Many people wonder if a person can become an angel after they die. Angels are usually seen as divine spiritual beings who act as messengers and intermediaries between God and humans. While the requirements to become an angel may seem mysterious, several religious traditions provide some insights.
What Are Angels?
Angels are spiritual beings believed to have been created by God to serve him and act as messengers. The word “angel” comes from the Greek word “angelos” meaning messenger.
Angels are mentioned numerous times in the Bible, appearing to humans to deliver messages from God, assist people in need, or execute other tasks. Famous biblical angels include Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Lucifer.
Angels are categorized into hierarchies known as the Celestial Hierarchy. The highest rank is the seraphim, followed by the cherubim, then thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, and angels. Each rank has different responsibilities and closeness to God.
While angels may sometimes appear in human form, they are believed to be immortal beings made of spirit and light, without physical bodies. Their natural state is to praise and serve God in heaven.
Requirements to Become an Angel
The main requirement to become an angel is to first be a human being. While creatures like cherubim and seraphim may be “born” as angels, religious scholars agree that for humans to become angels, they must first live a physical life on Earth.
The Catholic Church teaches that every human has a guardian angel assigned to them throughout their life. When someone dies, they cannot become that same guardian angel, as angels are eternal beings created directly by God.
However, some faiths believe it may be possible for exceptional individuals to be transformed into angels after death. How might this happen?
Live a Virtuous Life
To become an angel, most agree you must first live an exceptionally virtuous life devoted to God. This includes showing immense faith, devotion, kindness, compassion and commitment to goodness. Angels are known for being pure, selfless beings who dutifully serve God, so one must prove themselves worthy of such an honor. Living humbly and avoiding sin are also important.
Die in a State of Grace
You must die in a state of grace to become an angel. This means sincerely repenting your sins before death and dying at peace spiritually. Those who die abruptly or in sin are not able to become angels according to traditional beliefs. Making amends and a conscious effort to connect with God can help ensure one dies in a state of grace.
Be Granted Entry into Heaven
When someone dies, it is believed their soul is judged by God to determine their eternal fate. To become an angel, you must be granted entrance into Heaven and be found worthy of such an esteemed role. God allegedly chooses select virtuous souls to be reborn as angels. They must exhibit honesty, love, courage, compassion and unwavering faith.
Get Assigned Angel Duties by God
Even if you make it to Heaven, becoming an angel still depends on God deciding to assign you angel duties. God must choose to grant you the honor and eternal responsibilities that come with being an angel. Angels are trusted to faithfully carry out imperative spiritual tasks, so God must determine you are up to such an important job.
Historical Examples of Humans Becoming Angels
While it is ultimately up to God, several virtuous historical figures have been proposed to have become angels after their death:
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun renowned for her immense charity, compassion for the poor and sick, and devotion to God. She dedicated her life to serving the destitute in India through her Missionaries of Charity organization. Many believe her piety and good works were more than enough to earn angel status.
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II led the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. He is admired for spreading messages of faith, peace, kindness, and improved relations between religions. His connection with God and contributions to humanity make him a strong candidate for becoming an angel.
Joan of Arc
The French saint Joan of Arc said she received visions from God telling her to help fight English invaders in the 1400’s. She courageously led the French army to victory when she was just a teenager. She exemplified bravery, faith, and sacrifice. Many think her martyrdom and devotion to God may have made her an angel.
Points of Contention
However, there are some debates around humans becoming angels:
Angels Were Created Separately From Humans
Some argue that humans can never become angels because they are separate creations. Angels were created directly by God before humans existed. They have different purposes and celestial bodies. Humans have free will, but angels were designed to solely serve God. This fundamental difference means no human can become an angel.
Heaven May Not Transform Humans Into Angels
The Catholic Church teaches we do not become angels after death. Upon dying and reaching Heaven, we maintain our human souls. Heaven is believed to perfect human nature, not fundamentally transform it. Our soul’s identity remains the same.
Becoming an Angel Takes Away From Our Humanity
Others believe that to become an angel would make our human lives less meaningful. Our unique status as incarnated souls who lived and learned lessons on Earth would be diminished. If the goal is simply to become an angel, why live as a flawed, mortal human? We should celebrate our humanity instead of striving to become something else.
Conclusion
In the end, only God knows whether human beings can become angels. The Bible does not provide a definitive answer, so it remains open to speculation and faith.
It seems those who live exceptionally pious lives devoted to God have the best chance of being reborn as angels, if such a thing is possible. We may get our answer upon dying and potentially meeting our fate as an angelic being.
The mysteries surrounding angels are part of what makes them so intriguing and awe-inspiring. Their abilities to influence events on Earth and act as messengers of God’s will capture imaginations. And the prospect of becoming one ourselves provides spiritual hope and motivation to lead a righteous life.