Hebrews 1:2a-3

Hebrews 1:2a-3

1.   Samuel Porter Jones, a 19^th century Methodist evangelist, is credited with being the original author of the following statement.  Over the years, others have added to and refined the statement.  I can’t think of a better way to begin a study of these verses in Hebrews than by sharing it.  This version is in John MacArthur’s commentary on Hebrews:  "Christ came from the bosom of the Father to the bosom of a woman.  He put on humanity that we might put on divinity.  He became Son of Man that we might become sons of God.  He was born contrary to the laws of nature, lived in poverty, was reared in obscurity, and only once crossed the boundary of the land in which he was born -- and that in His childhood.  He had no wealth or influence and had neither training nor education in the world's schools.  His relatives were inconspicuous and uninfluential.  In infancy He startled a king.  In boyhood He puzzled learned doctors.  In manhood He ruled the course of nature.  He walked upon the billows and hushed the sea to sleep.  He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His services.  He never wrote a book and yet all the libraries of the world could not hold the books written about Him.  He never wrote a song, yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all songwriters together.  He never founded a college, yet all the schools together cannot boast of as many students as He has.  He never practiced medicine and yet He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors have healed broken bodies.  This Jesus Christ is the star of astronomy, the rock of geology, the lion and the lamb of zoology, the harmonizer of all discords, and the healer of all diseases.  Throughout history great men have come and gone, yet He lives on.  Herod could not kill Him.  Satan could not seduce Him.  Death could not destroy Him and the grave could not hold Him." [MacArthur, p.9]

2.   In this session we are going to focus on one of the most complete, and yet at same time, most succinct descriptions of Jesus found in Bible.  In our previous session we saw from Hebrews 1-2a that God has spoken. 

--in v.1 saw that "long ago" God spoke through the prophets...

--in first part of v.2 saw that "in these last days" God has spoken in His Son...

Beginning in middle of v.2 and continuing through v.3 writer of Hebrews gives a beautiful description of God's Son.

3.   These statements about Jesus fall into two broad categories.  Some focus on who Jesus is and some focus on what Jesus has done.  Instead of looking at them in chronological order, we will look at them under those two broad categories

WHO JESUS IS

This is the central question of Christianity and indeed central question of life.  If we get this wrong, it doesn't really matter what else get right because have missed the essence of life in this world.  That's why when Jesus nearing end of earthly ministry He took disciples up to Caesarea Philippi, a beautiful place at foot of Mt. Hermon where melting snow of the mountain form the headwaters of the Jordan River.  There, in that beautiful setting, Jesus tested His disciples understanding of His identity.  I is significant that during that time of testing did not ask, "How do you interpret Old Testament or what is most pressing social issue of day or what are you political leanings?"... Instead, He wanted to know if they understood His true identity.  That's because in contrast to all other world religions, Christianity is not based primarily on an institution or code of ethics or list of rules and laws or even a book.  Christianity is based on a person, the person of Jesus Christ.  That's why it is absolutely critical that we have a clear understanding of who Jesus is.  These verses tell us four important things about the identity of Jesus:

Jesus is "…heir of all things…" (v.2)

1.      All of creation, both physical and spiritual, belongs to Jesus.  The Father has willed it all to the Son.  When think about that, it's rather amazing statement.  As one writer pointed out, "Think of it ... a Galilean carpenter who was crucified on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem" has the title to everything that ever was.  And even more amazing than that is that we, through faith in Him, are joint heirs with Him! (Galatians 4:7; Romans 8:17)

2.       In the first century world, an heir had all the rights and privileges of the owner. And the phrase "heir of all things" is simply beautiful, poetic way of saying "Jesus is Lord."

2.   While world does not now see it nor does the world understand it, the day will come when, as Paul put it in Philippians 2:10, "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow … and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father."

3.   The earliest confession of the church was, "Jesus is Lord" and that is still the basic confession God desires from us today.  He is "Heir of all things."

Jesus is "…the radiance of His [God's] glory…" (v.3)

1.   The word translated "radiance" (used only here in the New Testament) means "to send forth light."  Jesus is the light of God.

--Just as the rays of the sun shine on the earth providing light and warmth, so Jesus is the light of God which shines on us.

--And just as the sun was never without and cannot be separated from its brightness, so God has never been without or separated from Christ.  Never was God apart from Christ nor Christ apart from God.

2.   And we would never be able to see the light of God if it were not for Jesus, the radiance of God's glory.  As the Apostle John put it in John 1:18, "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him."

3.   To a world darkened by sin, injustice, failure, hurt, separation, sickness, pain, and death God sent His Son.  And the Son said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

4.   The OT refers to the "shekinah" glory of God that dwelt first in the tabernacle and then later in the temple.  Jesus Christ is the "shekinah" glory of God Who dwells in the lives of those who know Him.  He is "the radiance of God's glory."

Jesus is "…the exact representation of His [God's] nature…" (v.3)

1.   This phrase literally overflows with meaning.  The imagery is taken from a very common practice in the first century.  A die or stamp was often used to make a distinctive mark on a seal.  A small amount of wax would be place on the paper to be sealed, and while wax was still soft and pliable, the die or stamp would be pushed down into it.

2.   The image left in the wax would be whatever was on the seal.  In the wax would be an exact representation of what was on the seal.  And obviously, when you looked at the image in the wax, would see the image of the seal.

3.   In same way, when you look at Jesus, you see God.  That's why Jesus could make such statement as, "I and the Father are one" and "If you have seen Me you have seen the Father..."  Jesus is the exact representation of the very nature or essence of God....

Jesus is “…at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (v.3)

1.      This phrase reminds us of the exaltation of Jesus.  “God does not have a right hand. This is a biblical metaphor of power, authority, and preeminence.” ^[1]

2.      The ‘right hand’ of God speaks of the place of authority which belongs to Jesus by right as God’s Son. Significantly, he is now there as our high priest, one of the great themes of this letter. This was red-hot teaching for Jewish Christians, with temple worship still proceeding; it should be a powerful reminder to us not to go back to Old Testament ritual. ^[2]

WHAT JESUS HAS DONE

Jesus made the world – “…through whom also He made the world…” (v.2)

1. The translated "world" in that statement is not normal Greek word which is translated world.  That word is "kosmos" and it generally means physical world.  The word used here, (“aionos”) is much broader meaning.  It carries the idea of the world of time, space, energy, and matter.  Everything that is and everything that ever will be has been created by Jesus.

2.   That is theme which permeates New Testament.  The early Christians placed strong emphasis on Jesus being God's agent/instrument in the creative process.

John 1:3 - "All things came into being by/through Him [Jesus], and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being."

I Cor.8:6 - "...there is ... one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him."

Colossians 1:16 - "For by Him [Jesus] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things have been created by Him and for Him."

3.   One of most important philosophical questions you must answer is the question, "Am I hear by chance or choice?"  Did creation just happen due to string of unbelievable coincidences or was universe created on purpose by higher power.  The biblical message is that everything which exists was created by, through, and for Jesus Christ.

4.   Since birth of age of rationalism in middle-ages there has been an on-going debate between science and religion concerning the matter of creation.  The debate still rages today.  To my way of thinking it is a misguided debate.  Science and religion have totally different roles in relation to creation.  Science looks at creation and asks the question "How?" but religion looks at creation and asks the question "Who?"  And no matter what science may determine about how the world was made, the biblical message is that behind that process was the person of Jesus Christ.

5.   And understanding that has tremendous implications for our lives.  It means that we're not just sophisticated piece of primeval slime which have no dignity, value, and worth.  We are a special creation of God.  And because He made us, He has a creative claim on our lives.  We are not free to do as we please, we are only free to do what pleases Him, Our Creator.

Jesus holds the world together – “…upholds all things by the word of His power…” (v.3)

1.   Jesus didn't just create the universe ages ago, set it in motion, and then leave it alone.  He is the force, the power which keeps the universe on track.

2.   We live in a delicately balance world.  I want to share with you another quote from John MacArthur’s commentary on Hebrews. "The sun has a surface temperature of 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  If it were any closer to us we would burn up; if it were any farther away we would freeze.  Our globe is titled on an exact angle of 23 degrees, providing us with four seasons.  If it were not so tilted, vapors from the oceans would move north and south and develop into monstrous continents of ice.  If the moon did not retain its exact distance from the earth the ocean tides would inundate the land completely twice a day ... If the ocean floors were merely a few feet deeper than they are, the carbon dioxide and oxygen balance of the earth's atmosphere would be completely upset, and no animal or plant life could exist.  If the atmosphere did not remain at its present density, but thinned out even a little, many of the meteors which now harmlessly burn up when they hit the atmosphere would constantly bombard us.  We would have to live underground or meteor-proof buildings.  How does the universe stay in this kind of fantastically delicate balance?  Jesus Christ sustains and monitors all its movements and inter-workings.  Christ, the preeminent Power, maintains all." [MacArthur, p.17]

3.   But not only does Jesus hold the universe together, He is the One who holds our lives together.  When we --

--are crushed by some sorrow, He becomes our Comforter...

--are overcome by loneliness, He becomes our Friend...

--are in need, He becomes our Provider...

--are depressed, He becomes our Encourager...

--are confused and disoriented, He becomes our Guide...

--are weak, He becomes our Strength...

--afraid, He becomes our Confidence...

--sad, He becomes our Joy...

And the list could go on and on because Jesus is the One who holds the world together.

Jesus has redeemed the world – “…He made purification for sins…” (v.3)

1.   That prhase is, of course, a reference to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross.  The Bible says that the wages of sin is death.  Because of our disobedience and rebellion against God, we deserve spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God.

2.   But Jesus intervened on our behalf, going to the cross, and dying in our place.  He took upon Himself the penalty of our sin.  And by accepting His death on our behalf, He frees us from the penalty of sin and purifies us from the stain of sin.

3.   Because God is a holy and righteous God, the penalty for our sin must be paid.  Either we pay it ourselves and that price is eternal death/separation from God, or we accept Jesus' payment on our behalf which results in eternal life.

4.   Jesus not only made us physically, but He has re-made us spiritual. He has both a creative and a redemptive claim on our lives...

5.   When I was small child the pastor of the church we attended told a story that has stuck with me all these years.  It is about a boy who made a small sailboat.  He spent hours carefully crafting and painting the little boat.  After a rain he took the boat to a drainage ditch near his home and watched helplessly as the water swept it away.  Some days later he saw the little boat in the window of a second hand shop with a for sale sign on it.  He saved his money until he had enough to purchase the boat.  When he brought it home he said, “Now it is really mine.  I made it and I have purchased it.”

6.   And that is exactly what Jesus did for us has done for us.  He made us and then bought us with His blood.

CONCLUSION

At the very outset on this letter, the writer eloquently declares the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father. This is spelled out in seven descriptive phrases. It is one of the highest Christologies in the NT (cf. John 1:1–18; Phil. 2:6–11; and Col. 1:15–17).

1.   the heir of the Father’s creation (v. 2)

2.   the agent of the Father’s creation (v. 2)

3.   radiance of the Father’s glory (v. 3)

4.   Exact image of the Father’s nature (v. 3)

5.   the sustainer of the Father’s creation (v. 3)

6.   the means of forgiveness of the Father’s creation (v. 3)

7.   the royal and priestly Messiah sent by the Father (v. 3)^[3]

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^[1] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (11). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

^[2] Hacking, P. H. (2006). Opening up Hebrews. Opening Up Commentary (14). Leominster: Day One Publications.

^[3] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (7–8). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

Hebrews 1:1-2a

Hebrews 1:1-2a

This letter is not a diet for “spiritual babes” who want to be spoon-fed and coddled (Heb. 5:11–14). In this letter you will find “strong meat” that demands some “spiritual molars” for chewing and enjoying. The emphasis in Hebrews is not on what Christ did on the earth (the “milk”), but what He is now doing in heaven (the “meat” of the Word). He is the great High Priest who enables us by giving us grace (Heb. 4:14–16). He is also the Great Shepherd of the sheep who equips us to do His will (Heb. 13:20–21). He is working in us to accomplish His purposes.^[1]

One prominent NT scholar has called Hebrews "the riddle of the N.T." [E.F. Scott, quoted in Barclay, p.xvii]  Normally when begin study of book in Bible, especially a NT letter, we explore such issues as who wrote the letter, to whom was it written, when was it written, and why was it written.  We will just briefly touch on each of those issues:

·         Who wrote Hebrews? – The text does not mention the name of the author, so there has been much speculation about this.  Among the suggestions are Paul, Peter, Apollos, Luke, Philip, Mark, and Priscilla &Aquila.  Various arguments have been advanced for different people but none are convincing enough to settle the matter. Origen, one of the early church fathers who lived in the late 2^nd century and early 3^rd century, concluded that no-one knows and I tend to agree with him!  It is obvious that the writer had a very strong Jewish background.

WarrenWiersbe argues for Pauline authorship:  The writer is obviously a Jew, since he identifies himself with his Jewish readers (1:2; 2:1, 3; 3:1; 4:1; etc.). He also identifies himself with Timothy (13:23), which certainly Paul could do. The closing benediction of grace is typical of Paul (see 2 Thes. 3:17–18). The writer has been in prison (10:34; 13:19). The matter seems to be settled by 2 Peter 3:15–18, where Peter clearly states that Paul had written to the same people Peter wrote to, the Jews of the dispersion (1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 3:1). Furthermore, Peter calls Paul’s letter Scripture. Now, if Paul wrote an inspired letter to the Jews scattered abroad, and that letter has been lost, then a part of God’s inspired, eternal Word has been destroyed; and this is impossible. The only writing in Scripture that is addressed to Jews and is not credited to another author is Hebrews. Conclusion: Paul must have written Hebrews. Those who argue that the style and vocabulary are not typical of Paul must bear in mind that writers are free to adapt their style and vocabulary to their readers and topics.^[2]

·         To whom was Hebrews written? – John MacArthur, in his excellent commentary on Hebrews, identifies three distinct groups who are addressed in this letter, all of whom come from a Jewish background:  Hebrew Christians, Hebrew non-Christians who believe the essential facts of the gospel but who have yet to trust Jesus for their salvation, and Hebrew non-Christians who did not believe the essential facts of the gospel. 

·         When was it written? – Clement of Rome, who lived in the late 1^st century, quoted from Hebrews, so the letter was certainly written before the end of the 1^st century.  Hebrews 10:1-2 indicates that when the letter was written sacrifices were still being offered in the temple, it would seem that the letter was written before the temple was destroyed by Titus in 70 A.D.  It is also obvious from the letter that it was written to people who had and who continued to experience persecution (cf. 10:32-39; 12:4).  This has led many to conclude that the letter was written after 64 A.D. when the Neronian persecution of Christians began and before 70 A.D. when Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed.

·         Why was Hebrews written? - The main message of Hebrews is summarized in 6:1: “let us go on unto perfection [spiritual maturity].” The people to whom Hebrews was addressed were not growing spiritually (5:11–14) and were in a state of second childhood. God had spoken in the Word, but they were not faithful to obey Him. They were neglecting God’s instruction and drifting away from His blessing. The writer seeks to encourage them to move ahead in their spiritual lives by showing them that in Christ they have the “better” blessings. He is the “author and perfecter [finisher] of our faith” (12:2). The book presents the Christian faith and life as superior to Judaism or any other religious system. Christ is the superior Person (1–6); His Priesthood is superior to that of Aaron (7–10); and the principle of faith is superior to that of law (11–13).^[3]

If familiar with the letters of the New Testament, you will immediately recognize that Hebrews begins in rather unusual way.  There is no small talk, no personal greetings, no salutation, no words of explanation.  Instead, Hebrews begins with a great theological discussion about the nature of God.  It is easy to conclude from opening paragraph that the writer of this letter had strong Jewish background.

Jews would never argue about or try to justify or try to defend the existence of God.  The basic assumption of Hebrew theology is that God is.  That can be seen in very first verse of OT which says, "In the beginning God..."  And so at the very beginning of Hebrews, rather than attempting to prove the existence of God, the writer begins by stating a great truth about God.  Look at Hebrews 1:1-2a (text)...

In the B.C. comic series by Johnny Hart there is the following comic strip:

·         Frame 1 - A man is on knees praying on what is obviously bright, sunshiny day, "God, the Bible says you created light."

·         Frame 2 – The man, still in the bright light of day, continues the prayer by asking God, "How do we know the Bible is true?" 

·         Frame 3 – The man is in total darkness and all that is visible is the whites of his eyes.  And in that total darkness the man says to God, "Okay.  That's good enough for me."

Don't you wish God always spoke to us that clearly?  Well, the book of Hebrews begins with the assertion that God has indeed spoken and spoken clearly to us.  God has made Himself known.  Theologians call this activity of God revelation.  Christianity is a religion of revelation.  God has taken the initiative to make Himself known to us.  He has spoken.

If look carefully at Hebrews 1:1-2 will see the writer of Hebrews refers to two major time frames in which God has spoken.  In verse 1 he says that God spoke "long ago" and in verse 2 he says that God has spoken "in these last days."  Hebrews was written to Jewish people.  Jews, especially in the first century world, divided all of history into two periods -- the days before the coming of the Messiah and the days after the coming of the Messiah.  Following that division, "long ago" refers to all the days before Christ and "last days" refers to all the days after Christ.

With that in mind, want you see what these verses say about how God has spoken...

I.  Long ago God spoke through the prophets

1.   Hebrews 1:1 refers to God's self-revelatory activity in the OT.  The writer tells us that in times past God spoke through "the prophets in many portions and in many ways."  That phrase is rich in meaning.  In the most general sense, a prophet was anyone who spoke for God or through whom God spoke. 

   The Jews believed that prophets wrote Scripture. This is why Moses was considered a prophet (cf. Deut. 18:15) and why the Jews labeled the historical books of Joshua through Kings as the “former prophets.” Therefore, this phrase does not refer to the OT prophets only, but to all the OT writers.

   The phrase “in (en) the prophets” (v. 1) is parallel to “in (en) His son” (v. 2). There is an obvious contrast between the two means of revelation. One was a servant and one is a family member. The first was only partial but the second is full and complete (cf. Col. 1:15–17).^[4]

2.   The verse is saying that God revealed Himself to and through the writers of the Old Testament in a variety of ways.  Sometimes He used visions, other times parables, other times symbols.  And the prophets used a variety of literary devices to communicate these revelations of God.  Sometimes they used poetry, other times narrative, other sometimes law, and sometimes prophecy.  But no matter what the form of the revelation or what the form of the literary device used to communicate it, it was always God speaking.

3.   What does God's self-revelation through the prophets of the OT say to us about God today?  Well, among other things, it is a reminder of God's great patience toward us.  The OT spans a period of 1500 years written by some 40+ writers.  But when you read it through eyes of faith, you can see it is all pointing toward the Christ event.  But God allowed the revelation to unfold a piece at a time so the people could understand it.

4.   Just as children are first taught letters, then words, then phrases, then sentences, and then paragraphs, so God allowed His revelation to unfold a piece at a time.  Genesis reveals some truth, Exodus more, and so forth and so on until the time was right for God to reveal Himself fully and completely in Jesus Christ.

4.   And even though the revelation of God in the OT was necessarily incomplete and fragmentary because that is all the people could comprehend, God never lost patience or gave up on His creation.

II.  In the last days God has spoken through His Son

1.   The tense of the verb "has spoken" in v.2 describes an action in its entirety.  In the coming of Christ --His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection -- God has spoken His full and final word to the world.  The idea is, “God having spoken in the prophets, has now spoke fully and completely in His Son.”

2.   This is what makes Christianity different from all other world religions.  All other religions represent humanity's attempt to discover God.  Only Christianity speaks of God bursting into our world to reveal Himself.  And that's why it is foolish for someone to say, "It doesn't matter what you belief or what religion you follow, as long as your sincere."  It most certainly does matter.  It matter's because we are incapable of identifying, understanding, and knowing God on our own strength.  For us to know Him, God had to come to us and make Himself known.  And that's exactly what He did in Jesus.

1.      In 1963 Karl Barth, the famous theologian, was asked to give the Princeton Lectures at Princeton University.  A student asked him, "Sir, don't you think God has revealed himself in other religions and not only Christianity."  According the reports of the meeting, Barth shocked those who were present by saying, "No, God has not revealed himself in any religion, including Christianity.  He has revealed himself in his Son."  I think the writer of Hebrews would say “amen” to that!

1.   The implications of that for us are staggering.  Because God has revealed Himself to us, the way to knowing God is not discovery but acceptance.  Some people think the way to God involves some long, difficult, mysterious journey.  They speak of "finding or discovering or searching" for God.  But God does not need to be found for He has never been lost.  He is not playing some game of celestial hide and seek with us.  The way to God involves accepting what He has already shown us about Himself in Jesus Christ.

2.   That is why Jesus said:

--to some Pharisees who were questioning His authority to teach, "You know neither Me, nor My Father; if you know Me, you would know My Father also." (John 8:19)

--to Thomas, one of His disciples, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:7)

--to Philip, another disciple, who requested that Jesus show him God, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip?  He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, 'Show us the Father'?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?"

3.   What's the point?...the point is that in Jesus Christ God has revealed Himself fully and completely to us...and if you want to know God, the way to know Him is through Jesus...

CONCLUSION

1.   What an amazing statement!..."God, after He spoke long ago to the father's in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son..."

2.   That is the foundation of everything else we believe as Christians...

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 1:1–3). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (674–675). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (674). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[4] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (8). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

Hebrews 1:4-14

Hebrews 1:4-14

In this section the writer of Hebrews makes the case that Christ is superior to the angels.  This was an important distinction for those early Jewish Christians who were being tempted to return to the old Jewish sacrificial system which placed great emphasis on angels.  Essentially, the author makes five arguments regarding the superiority of Christ over angels:

1.      Christ is “the Son” of God while angels are sometimes merely referred to as “sons” of God

2.      Angels are commanded to worship the Son

3.      Angels are servants; Christ is sovereign

4.      Angels are creatures; Christ is creator

5.      Angels are ministers; Christ is mediator

In the following material all the text in italics is a direct quote from The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren Wiersbe.

Angels were most important in the Jewish religion, primarily because thousands of angels assisted in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This fact is stated in Deuteronomy 33:2 (where “saints” in kjv means “holy ones” or “angels”); Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; and Galatians 3:19. Since the theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Christ and His salvation to the Law of Moses, the writer would have to deal with the important subject of angels.

This long section on angels is divided into three sections. First, there is an affirmation (Heb. 1:4–14) of the superiority of Christ to the angels. The proof presented consists of seven quotations from the Old Testament. Second, there is an exhortation (Heb. 2:1–4) that the readers (and this includes us) pay earnest heed to the Word God has given through His Son. Finally, there is an explanation (Heb. 2:5–18) as to how Christ, with a human body, could still be superior to angels who are spirits.

Affirmation: Christ Is Superior to the Angels (Heb. 1:4–14)

This section is comprised of seven quotations from the Old Testament, all of which prove the superiority of Christ to the angels. Scholars tell us that the writer quoted from the Greek version of the Hebrew Old Testament, known as the Septuagint. (The word Septuagint is a Greek word that means “seventy.” Tradition claims that seventy men translated the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek. The abbreviation for Septuagint is LXX, Roman numerals for seventy.) However, the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures has the right to quote and restate the truth as He sees fit.

Let us note the affirmations that are made about our Lord Jesus Christ, and the quotations that are cited to support them.

He is the Son (vv. 4–5)

The “more excellent name” that Jesus possesses is “Son.” While the angels collectively may be termed “the sons of God” (Job 1:6), no angel would be given this title individually. It belongs uniquely to our Lord Jesus Christ. The first quotation is from Psalm 2:7: “Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.” Paul pinpointed the time of this “begetting”: the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:33). From eternity, Jesus Christ was God the Son. He humbled Himself and became Man (see Phil. 2:5–6). In His resurrection, however, He glorified that humanity received from the Father and received back the eternal glory He had veiled (John 17:1, 5). The Resurrection declares: “Jesus is God’s Son!” (Rom. 1:4)

“you are my son” This is the first in a series of seven OT passages quoted from the Septuagint to prove the superiority of the Messiah over the angels. The first phrase comes from Ps. 2:7, while the second is from 2 Sam. 7:14. This first phrase is used several times in the Gospels to refer to Christ:

1.   at His baptism (cf. Matt. 3:17; Lk, 3:22)

2.   at the Transfiguration (cf. Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7)

3.   at the Resurrection (cf. Acts 13:33; Rom. 1:4)^[1]

“today I have begotten thee” - Jesus has always been deity (cf. John 1:1–18). Therefore, this cannot refer to the essence of His nature, but to His manifestation in time (the incarnation). Some commentators relate it to the resurrection (cf. Rom. 1:3–4). ^[2]

The second quotation is from 2 Samuel 7:14. The immediate application in David’s experience was to his son, Solomon, whom God would love and discipline as a son (see Ps. 89:27). But the ultimate application is to Jesus Christ, the “greater than Solomon” (Matt. 12:42).

He is the Firstborn who receives worship (v. 6)

The term “firstborn” in the Bible does not always mean “born first.” God made Solomon the firstborn (Ps. 89:27) even though Solomon is listed tenth in the official genealogy (1 Chron. 3:1–5). The title is one of rank and honor, for the firstborn receives the inheritance and the special blessing. Christ is the “Firstborn of all creation” (Col. 1:15, nasb) because He created all things; and He is the highest of all who came back from the dead (Col. 1:18). When He came into the world, the angels worshiped Him (quoted from Deut. 32:43 in the LXX: “Heavens, rejoice with Him, let the sons of God pay Him homage!”). God commanded them to do so, which proves that Jesus Christ is God; for none of God’s angels would worship a mere creature.

“into the world” This implies the pre-existent Jesus, who has always been deity, but a new stage of His redemptive ministry began at Bethlehem when He took on human flesh (cf. Phil. 2:6–8a). ^[3]

He says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship him’ ” This is a quote from the Septuagint of either Deut. 32:43 or Ps. 97:7. The Hebrew word for “angels” used in Ps. 97:7 is Elohim. From Cave #4 of the Dead Sea Scrolls we have a corroboration of this Septuagint translation. The term Elohim can refer to God, angelic beings, human judges (cf. Exod. 21:6; 22:8–9), or even the human spirit (cf. 1 Sam. 28:13).^[4]

He is served by the angels (v. 7)

This is a quotation from Psalm 104:4. The Hebrew and Greek words for “spirit” are also translated “wind.” Angels are created spirits; they have no bodies, though they can assume human forms when ministering on earth. Angels sometimes served our Lord when He was on earth (Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43), and they serve Him and us now.

He is God enthroned and anointed (vv. 8–9)

In some false cults this quotation from Psalm 45:6–7 is translated, “Thy divine throne,” because cultists dislike this strong affirmation that Jesus Christ is God. But the translation must stand: “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Angels minister before the throne; they do not sit on the throne. One of the main teachings of Psalm 110 is that Jesus Christ, God’s Anointed (Messiah, Christ), is now enthroned in glory. Jesus Himself referred to this important psalm (Mark 12:35–37; 14:62), and Peter used it on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:34–36). Our Lord has not yet entered into His earthly kingdom, but He has been enthroned in glory (Eph. 1:20).

Thy throne, O God, is forever” This is a quote from the Septuagint of Ps. 45:6, which addresses the Messianic King. In the OT context the PRONOUN is very ambiguous and can refer to God the Father or God the Son. However, in this text it seems that this is one of the strongest affirmations of the deity of Christ found anywhere in the Scriptures (cf. John 1:18; 20:28).^[5]

When Christ ascended and entered the heavenly glory, He was anointed for His heavenly ministry with “the oil of gladness” (Heb. 1:9). This probably refers to Psalm 16:11, which Peter referred to at Pentecost: “Thou shalt make Me full of joy with Thy countenance” (Acts 2:28). What a joyful scene that must have been! Psalm 45 is a wedding psalm, and our Lord today is the heavenly Bridegroom who experiences “the joy that was set before Him” (Heb. 12:2). Angels praise Him, but they cannot share that position or that joy. Our Lord’s throne is forever, which means He is eternal God.

He is the eternal Creator (vv. 10–12)

This long quotation comes from Psalm 102:25–27. The angels did not found the earth, for they too are a part of creation. Jesus Christ is the Creator, and one day He will do away with the old creation and bring in a new creation. Everything around us changes, but He will never change. He is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Creation is like an old garment which will one day be discarded in favor of a new one.

Christ is the Sovereign; angels are the servants (vv. 13–14)

Again, the writer quotes Psalm 110:1. The fact that Jesus Christ is now at the Father’s right hand (the place of honor) is mentioned many times in the New Testament (see Matt. 22:43–44; 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33–34; Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). Angels are the ministering spirits who serve the Lord seated on the throne. But they also minister to us who are the “heirs of salvation” through faith in Christ. The angels today are serving us!

It would be impossible to do away with the evidence presented in these quotations. Jesus Christ is greater than the angels, and this means He is also greater than the Law which they helped deliver to the people of lsrael.^[6]

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^[1] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (12). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

^[2] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (12). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

^[3] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (14). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

^[4] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (14). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

^[5] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 10: The Superiority of the New Covenant: Hebrews. Study Guide Commentary Series (14). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

^[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 1:4–14). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.