GOD’S COMPLETE REVELATION
Hebrews 1:1–4 (ESV)
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the culmination of God’s plan of salvation. The majesty of God’s Son is put forth with seven things that make Him better than any prior revelator. These describe how Jesus is related to God and creation in a way that makes Him the absolute best.
1) God has appointed Him the heir of all things. As God’s Son, Jesus’ full interest is invested in this saving enterprise. He is the Royal Son of Psalm 2:8: “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (ESV). He has the right and interest to rule, given straight from God (Mt. 11:27, Jn. 3:35).
2) Through Him God created the world. This primacy didn’t come sometime after the fact. Jesus Christ is no trust fund brat or lesser manager taking up the Father’s successful business. He was the One who carried out the work of creation (cf. Col. 1:16, Jn. 1:3, 1Cor. 8:6).
3) He is the full radiance of God. Jesus doesn’t merely reflect His Father’s glory the way, say, moonlight is just a reflection of sunlight. He shines with God’s full brightness (2Cor. 4:6). God’s glory is His glory (Jn. 1:14). They are equal.
4) He is the exact imprint of God’s nature. The same way a seal or mold leaves a perfect image of itself, so Jesus is a perfect representation of God to the world. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9 ESV).
5) The universe is upheld by His power. Jesus doesn’t just own everything. Nor did He simply build it all and leave it to run down. He is instrumental in all of creation continuing to run. “… in Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17 ESV).
6) He made purification for sins. Jesus is not merely concerned with upholding matter and energy, flesh and blood. He took on flesh in order to resolve the problem of evil and suffering. He isn’t just concerned with presiding over scientific laws. He embodied them to preside over moral truth by rendering Himself as a sacrifice (Heb. 2:9, 9:12-13).
7) He is sitting at the right hand of God now. He lowered Himself to cleanse us. He did not stay down. Having put His life on the line, taking up the inheritance, He now reigns as the proven Heir whom the world should obey.
- MDS
WORKS USED
McClister, David. A Commentary on Hebrews. Temple Terrace, FL: Florida College Press, 2010.
Stedman, Ray C. Hebrews. IVP New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1992.
Thompson, James. The Letter to the Hebrews. The Living Word Commentary. Austin, TX: R.B. Sweet Co., Inc.,
1971.