Bible Question:

Do we become angels after we die and go to heaven? What happens to us?

Bible Answer:

Do we become angels after we die and go to heaven?  That is a question many people have asked. There is a wonderful appeal to the idea of being an angel in heaven. The thought of having wings and being able to fly is fascinating. For some it would be a reward. But will that happen? There are three important Bible verses that give us the answer.

Do we become angels after we die and go to heaven?

Believers Will Judge Angels

1 Corinthians 6:3 is the first important passage that answers the question, “Do we become angels after we die and go to heaven?” 1 Corinthians 6:3 states,

Do you not know that we will judge angels? 1 Corinthians 6:3 (NASB)

This passage reveals that believers will be involved in judging angels in the future. Some think this refers to believers ruling over holy angels in the eternal heaven, and others think it refers to judging the fallen angels, demons, unholy  angels, or evil spirits (Revelation 20:10). This judgement occurs before God destroys the universe (2 Peter 3:10-13 and Revelation 20:11). Revelation 20:11-14 reveals that God will judge every unbeliever. 1 Corinthians 6:3 appears to teach that believers will be involved in judging unholy angels.

Consequently, this reveals that believers will not be angels since they will be judging angels. If believers judge angels, then believers cannot be angels.

Believers Will Be Like Christ

The second important passage that answers the question, “Do we become angels after we die and go to heaven?” is 1 John 3:2. The verse reveals that at the rapture, every believer will be instantly changed and become like Christ. It happens in a twinkling of an eye

We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 1 John 3:2 (NASB)

Another passage that teaches the same principle is Philippians 3:20-21,

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory . . . Philippians 3:20-21 (NASB)

Consequently, this reveals that believers will not be like angels, since believers will have an immortal body like the one Jesus Christ will have. Notice that 1 Timothy 2:5 states that Jesus now has an immortal body.  That is the result of His earthly ministry.

Conclusion:

Therefore, will believers become angels after we die and go to heaven? The answer is no. Christians will have an immortal body like that of Jesus Christ. However, this question raises another important issue.  Not everyone when they die will go to heaven! Our article has only answered this question for believers, or those who have acknowledged they were sinners doomed to spend eternity in hell, recognized their need of the Savior and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  If you are not sure of your eternal destiny, please visit Searching for God. It will explain how you can know for sure that you will live eternally with God in heaven.

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