gives a nod to Jewish monotheism.

 

[Matthias]

Trinitarian commentary on Genesis 1:26 in the NET.

“The plural form of the verb has been the subject of much discussion through the years, and not surprisingly several suggestions have been put forward. Many Christian theologians interpret it as an early hint of plurality within the Godhead, but this view imposes later trinitarian concepts on the ancient text. …”

Genesis 1

“For indeed the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. The coming day will burn them up,” says the Lord who rules over all. “It will not leave even a root or branch. But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication will rise with healing...

netbible.org

That’s right. Moses wasn’t a trinitarian. This view reads something into the text - post-biblical, 4th century, trinitarian theology - that Moses himself (and all biblical figures) would have been unaware of.

 

[Matthias]

The trinitarian commentary in NET goes on to speak about other suggestions, including the one which I (a Jewish monotheist / primitive Christian) embrace.

“ … in Isaiah 6:8 the LORD speaks on behalf of his heavenly court. In its ancient Israelite context the plural is most naturally understood as referring to God and his heavenly court (see 1 Kgs 22:19-22; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Isa 6:1-8). (The most well-known members of this court are God’s messengers, or angels. …). In this case, God invites the heavenly court to participate at the creation of humankind (perhaps in the role of offering praise, see Job 38:7), but he himself is the one who does the actual creative work (v. 27). Of course, this view does assume that members of the heavenly court possess the divine ‘image’ in some way. Since the image is closely associated with rulership, perhaps they share the divine image in that they, together with God and under his royal authority, are the executive authority over the world.”

Genesis 1

“For indeed the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. The coming day will burn them up,” says the Lord who rules over all. “It will not leave even a root or branch. But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication will rise with healing...

netbible.org

 

[Rockerduck]

Trinitarian commentary on Genesis 1:26 in the NET.

“The plural form of the verb has been the subject of much discussion through the years, and not surprisingly several suggestions have been put forward. Many Christian theologians interpret it as an early hint of plurality within the Godhead, but this view imposes later trinitarian concepts on the ancient text. …”

Genesis 1

“For indeed the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. The coming day will burn them up,” says the Lord who rules over all. “It will not leave even a root or branch. But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication will rise with healing...

netbible.org

That’s right. Moses wasn’t a trinitarian. This view reads something into the text - post-biblical, 4th century, trinitarian theology - that Moses himself (and all biblical figures) would have been unaware of.

Since Moses was the only man to speak to God face to face, I'm sure he knew a lot more than he wrote, because God was dictating to him. Moses only wrote one Psalm, 90. I could be wrong, but he could have written more, but God might not have allowed that knowledge to be revealed at that time.

 

[Matthias]

What is the strongest argument against the angels having been created in the likeness of God?

I think the author of the short article quoted (and linked) in the OP provided it: the Bible doesn’t say that they were. (Why it doesn’t is worth thinking about.)

The Bible focuses on God and man. Angels are important figures in the story, but God’s concern in scripture revolves are the creation of man, not the creation of angels.

On the one hand, the Bible doesn’t say anywhere that angels are created in God’s image. On the other hand, the Bible doesn’t say anywhere that angels aren’t created in God’s image.

Can it legitimately be inferred? The majority of scholars say that it can’t; a minority of scholars say that it can.

Whether it can or it can’t is a disputable matter.

I personally believe that it can, and that it is.

Why? It fits the historical context and doesn’t impose a post-biblical interpretation. It allows the writer and his contemporaries to be what they are - Jewish monotheists.

 

[Matthias]

Since Moses was the only man to speak to God face to face, ….

“Face to face” has to be an idiom. No mortal man can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20).

… I'm sure he knew a lot more than he wrote, because God was dictating to him.

I think you’re making a fair point.

Moses only wrote one Psalm, 90. I could be wrong, but he could have written more, but God might not have allowed that knowledge to be revealed at that time.

So is it fair to say that Moses himself isn’t a trinitarian?

 

[Rockerduck]

“Face to face” has to be an idiom. No mortal man can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20).



I think you’re making a fair point.



So is it fair to say that Moses himself isn’t a trinitarian?

The Word of God doesn't say wither or not. But like I said, I'v seen angels and had very little conversation with the ones in this realm and they look like us.

 

[Matthias]

The Word of God doesn't say wither or not. But like I said, I'v seen angels and had very little conversation with the ones in this realm and they look like us.

Would you say being created in the image of God has any connection with physical appearance?

 

[Rockerduck]

Would you say being created in the image of God has any connection with physical appearance?

Yes. Jesus looks like us, so we were created in His image.

 

[Matthias]

Yes. Jesus looks like us, so we were created in His image.

Would physical appearance then be another way angels (at least some of whom have the ability to look like human beings) were created in the image of God?