Is having angel figurines okay?

what does the bible say?

Having angel figurines is neither inherently sinful nor virtuous; they can serve as reminders of God’s protective presence in our lives. However, it is crucial to remember that while angels may symbolize divine care, it is God who truly provides protection. The Bible cautions against any form of idolatry, including the worship of angels, which is explicitly forbidden (Revelation 19:10; Colossians 2:18). Therefore, if these figurines lead to an unhealthy obsession or distract us from worshiping God, they become problematic. Ultimately, we should use angel figurines to enhance our faith in God’s sovereignty and keep our worship directed solely toward Him.

from the old testament

The Bible is clear that a person should have no other gods before God (Exodus 20:3).

from the new testament

Believers are to worship the Lord and serve Him only (Matthew 4:10). If an angel figurine becomes an idol or prompts us to worship angels, then it would be wrong.Worship of angels is clearly forbidden in the Bible. When the apostle John saw a real angel, he was tempted to bow down and worship him. "Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, 'You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God'" (Revelation 19:10).John did the same thing later and the angel replied, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God" (Revelation 22:9).The apostle Paul warned against the temptation to worship angels: "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God" (Colossians 2:18–19). A person who worships angels has become proud and is not staying true to God.The Bible acknowledges there are spiritual forces at work around us (Ephesians 6:12), and it tells us that angels are "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). It is certainly admirable to remember and consider God's love and watchful care over our lives.Angels worship God, as is the expectation of His people (Revelation 7:11).

implications for today

The Bible gives only a limited description of how angels look. Modern angel figurines often portray angels as winged beings in white robes or with halos. Yet only some angels are described as having wings (Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 10), while others appear in human form (Genesis 19). Halos are not noted in descriptions of angels in the Bible, though white robes or clothing seem consistent with many angelic descriptions in Bible prophecy.

When considering the use of angel figurines, we can appreciate them as decorative pieces that symbolize protection and the divine care God provides through His angels. However, it’s essential to remember that while these figurines may evoke feelings of comfort, they should never replace our reverence for God, who commands the angels and offers us true protection. The Bible clearly instructs us not to worship angels, as they are servants of God, created to carry out His will (Hebrews 1:14). Instead, we can use these reminders of angels to strengthen our faith in God’s sovereignty and His loving presence in our lives, ensuring that our worship and gratitude are directed solely toward Him. By keeping our focus on God, we honor His authority and acknowledge the role of angels as His messengers rather than objects of veneration.