What do we know about the form of angels?
Question
Gramps,
What do we know about the form of angels? Cherubims are described in some detail in the scriptures as having multiple wings. What have the prophets said on the form of these cherubims? Is their form symbolic or literal? When Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, no description mentions Moroni as having wings.
Steven
Answer
Dear Steven,
There is much about this topic that we don’t know, but there have been some interesting things revealed to us. Perhaps my answer will create more questions than it answers, but here is what I can tell you.
‘The word cherubim usually refers to guardians of sacred things. While the exact meaning of the word is not known, most scholars agree that these cherubim represented “redeemed and glorified manhood” or “glorified saints and angels” (Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies, s.v. “cherubim,” p. 75). Since Latter-day Saints do not believe that angels have wings, as they are often shown in religious art, the commandment to form wings on the cherubim may raise some questions. Another revelation indicates, however, that wings symbolically represent the power to move and to act (see D&C 77:4). Between these cherubim on the mercy seat, God told Moses, He would meet with him and commune with him. Latter-day revelations state that angels stand as sentinels guarding the presence of God (see D&C 132:19).’
“Though little has been revealed about such things, the Restoration does confirm and expand on the basic idea that angels function within a structure or order of heaven. The Lord even revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that the archangel Michael is Adam and stands at the head of a heavenly organization (see D&C 27:11; 78:16; 107:53–56).”
It is also interesting to consider-while we are discussing angels- that in D&C 13, we are told that holders of the Aaronic Priesthood are given “the keys to the ministering of angels”. Exactly what this means has long been discussed, but one possibility is that it means that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have the keys of acting as ministering angels. That is, they are authorized to be representatives of God in performing service to others, just as angels are supposed to do. Note this is just my opinion; the Brethren have not offered an interpretation on the meaning.
As I said, this may create more questions than answers, but it is certainly an interesting topic to study and ponder.
Gramps
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Personally, I do not believe angels have wings for a number of reasons, but the main ones are these three:
1. We as humans do not have wings, so why would they be added to us after being resurrected? It seems to me that would go against the order of our very creation. How so? Let’s look at what the scriptures say about the resurrection in Alma 40:23:
“The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.”
That tells me clearly there is a RESTORATION, and NOT an addition.
2. When God, the Father; Jesus Christ; and other angels appeared to Joseph Smith, none of them were described as having wings.
3. Other people who are not even of our faith that witnessed angels specifically stated they did not have wings. Here’s an interesting video by a Christian of another faith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6jcWZeacMg
As for cherubim, seraphim, and the whole lot of other creatures we see in scriptural accounts like Daniel, I won’t even waste my time speculating about something I know absolutely nothing about.
My only thought is that we may want to broaden our horizons and realize that there are infinite worlds like this one and who says God has to create fowls of the air, beasts of the field, and fish in the water that look just like ones we see here in this world of our own? Especially, when he has INFINITE creative ability. And since we inherit many of the same characteristics from our Heavenly Father (though they may not be overtly manifest), we ourselves also have a natural drive to create new things. Why? Because we obtain joy and satisfaction from experiencing this process. I am confident in saying that so does our Heavenly Father, because it says in both Genesis 1 and Moses 2 in the account of the creation that the things created were “good.”
“Latter-day revelations state that angels stand as sentinels guarding the presence of God (see D&C 132:19).”
Why would God, who is all powerful, need anyone to guard him?
I wouldn’t take that as literally guarding God…
Robert,
Think back to the temple and then look at the markings on your garments. I hope that provides you with your answer.