Question:

I’ve been reading through Revelation again; this time in my study Bible, and it has incited a question in me that I’ve never thought about before: If God already had angels living with him in heaven before the creation of man, then why do you suspect he created us? My rationale for this has always come from the idea that God created humans to have something to show love to and to enjoy in his love, a selfless act and one so that God could share his love. But if he already had angels with him in heaven outside of time, why did he need to create us to get or give that love. (not that he NEEDS the love, but why did he create us for love rather than the angels) Were perhaps the angels not enough? This is really confusing to me so far. If you could share your thoughts with me on this that’d be great.

Answer:

I could be wrong, but I believe that you are making an assumption here which is not a correct one. You seem to be assuming that angels are greater than humans and that we are on a lower level in the spiritual realm than angels. If this were true, it is reasonable to ask why God would have created us after he had already created angels. I believe that the Bible does not support this assumption.

You also seem to be assuming that angels pre-existed human beings. I agree with you on this, but it is hard to prove this. The evidence leads me to believe that Satan was some sort of a spiritual being–probably an angel–who rebelled against God and lost his place with God. Based on Genesis 2-3, I believe that Satan pre-existed the first humans.

I cannot give you precise and iron-clad “proof” for the relative position of mankind and angels, but I believe that the Bible supports that we, not the angels, are the greatest of God’s creation. First of all, the scripture says that we humans will be judging the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). This certainly seems to imply a higher role for humans in our final state in heaven, as the lesser cannot judge the greater. Also, we find evidence in Hebrews chapter 1 and 2 that humans are in a higher position in God’s eyes than angels. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as ministering spirits–sent to serve us who will inherit salvation. Who do they minister to? Us! The one ministered to is greater than the one ministering. We are above the angels from God’s perspective. Hebrews 2:5-8 has humans greater than angels. We are given dominion over the earth. We have been made for a little while lower than the angels, but we will be brought to glory (Hebrews 2:10). Limited in a mortal physical body as we are now, makes us less powerful than the angels, but this will change after the resurrection. Jesus calls us “brothers” (Hebrews 2:11-12). Nothing like this is said of the angels.

I get the impression from the scriptures that creation is more about us than about the angels. As with you, I cannot fully understand why God wants to love us and wants us to love him. It cannot be because God “needs” us. I guess that is just the nature of God. God is love and love without someone to love is unrequited.

To me, the existence of angels only increases the significance of humans in our relationship with God. It does not lessen our role or importance in the creation.

I hope this helps.

John Oakes