Church of the Nazarene – East Rock
Christ Above All: Hebrews Part 1
The heartbeat of the Book of Hebrews is the ultimate supremacy of Christ over all.
The heartbeat of the Book of Hebrews is the ultimate supremacy of Christ over all. Jesus is above every power, every battle, even every prophet from the scriptures- Christ is above all. So, much of our study will zero in on Christ, why He is above all, and how our thoughts and lives should be different because of Him.
The letter of Hebrews begins with that same focus, and that’s where we begin today-
Hebrews 1:1-2
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 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.
Without any greeting or introduction, the author dives right into the matter at hand- The supremacy of Christ.
We don’t know for certain who the author of this letter is. We do know that the author is well trained in the Greek language, and he knows the Old Testament scriptures and the story of God’s people very well.
The author begins by setting up a contrast, between the back then of the Old Testament, and the now of Christ.
He basically says “We used to hear form God second hand through his messengers, but now we hear straight from Him through Jesus Christ, His son”
In the first sentence the author is already establishing the supremacy of Christ.
Hebrews 1:2-4
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 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. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Verses 1-4 are one sentence in the original Greek, and within this one packed sentence there are 7 different affirmations of the person, work, and status of Christ.
“Christ is the appointed heir of all things.” Jesus is the one set in authority by the father, witnessed in the Old Testament scriptures.
“Through whom also he made the universe.” Jesus Christ is an active agent with the father in the creation of the universe.
“Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.”Jesus told his disciples “If you have seen me, you have seen the father.” That’s the essence of this passage.
“Jesus is the one sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Jesus is leading his plan of redemption on, by his powerful word.
“Christ provided purification for sins.” The blood of Christ provided a sacrifice that didn’t need to be repeated. Once and for all, Christ atoned for our sin.
“He is seated at the right hand of God.” Having finished his work, he is enthroned in the position of power and authority.
“Jesus is above all angels and heavenly hosts.” Throughout the the letter, the author will show that Christ is superior to the angels, to the old covenant and Moses himself.
The letter of Hebrews declares this truth loud and clear throughout the centuries- Christ is above all.
He’s above creation, He’s above the seen and unseen, He’s above every problem you can conceive of for your life.
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