GOD’S PERFECT 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.
What is the source of special knowledge from the heavens? Where should one seek guidance from “beyond the veil”? How can one access and attain true spirituality? Horoscopes, Ouija boards, spirit guides, mediums, psychic readings … all of these, whether people realize it or not, are forms of angel worship. Angels have always captured the imaginations of men. And for many reasons, they ought to (Jude 8). They are God’s messenger-servants (Acts 7:53). But one thing we are prone to do, but mustn’t do, is put them in the place of God (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10, 22:8-9). They are “sons of God” with a little “s” (Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7); Jesus is the one and only “Son of God,” with a big capital “S.” This is the first extended argument in Hebrews (1:4-2:18). The evidence for the case is based on seven Old Testament verses.
1. Psalm 2:7 & 2 Samuel 7:14: Jesus is God’s Son in a superior sense (1:4-5). Though they are sons in a general sense, God has never looked at an individual angel and declared, “You are My Son.”
2. Deuteronomy 32:43 (LXX): While Jesus gets the highest job placement, angels, while being called “sons of God,” are told to worship Jesus (1:6).
3. Psalms 104:4 (LXX), 45:6-7, 102:25-27, & 110:1: Angels have a lower nature than Jesus the Son (1:7-14). God can use the elements of wind and fire as His messengers, serving the same servant role as angels. In contrast, Jesus’ work isn’t related to such fleeting things as wind and fire, but God’s everlasting throne, established by a pure love of right and hatred of evil. In Psalm 102:25, it is God Himself speaking when it says, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth … and your years will have no end.” To whom is GOD saying this? He is saying it to Christ! Likewise with Psalm 110: “The Lord says to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand / Until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet’” (NASB). Jesus is seated in God’s throne from judgment.
So, if it was dangerous to ignore angels, how much more dangerous to ignore the Son? (2:1-4) What is more exciting to you: the thought of having a guardian angel or of having a conquering Savior? When you hold a Bible, you hold the only true guide for living from the spirit realm.
- 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.