‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ … with Faulty Theology

Clarence the simple-minded angel second-class is a wonderful work of fiction. Just be sure you know the difference between fiction and fact.
 
Here’s one thing the movie got right: Angels are sent by God to help us. Scripture teaches that angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). These angels are aware of us, have constant access to God, the Father (Matthew 18:10) and sometimes function as guardians (Psalm 91:11).
 
The movie got this mostly right: Angels do, at times, appear in common human form. Clarence and George are getting eyed suspiciously by Nick the bartender because they are talking about angels. Clarence asks, “What’s wrong? They believe in angels, don’t they? Then why should they be surprised to see one?” Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” If you ever see an angel, you probably won’t know you’re seeing an angel. So … you might want to rethink being rude to strangers.
 
Here’s one thing the movie got totally wrong: Angels are not deceased humans. Clarence is referred to as a clock-maker and wears a dressing gown given to him by his wife before he passed away … 293 years ago. The implication is that humans die and become guardian angels. Some people find this fiction comforting, but it’s not Biblical. The Bible teaches that we will be “like” angels in only two ways; 1) we will not be able to die (Luke 20:36) and 2) we will not be married (Matthew 22:30). We will be “like” angels, but we will not become angels. The truth is far more glorious and comforting! If your loved one was a believer in Jesus Christ, they are currently in His presence (2 Corinthians 5:8) and will one day share more in common with Him than the angels. Our resurrections bodies will be like His (Philippians 3:20-21) and Jesus is far superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4-6). Now that will be a wonderful life!
 
 

^