Can Angels Take or Appear in Various Forms?

Theories
1. Simulation. The angels take form and when doing so reproduce the exact form and characteristics of the species or kind or personality in which they appear. (Pagan view explicit in mythology of gods assuming animal and human form.)
2. Restriction. The angels assume different forms but are untouched by the natures and characteristics of these forms. (Still doesn't answer why such forms are to be taken then, unless meant for some kind of deceptive or clandestine purposes.)
3. Negation. Angels do not assume other forms (but appear as they are in different dimensions of glory).

(a) Essence defines identity; therefore, essence (essential nature) cannot change without affecting identity. That means that the angel who simulates no longer remains an angel (at least for the said amount of time) thus producing confusion in the order of creation. God's creation follows a set order. Why don't angels appear as females?
(b) Since angels are God's servants and God doesn't employ deceptive means; neither is He short of instruments; therefore, angels cannot assume forms other than their own. For instance, when God needed a fish, He used a fish and didn't transform an angel into a fish.
(c) There isn't any biblical warrant for the view that angels take form. The angels are always seen as appearing in form of a male (but glorious being), except in visions.
(d) Any present supernatural occurrences involving mysterious men, voices etc are simply miraculous and so unexplainable. However, one must note that God can appear in various forms (fire¹, pillar, cloud, man). But in cases where simulation of existent or deceased persons is involved, they should not be attributed to God. Either they are simply miraculous or in some specific instances (such as appearance of Samuel or Moses) they may be appearances of the spirit, however, never without the permission and direction of God. However, since Scripture doesn't give proofs of such occurrences as common to the children of God and is definitely against divination, such occurrences must no longer be expected. (Even Lazarus was not sent back in answer to the rich man). Therefore, they must be considered as simply miraculous visions if bearing divine affirmation of the Holy Spirit as in the case of the Macedonian Call and they are always recognized as so later on.

P.S. Demons are deceptive and "assume" forms by means of mental manipulations to deceive humans away from the true worship of God. Therefore, the only source of our knowledge of supernatural reality is the Word of God. If the Bible is silent on any topic, that topic is dispensable.
P.S.2. All appearances of deceased spirits at present are to be considered as demonic.

NOTE
¹ Not as fire but in fire... Like a dove, gentle. Fire (Acts 2).. power.

From notes jotted down sometime between 2007-2009

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Marbaniang, Domenic

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