Articles and Notes
Angel Numbers
"What are angel numbers? What does it mean when you repeatedly see the same numbers?"
Answer: It is not an uncommon occurrence to see the same numbers several times over the course of a few weeks or even years. The repeated numbers could show up in the time of day, common digits on license plates, or the date of a birthday.
New Age observers have decided that numbers that show up repeatedly are not coincidental; rather, they are messages from angels or spirit guides. They claim that these guides nudge you to look up at the right moment to catch a glimpse of these numbers. New agers even give ideas as to what these numbers may mean.
There are several problems with a belief in angel numbers:
• “Spirit guides” are not protective, helpful angels. When they actually exist, they are disguised demons attempting to lead us into sin or destruction. Interacting with demonic guides is expressly forbidden in the Bible (Leviticus 20:27). James 4:7 tells us to resist such beings, not trust and follow them.
• Numerology is an occult practice that has no basis in Scripture and no place in the Christian life. Although the Bible uses numbers such as 7 and 40 to represent specific things, this does not mean that every number has a hidden meaning. Numerology is a form of fortune–telling, which the Bible absolutely condemns (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10–13; Galatians 5:19–20).
• God communicates with us through His Word, not the face of our alarm clock. He established the Bible to give us what we need to know about Him (2 Timothy 3:16–17) and wise counselors to help us apply the Bible to our lives (1 Corinthians 11:1). Nowhere in the Bible does it suggest God communicates through hidden meanings in numbers outside of the Bible.
• Seeing repeated numbers doesn’t mean an angel is trying to get our attention—or a demon, for that matter. It most likely means we’ve remembered the number and have sensitized ourselves to it. Like when you buy a new car and suddenly start seeing “your” car everywhere, our minds automatically see what we’re familiar with. That’s one reason why it’s so important to regularly study the Bible (Psalm 119).
So what should we do when we see the same number over and over? Try praying. If the number reminds you of a particular person, pray for that person. If the number is on a license plate, pray for that driver. Or pray in thanks to God that He protects us from Satan and the demons. Thank Him that He gave us His Word as the only message we need. And praise Him that we can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16), not go through angels.