Jesus Christ, “who being the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Hebrews 1:3-4(NKJV)
Some of the false doctrines that tried to invade the early church continues to invade some of the religions today. Many tried to proclaim that Jesus was either a prophet or perhaps even an angel sent from God. There had been mention in old testament scripture that angels were sent at times to guide the people or to speak God’s words to His people. It would be much easier to believe that Jesus was “an angel or prophet of God” than to accept that He was God Incarnate as God’s only son. Some said then and some still say that it doesn’t really matter which we believe, as long as we believe in God. Yet, that is a lie!
That is why the book of Hebrews is so important to grasp both for those who know Christ as their Savior and those who are yet in search of God’s Grace. For the sinner, knowing who Christ really is becomes the pivotal point of accepting Him as your Savior. For the Christian to truly comprehend the truth of this great salvation we have been given; we must first place Jesus in His rightful place without compromising to sound politically correct.
Thus the writer of Hebrews begins to lay out his argument as to why Jesus Christ was greater than the angels and that Jesus was God’s only begotten son who was God Himself in human flesh. Why is this so important to understand?
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord” Hebrews 2 (TLB)
Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11 (NIV)
Unless you place Jesus in His rightful place and believe that He is God’s son; then, there is no hope of salvation. Only Perfect Righteousness could be the Sacrificial lamb who would pay the penalty of sin for all who would believe once and for all. There was no hope that I could keep the law or become righteous of my own accord. I needed a Savior!!
So, as I try to help you understand this vital argument; I pray that God open the eyes of your heart. Only He can reveal the depth of this truth; as it goes beyond human understanding and must be accepted through faith. God does not live in our time/space capsule. For that reason, some of the truths of the gospel seem a mystery to our minds. Often, we see these very truths become contention between various believers, which should never be the case. We see that among the Calvinists and Armenians who argue between predestination and free-will as though all of the gospel hinges on this distinction; closing their minds to the truth that for God both are true in the same, as He does not live in our time/space capsule.
The one truth that cannot compromise is this: Jesus Christ is God—as the perfect reflection of God’s Glory and image who took upon Himself human flesh to die, purging once and for all the sins of all who would believe in Him for salvation.
Before we stop to break down all these arguments presented by the writer of Hebrews, let us stop and pause for a moment to remember the magnificent truth of the gospel.
Jesus Christ, through whom the world was spoken into being, willingly left His throne to come to earth. Being born as a baby He came to suffer, be tempted and tried (though without sin). He came to face hunger, pain, sorrow, rejection and then, to be the bearer of all of God’s wrath. He, the beloved-obedient perfect son was torn from His Father’s loving presence and the comforting Spirit for a moment in time as all of God’s wrath against sin was poured out upon His shoulders. This He did to purchase my salvation and yours, if only you believe. His great desire is to lavish upon you His love, His Joy and His Glory—if only you would believe and accept His gift of Salvation.
[tweetthis]Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and your forever King?[/tweetthis]
Listen to this beautiful hymn written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend which is here sung by an Acapella group IN CHRIST ALONE
The picture today is used by permission of Ronald Barba who holds the copyright. Copies can be found at http://fineartamerica.com/featured/ultimate-inspiration-gods-plan-of-love-ronald-barba.html
New King James Version(NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.