Servants and image-bearers

Scripture names two created classes capable of will and choice — the angels and humanity — but assigns them different relational ceilings.

Angels are servants.

"Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?" — Hebrews 1:14

"For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven." — Matthew 22:30

"which things angels desire to look into." — 1 Peter 1:12

They have will — the rebellion of "angels who didn't keep their first domain" (Jude 6) proves it. They serve or refuse. But they are nowhere called image-bearers, are not given marriage, are not the recipients of incarnation, and observe salvation from outside it.

Humans are image-bearers, given the bridal capacity.

"God said, Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness… God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them." — Genesis 1:26–27

"For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring of Abraham." — Hebrews 2:16

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her… This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and the assembly." — Ephesians 5:25, 32

"Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.”." — Revelation 19:7

"know that we will judge angels?" — 1 Corinthians 6:3

The relational ceiling is different. Angels love-as-service; humans love-as-bride. Both are real love; one is a higher register. This is why John 3:16 specifies "God so loved the world" — κόσμος, the human-image-bearing creation. The angels witness the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7); the Bride is human. The angels are honored servants in the Father's house; humans are sons and daughters in the Father's family.

See: Genesis 1:26–27; Job 38:7; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 2:5–16; Matthew 22:30; 1 Peter 1:12; Jude 6; Ephesians 5:25–32; Revelation 19:7–9; 1 Corinthians 6:3.