God said to the angels, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
This indicates two things.
First, the angelic world was created before human beings so that angels could prepare mankind's dwelling.
Secondly, angels resemble human beings, rather than having wings, as imagined.
Nevertheless, they differ from humans in two respects.
First, they have never been incarnate and thus have never experienced life in the physical world. Because of this, they project a different vibration from that of spirit-people.
Secondly, God created humans as His children, whereas He created angels as His servants. Many Biblical accounts illustrate the way in which angels have served God.
Three angels brought to Abraham the message that his wife Sarah would have a son. (Gen. 18:1-15) Two angels visited Lot and warned him about the destruction of Sodom.
(Gen. 19:1-23) Angels brought the message of Jesus' birth to Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:26-38; Matt. 1:18-20) and they served as the messengers of God in many other instances. (1 Kings 19:5-7; Acts 12:7; Heb. 2:2)
For these reasons, the angels were called ministering spirits. (Heb. 1:14) In addition to serving Him, angels give God praise and glory in response to His love. (Heb. 1:6; Luke 2:13; Rev. 5:11-12; 7:11)
In some instances, the angels were even mistaken for men, showing that they bore an outward resemblance. However, their position and function differ from those of human beings.
The conventional idea is that angels are glorious beings, much higher than human beings. It is true that in our fallen state, humans are lower than the angels, but this is not our true position.
Once we are restored to God, we will be in our rightful position as lords and rule even the angelic world. Thus, St. Paul said, "Do you not know that we are to judge the angels?" (1 Cor. 6:3)
However, through His angels, God sometimes communicates with humans and gives them commands. To the one receiving such a message, the angel may appear wonderful and glorious, but in reality, angels are only messengers from God.
Lucifer held the position of archangel. God sends His blessing to one individual who represents all those under him.
Just as God chose Abraham and through him blessed the children of Israel, so God chose Lucifer and through him blessed the angelic world. Lucifer thus appeared to be closest to God and to monopolize His favor.
Young Oon Kim