Topical Bible: Man: Inferior to Angels

◄ Man: Inferior to Angels ►

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In the biblical hierarchy of creation, man is depicted as being inferior to angels. This concept is rooted in various scriptural passages that highlight the distinct roles and natures of humans and angels within God's divine order.

Creation and Nature

Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and to execute His will. They are often described as possessing greater power and knowledge than humans. In contrast, man was created from the dust of the earth and endowed with a physical body. Genesis 1:26-27 describes humanity as being made in the image of God, yet this does not imply equality with angels in terms of power or status. Rather, it emphasizes the unique role of humans in creation.

Scriptural References

The Book of Hebrews provides a clear articulation of man's position relative to angels. Hebrews 2:6-7, quoting Psalm 8, states: "What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor." This passage underscores the temporary inferiority of humans to angels, while also acknowledging the honor bestowed upon humanity by God.

Role and Function

Angels are depicted as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). They are involved in delivering messages from God, protecting believers, and executing divine judgment. Humans, on the other hand, are tasked with stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:28) and are called to live in obedience to God's commandments.

The Incarnation of Christ

The incarnation of Jesus Christ, who took on human flesh, further illustrates the concept of man's inferiority to angels. Hebrews 2:9 states, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for a short time, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." Christ's temporary assumption of a position lower than the angels was necessary for the redemption of humanity, highlighting the unique and sacrificial nature of His mission.

Eschatological Perspective

While man is currently positioned lower than angels, Scripture also points to a future elevation of the redeemed. 1 Corinthians 6:3 reveals that believers will one day judge angels, indicating a reversal of roles in the eschatological order. This future promise does not negate the present reality of man's inferiority but rather points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of man as inferior to angels serves to highlight the distinct roles and purposes assigned by God to each part of His creation. While humans are currently lower than angels, the redemptive work of Christ and the future promises of Scripture point to a time when the faithful will share in Christ's glory and authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 8:5
For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 2:7
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Man Can Teach the Angels?
... PERTAINING TO THE ACTION OF MAN (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether man can teach ... immediately
concerning Divine things by God, can instruct the inferior angels, as stated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether man can teach the.htm

Whether an Angel Can Enlighten Man?
... 903]Q[84], A[7]). So the angels propose the ... the other hand, the human intellect as
the inferior, is strengthened ... And in these two ways man is enlightened by an ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel can enlighten.htm

Whether the Inferior Angel Speaks to the Superior?
... I answer that, The inferior angels can speak to the superior ... depending on the primary
truth, is both speech and enlightenment; for example, when one man says to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the inferior angel speaks.htm

Man, Endued with Liberty, Superior to the Angels, Overcomes Even ...
... [2811] He would not have made all things subject to man, if he had been too weak
for the dominion, and inferior to the angels, to whom He assigned no such ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii man endued with liberty.htm

Whether all the Angels are Sent in Ministry?
... they are denominated, through the ministry of the inferior angels. ... did so immediately,
but because an inferior angel did ... Pope is said to absolve a man when he ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all the angels are 2.htm

Whether Each Man is Guarded by an Angel?
... And the same also applies to the inferior orders: for a ... is possible that some one
angel enlightens a man immediately, and yet has other angels beneath him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether each man is guarded.htm

Whether the Orders of the Angels are Properly Named?
... sense is less than the property of a man, and belongs to man in a ... angels, and that
they are all more excellently in the superior than in the inferior angels. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the orders of the.htm

Christ Took not on Him an Angelic Nature, but the Human it was Men ...
... Well, but as bearing human nature, He is so far made inferior to the angels; but
as ... suitable for Ebion, [7145] who holds Jesus to be a mere man, and nothing ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter xiv christ took not on.htm

Whether the Superior Angel Enlightens the Inferior as Regards all ...
... share in the Divine goodness; saying: "As every man hath received ... is not received
so excellently by the inferior as by the superior angels; and therefore ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the superior angel enlightens.htm

Whether the Angels are More to the Image of God than Man Is?
... respects man is more like to God. Reply to Objection 1: Augustine excludes the inferior
creatures bereft of reason from the image of God; but not the angels. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the angels are more.htm