Hebrews Chapter 1

Hebrews 1:1-2

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

The phrase many times and various ways comes from the Greek word polumeros, which would be better translated as "in many parts." In other words, this self- revelation of God was done in fragments, a little here and a little there. In Old Testament times, there was no full disclosure about the character of God. Even searching all the different prophets would reveal only a partial disclosure of God.

These partial revelations, given to men at various times and in various ways, were often misunderstood. Sometimes, men even manipulated the truth or purposely distorted the truth revealed by God. Right up to our present time, partial truths still exist in religions throughout the world.

In these last days He has spoken to us through His Son. The point here is that Jesus is God in flesh. He is heir of all things and made all things. He is co-equal to the Father.

It isn’t so much that Jesus brought a message from the Father; He is a message from the Father. The idea is that Jesus is far more than the latest or best prophet. In the revelation from Jesus we see the personality of God.

We will see the Book of Hebrews make reference to the OT many times – 82 in total!

Purpose of Hebrews

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A. The author wanted to warn Jewish Christians against the possibility of regressing back into Judaism. B. He did this by showing the complete superiority and finality of Christ over every aspect of the Jewish system.

Hebrews 1:2b-3

He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

The word radiance or brightness is apaugasma, which speaks of the radiance that shines from a source of light. The idea is that Jesus is the “beam” of God’s glory. We never actually see the sun – only the rays of light. We have never seen the Father, but we see Him through the ray of light from Jesus.

The exact representation of his being - Jesus exactly represents God the father to us.

God’s word is so powerful that all things were made by His word.

(Slide 05) Genesis 1:3

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

God’s word literally sustains everything in our universe!

God’s great love provided a way through Jesus to remove our guilt and shame by forgiving our sins.

Sitting at the right hand of Majesty in heaven is a position of honor, glory and of finished work. This position sets Jesus far above all creation.

Hebrews 1:4

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So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Jesus is eternally better than the angels but became better in the sense that He was made our redeemer through His suffering – something no angel ever did.

There is no higher name in earth or in heaven. Jesus has been given the name of Lord, or Jehovah, and no name given either to men or angels is above that name.

Jesus’ status is demonstrated by His superior name. His name is not just a title but a description of His nature and character.

The author uses the contrast with angels to help us understand Jesus.

- There was a dangerous tendency to worship angels developing in the early Church (Colossians 2:18, Galatians 1:8), and Hebrews shows that Jesus is high above any angel. - There was the heretical idea that Jesus Himself was an angel, a concept that degrades His glory and majesty. - Understanding how Jesus is better than the angels helps us to understand how He is better than anyone or anything in our life.

Jesus is superior to the Angels

Hebrews 1:5

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?

No angel was individually given the great name of Son.

I have become your Father – speaks of the equality of substance and essential nature between the Father and Son. It means that the Father and the Son share the same being. This was the highest place that anyone could achieve, and this again indicated that the place appointed to Jesus was higher than that of any other person or angel. 3

Hebrews 1:6-7

And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”

The firstborn: This word was used both as an idea and to designate the one born first. Since the firstborn son was “first in line” and received the position of favor and honor, the title “firstborn” indicates that someone was of the highest position and honor.

According to Rabbi Bechai (quoted in Lightfoot) the ancient Rabbis called Yahweh Himself “Firstborn of the World.” It was a title, not a description of origin.

Let all God's angels worship Him: Jesus is superior because He is the object of angelic worship, not an angelic worshipper. They worship Him; He does not worship among them. Revelation 5 gives a glimpse of the angelic worship of Jesus.

He makes His angels spirits and His servants flames of fire: Jesus is Lord over the angels. They are His angels and His ministers. The angels belong to Jesus, and He is not among them.

Hebrews 1:8-12

But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

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Your throne, O God: This makes it plain that the Father calls the Son God. When the First Person of the Trinity spoke to the Second Person of the Trinity, He called Him God. This is unique and powerful evidence of the deity of Jesus.

Jesus is the True and Living God, called so here by God the Father, and also by John in John 1:1, by Thomas in John 20:28, and by Paul in Titus 2:13 and Titus 3:4.

This shows that Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity is immutable, unchanging, and eternal (Your years will never end). Psalm 102:25-27 says this of Yahweh and the writer to the Hebrews says that it clearly applies to Jesus as well.

Hebrews 1:13-14

To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Sit at My right hand: Anyone who sits in the divine presence shows they have the perfect right to be there. There are no seats for the angels around the throne of God because they are constantly busy praising God and serving Him.

To which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand.” The angels are not permitted to “relax” before God. They “stand” before the Father, but the Son sits down – because He isn’t a subject, He is the Sovereign.

Are not all angels ministering spirits: Angels are ministering spirits, not governing spirits; service, not dominion is their calling. In this respect angels are like a toy that won’t quit. They keep working while the Son takes a posture of rest because He is the Son.

The angels are commanded to serve God, but He shares His servants with redeemed men and women. This shows the great love of God for us and how He wants to share all things with us.

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So in conclusion, from Hebrews chapter 1 we have learned that Jesus is co-equal creator with God the Father.

Jesus is superior to the created angels. They are ministering spirits, while Jesus is God. Jesus is not a created being or the brother of Satan. Can you see how someone who receives a "new" revelation from "God" must be tested against what is written in the Bible? Part of the so-called revelation to complete scripture revealed to Joseph Smith was that Jesus was an angel - the brother of Satan who originally was an archangel. But this idea that Jesus was an angel was something that started in the early church and was denounced by the apostles - including the author of Hebrews.

Jesus currently sits at the right hand of God in heaven, indicating His work for us has been completed, while angels are sent to continue ministering and serving the saints.

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