Hebrews 1

Hebrews 1:1-14

Predestination: The Supreme Revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God – Hebrews 1:1-14 discusses the supreme revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Hebrews 1:1-4), predestined to be heir of all things, which reflects first phase of redemption that Jesus Christ fulfilled in securing our eternal redemption as an heir by His Sonship. His divine attributes and His death, burial and resurrection brought Him exaltation at the right hand of God far above the ministries of all heavenly angels, which statement the author expounds upon using a number of Old Testament passages regarding Jesus’ deity (Hebrews 1:5-14). Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Opening Claim: Jesus the Son of God — Hebrews 1:1-4
2. Scriptural Support for Opening Claim — Hebrews 1:5-14

Hebrews 1:5-14

Scriptural Support for Opening Claim - The Old Testament prophets have declared Jesus Christ to be the pre-incarnate Son of God and rightful heir to the throne of God. The author of Hebrews supports his claim of Jesus’ deity and superiority to the prophets by contrasting His calling and office to the office of the heavenly angels, who are described as servants rather than sons. He draws a distinction between Jesus’ deity and His superiority over the angels (Hebrews 1:5-14). The author uses these Old Testament passages to contrast the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ as God, who is seated at the throne of God, with the office of God’s angels, who are described as servants. That is, this passage explains why Jesus’ name is more excellent than the angels and why Jesus Himself is superior. The author proves that since the birth of Jesus Christ, He has been declared the pre-incarnate Son of God, who is now seated at the throne of God. The opening passage of the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:1-4) has introduced Jesus Christ as the Son of God, being superior to the angels and fulfilling all Old Covenant prophecies. In the rest of this passage of Scripture (Hebrews 1:5-14) the author explains and justifies his opening statement, or claim, by using a number of Old Testament prophecies to reveal the predestination of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and heir to His throne. Each of the prophecies in Hebrews 1:5-14 supports one of the divine attributes of Jesus Christ listed in Hebrews 1:1-4, and they are presented in that same order. For example, the first set of Old Testament prophecies declaring Jesus’ Sonship (Hebrews 1:5-6) support the first divine attribute of Jesus Christ, which says, “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:2). The second Old Testament prophecy declaring Jesus as Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:8-9) supports His second divine attribute, which says, “whom He has appointed heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). The third Old Testament prophecy declaring Jesus’ Christ’ role in the creation of all things (Hebrews 1:10-12) supports His third divine attribute, which says, “through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2).

The fourth Old Testament prophecy declaring Jesus’ lordship over all things (Hebrews 1:13) supports His final divine attribute, which says, “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). The Old Testament references to angels (Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14) supports his final statement in Hebrews 1:4 declaring Jesus Christ’s superiority over all angelic creatures.

The author could have chosen to support his declaration of the other three divine attributes of Jesus Christ listed in Hebrews 1:1-4 through Old Testament Scripture, but he chose not to do so because of the divine principle that a matter is confirmed in the mouth of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1. 1 Timothy 5:19, Hebrews 10:28), so that the three witnesses he presented from the Old Testament of Jesus’ divinity are sufficient to support all seven divine attributes contained within his opening claim that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Hebrews 1:1-4). In addition, the author chose these four testimonies supporting the three aspects of the deity of Jesus Christ the Son of God because they are necessary for Him to fulfill His role as our Great High Priest. He is the Son and heir of all things (Hebrews 1:5-6), rules in righteousness (Hebrews 1:8-9), He is eternal (Hebrews 1:10-12), and He sits at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:13). Thus, he will discuss these divine attributes further in his epistle.Divine Attribute O. T. TestimonyThe Son of God 1:5-6

1. Appointed heir of all things Hebrews 1:8-92. By whom also he made the worlds Hebrews 1:10-123. Who being the brightness of his glory
2. The express image of his person
3. Upholding all things by the word of his power
4. He by himself purged our sins
5. Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Hebrews 1:13 This passage serves as the author’s initial explanation for his opening statement in Hebrews 1:1-4 of Jesus’ fulfillment and superiority to all previous revelation to mankind through the office of the Old Testament prophets. This superior office of Jesus makes the revelation of the Gospel superior to the office and ministry and messages of heavenly angels. The author deals with the office of angels first, since the Jews understood their ministry as the most superior revelation of God known to them. The Office of Jesus Christ is Contrasted with the Office of Angels - Throughout the Holy Scriptures, the Old Testament prophets have declared Him to be the pre-incarnate Son of God and rightful heir to the throne of God. The author builds his argument by contrasting His calling and office to the office of the heavenly angels, who are described as servants rather than sons. He draws a distinction between Jesus’ deity and His superiority over the angels (Hebrews 1:5-14). The author uses these Old Testament passages to contrast the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ as God, who is seated at the throne of God, with the office of God’s angels, who are described as servants. That is, this passage explains why Jesus’ name is more excellent than the angels and why Jesus Himself is superior. The author proves that since the birth of Jesus Christ He has been declared the pre-incarnate Son of God, who is now seated at the throne of God. Hebrews 1:5-14 establishes the Sonship of Jesus (Hebrews 1:5-7), which becomes the basis for His Lordship over all creation (Hebrews 1:8-14). Jesus alone is called the Son of God (Hebrews 1:5), to be worshipped by angels (Hebrews 1:6). While the angels were created to serve (Hebrews 1:7), Jesus was appointed to reign over all of creation (Hebrews 1:8-9). Jesus Christ is the Creator, pre-incarnate and eternal (Hebrews 1:10-12) who will rule over his enemies (Hebrews 1:13), while the angels are to serve those who partake of the salvation wrought by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:14). Thus, this office of the Son is contrasted with the office of the heavenly angels, who are described as servants rather than sons. This passage serves as the author’s initial explanation for his opening statement in Hebrews 1:1-4 of Jesus’ fulfillment and superiority to all previous revelation to mankind through the office of the Old Testament prophets. This superior office of Jesus makes the revelation of the Gospel superior to the office and ministry and messages of heavenly angels. The author deals with the office of angels first since the Jews understood their ministry as the most superior revelation of God known to them. This passage in Hebrews 1:5-14 clearly establishes the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He is also the eternal God. In the opening sentence of Heb 1:1-4 you can immediately sense the superiority of God speaking through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the long-awaited earthly king of the Jews. The revelation that this King would also be God Himself must have been beyond natural reason for the Jewish mind who was hoping for an earthly king, the Son of David, who would deliver from the oppressive Roman government. They fully understood the authority of the Word of God in their lives. They understood the Old Testament Scriptures to have been delivered by the prophets of Old.

They understood how angels often visited men in the Old Testament and delivered the Word of God to them. Thus, the author of Hebrews explains Jesus’ superiority over both the words of prophets (Hebrews 1:1-4) and the words given by angels (Hebrews 1:5-14). In Hebrews 2:2 the authority of the words given by angels is mentioned when it says, “For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward…” Thus, the author is contrasting superiority of Jesus Christ to the prophets and angels, whom God used to speak the words of authority under the Old Covenant. Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:5 — “For unto which of the angels said he at any time” - Comments – The Greek conjunction γὰρ (for) always introduces a subordinate clause. In this case, it introduces a doctrinal discourse to support the author’s claim made in Hebrews 1:1-4. In other words Hebrews 1:5-14 supports the claim made in Hebrews 1:1-4. Hebrews 1:5 — “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?” – Comments - This quote comes from Psalms 2:7, “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” Paul cites Psalms 2:7 as a prophecy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:33). Thus, this passage refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and not the first birth of Jesus Christ by His mother Mary. Acts 13:33, “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.” Jesus was made a Priest by God Himself at this time of His resurrection, as the author tells us in Hebrews 5:5, “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.” Hebrews 1:5 — “And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” – Scripture References - Note: 2 Samuel 7:14, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:” 1 Chronicles 17:13, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:” 1 Chronicles 22:10, “He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:6, “And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.” Psalms 89:26, “He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” Hebrews 1:5 — Comments - Hebrews 1:5 refers to Jesus’ physical birth in the statement “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee,” and to His deity in the words “I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son.” When Jesus claimed that God was His Father, the Jews sought to kill Him, because it made Jesus Christ equal to God, that is, it established the fact that Jesus Christ was deity. John 5:18, “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6 — “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world” – Comments - Jesus is the first one to experience eternal resurrection, so that He is called “the first born.” Psalms 89:27, “Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.” Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” Colossians 1:15, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Revelation 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” Revelation 3:14, “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;” Hebrews 1:6 — “he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” - Comments - This quote bears a close resemblance to Psalms 97:7. Psalms 97:7, “Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.” The LXX gives us a closer translation of this text from Psalms 97:7 by using the word “angels” instead of “gods”: Brenton reads, “Let all that worship graven images be ashamed, who boast of their idols; worship him, all ye his angels.” (Psalms 97:7) It can also be a quote from Deuteronomy 32:43 : Deuteronomy 32:43, “Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.” (KJV) However, this exact phrase is not found in the Hebrew text. But it is found in the Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls of Deu 32:43. Brenton reads, “Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of his sons, and he will render vengeance, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall purge the land of his people.” (Deuteronomy 32:43) Therefore, most scholars agree that Hebrews 1:6 is a quote from the LXX. Most likely, the author was quoting from a version other than the Massoretic text. Hebrews 1:6 — Comments - Hebrews 1:6 refers to the time of Jesus’ birth when it says, “when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world.” At the birth of Jesus we read in Luke 2:13-14 how all the heavenly host praised God, worshiping His Son. Jesus is to be worshipped by angels. Luke 2:13-14, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. Hebrews 1:7 — Comments - Hebrews 1:7 is a quote from Psalms 104:4. Here, the author is not speaking to the angels. Rather, he is quoting on Old Testament Scripture in regards to the angels’ works and their divine function, or task. Psalms 104:4, “Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire.” “And of the angels” – Comments - We can translate this phrase to read, “in reference to the angels.” There are numerous references to angels speaking to and ministering to men in the Scriptures. The angels rescue Lot and his daughters (Genesis 18:1 to Genesis 19:22). The angel visited Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20) and Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28-38). When angels confront man in the Bible, man gives them much respect. Their works are supernatural and awesome in man’s eyes. David spoke to the Lord when he saw an angel: 2 Samuel 24:17, “And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.” Yet, these angels worship the Son, Jesus Christ. “Who maketh his angels spirits” – Comments - Angels dwell in the spiritual realm and move about supernaturally. BDAG translates the word “spirit” as “winds.” Note examples of angels being seen in the form of wind: 2 Samuel 5:24, “And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.” 1 Kings 19:11-12, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” “and his ministers a flame of fire” – Word Study on “ministers” – Vine tells us the Greek word λειτουργός (G3011) refers to “one who discharged a public office at his own expense,” and generally, “a public servant, minister.” In other words, it refers to a minister who represents a government or royal official rather than a household servant. Comments - Note examples of angels being seen in the form of fire: Genesis 15:17, “And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.” Exodus 3:2, “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” Acts 7:30, “And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.” Perhaps angels are in Revelation 9:15-18, when the four angels destroy one third of mankind with fire, smoke, and brimstone issuing from their mouth. In addition, angels were used in God’s hand of destruction. 2 Samuel 24:17, “And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.” 2 Chronicles 32:21, “And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.” Comments – The role of Jesus Christ as the eternal Ruler over all creation the next verse (Hebrews 1:8) will be contrasted with the angels and their role as heavenly servants in Hebrews 1:7. Hebrews 1:8-9 — Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament - Hebrews 1:8-9 is a quote from Psalms 45:6-7. William Lane notes that this quote has only minor variations from the LXX.[131] [131] William L. Lane, Hebrews 1-8, in Word Biblical Commentary: 58 Volumes on CD-Rom, vol. 47a, eds. Bruce M. Metzger, David A. Hubbard and Glenn W. Barker (Dallas: Word Inc., 2002), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 3.0b [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2004), comments on Hebrews 1:8-9.Psalms 45:6-7, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (KJV) Brenton, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of righteousness. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness beyond thy fellows.” (Psalms 45:2-3)Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8 — “But unto the Son he saith” - Comments - This phrase could read two different ways:

1. “with reference to the son” (NIV), or
2. “speaking to the Son” (KJV). Hebrews 1:8 — “Thy throne” – Comments - Note other Old Testament passages that refer to Jesus’ throne: Psalms 93:2, “Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.” Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Hebrews 1:8 — “O God” - Comments - Jesus is called God in Psalms 45:6-7. He is fully divine, fully God. Hebrews 1:8 — “is for ever and ever” – Comments - Jesus will rule and reign forever. Hebrews 1:8 — “a sceptre” – Comments - A scepter is “a ruler’s staff” (BDAG). In the book of Revelation this same Greek word is translated as “rod,” which is a token of authority. Hebrews 1:8 — “of righteousness” – Comments - All of his rule will be done in the righteousness, and not wickedly like so many earthly kings. Hebrews 1:8 — Comments – The role of Jesus Christ as the eternal Ruler over all creation (Hebrews 1:8) is contrasted with the angels and their role as heavenly servants in the previous verse (Hebrews 1:7). Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Hebrews 1:9 — “Thou hast loved righteousness” – Scripture Reference - Note a similar verse: Psalms 33:5, “He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Hebrews 1:9 — “and hated iniquity” - Comments - God has and will always hate sin. From the fall of Satan until Jesus’ eternal reign, sin has always been punished and dealt with. God’s holiness will always remain. Hebrews 1:9 — “therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee” – Comments - Jesus has been anointed by God for this title. Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” Note New Testament verses on Jesus’ anointing: Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Acts 4:27, “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,” Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Hebrews 1:9 — “with the oil of gladness” - Comments - A reference to the Holy Ghost. One of the outward manifestations of the anointing of the Holy Spirit is joy and gladness. Hebrews 1:9 — “above thy fellows” – Word Study on “fellows” – Strong says the Greek word “fellows” “metochos” (μέτοχος) (G3353) means, “a participant, a sharer.” And it comes from the verb (μετέχω) (G3348), which means, “to share, to participate, to belong.” The noun is used six times in the New Testament, with the other five uses listed below. Luke 5:7, “And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.” Hebrews 3:1, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” Hebrews 3:14, “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” Hebrews 6:4, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,” Hebrews 12:8, “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Is the author referring to us, or the angels, or both in Hebrews 1:9 as “fellows”? The context of the verses listed above using the word μετέχω, along with the context of the following chapters in this Epistle reveals that the word “thy fellows” is a reference to believers, rather than to the angels, which are not equal to Him. In Hebrews 2:10-13 we are called “brethren.” The emphasis of the epistle of Hebrews is that Jesus is our brother leading us to our salvation. Comments - Jesus’ anointing with the Holy Ghost was without measure, beyond our anointing, or that of angels, so that His work by the Holy Ghost exceeds ours. John 3:34, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” NIV says, “….gives the Spirit without limit.” NASB says, “…gives the Spirit without measures.” BDAG says, “not from a measure, without measure” (see μέτρον 2b). Colossians 1:19, “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” Jesus has the Holy Ghost without limits; but, we have received the Spirit and His gifts and ministry in part. For example, no one except Jesus Christ has walked in the full five-fold offices. Romans 12:3, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” 2 Corinthians 10:13, “But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.” Ephesians 4:7, “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:16, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Hebrews 1:9 — Comments - Rule and authority has not been given to the angel, but unto Jesus and his fellow heirs, the Church. Hebrews 1:10-12 — Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament - Hebrews 1:10-12 is a quote from Psalms 102:25-27. Psalms 102:25-27, “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” Jesus, who we see by faith, endures forever. Heaven and earth, though it looks so permanent with our eyes, are really temporal. Jesus is the Creator of heaven and earth (Hebrews 1:10); Jesus is immortal (Hebrews 1:11); Jesus is immutable or unchanging in character (Hebrews 1:12). Hebrews 1:10-12 describes both the creation and the end destruction of the present heavens and earth. Hebrews 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10 — Comments – In the Creation Story (Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:3), the earth is formed and founded prior to the creation of the heavens (Hebrews 1:14-14), and this order is maintained in Hebrews 1:10. All things were created by Jesus Christ (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). John 1:3, “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Colossians 1:16, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Hebrews 1:11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; Hebrews 1:11 — “They shall perish” – Scripture References - Note similar verses: Isaiah 34:4, “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.” Ezekiel 32:7, “And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light.” Joe 2:31, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” Joe 3:15, “The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.” Matthew 24:29, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:” 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” Revelation 20:11, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” “and they all shall wax old as doth a garment” - Comments – The heavens and the earth fell into decay when God subjected Adam and Eve to mortality having sinned in the Garden. The earth is growing old and in decay. Around the world we observe events such as earthquakes, famine, pestilence, pollution, extinction, etc., and despair of the loss of such beauty in God’s creation. Romans 8:20-22, “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Hebrews 1:12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 1:12 — “And as a vesture” – Word Study on “vesture” - The Greek word “vesture” (περιβόλαιον) (G4018) literally means, “cast about.” It refers to an outer covering, a cloak, a mantle, that is thrown about one’s clothing. Hebrews 1:12 — “shalt thou fold them up” – Comments – That is, they shall be “rolled up” (Isaiah 34:4, Revelation 6:14). Evidently, a garment was taken off and rolled up and put away in the home in ancient times. Note: Isaiah 34:4, “And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.” Revelation 6:14, “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” Hebrews 1:12 — “and they shall be changed” – Comments – Strong says the Greek word ἀλλάσσω (change) (G236) means, “to make different.” In other words, just like a garment is taken off and replaced by a new, clean garment, so will God “cloth” His creation with a new garment of heavens and earth (Psalms 102:26-27). Psalms 102:26-27, “They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” In Psalms 102:26-27, Holladay says the first use of the Hebrew word “change” (ηָ ?μַ ?σ) (H2498) is the 2MS Hiphil Imperfect, “You will replace them.” The second use is the 3MP Qal Perfect (with consecutive), “They shall pass away or vanish.” RSV, NIV agree with Holladay. NASB, KJV use “change” and “changed.” Hebrews 1:12 — “but thou art the same” – Comments - Note: God: Psalms 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” The Word of God: Psalms 119:89, “LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” YHWH: Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” The Father: James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Jesus: Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 1:12 — “and thy years shall not fail” – Comments – That is, these years shall not “come to an end.” Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Hebrews 1:13 — Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament - This quote comes from Psalms 110:1. Psalms 110:1, “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” This Old Testament verse is quoted eight times in the New Testament, second only in frequency to Leviticus 19:18, at nine quotes. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 is similar to Psalms 110:1. Hebrews 1:13 — “until I make thine enemies thy footstool” – Comments - God’s Word will come to pass. Time does not stop nor make void the prophecies of God’s Word. Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Hebrews 1:13 — Scripture Reference – Note a similar verse: Hebrews 10:13, “From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:14 — Comments - Hebrews 1:14 offers a conclusion to this opening section of the Epistle, by telling us that God has predestined angels to minister for men within the framework of God’s redemptive plan. This verse is commonly understood to mean that God sends His angels forth on divine assignments in behalf of the saints (note Goodspeed). Goodspeed, “Are not the angels all spirits in service, whom he sends on his errands for the good of those who are destined to possess salvation?” However, the Greek text allows this verse to mean that believers can send the angels on divine assignments as well. The Greek text uses διά with the accusative case, and means, “in behalf of,” meaning the angels serve “in behalf of” them who shall be heirs of salvation. For example, Oral Roberts tells the story of a divine vision in which Jesus appeared to him along with Robert’s angel assigned to him. Jesus explained that this angel was given to him to help him. He was told to send this angel on missions of divine service for him to work in the spiritual realm, which would then be manifested in the natural realm.[132] We usually think of the phrase “heirs of salvation” to refer to our future entrance into Heaven. However, we can also interpret this phrase to apply to the sending forth of our ministering angels in order to bring “salvation” for our earthly needs day by day. In other words, as we send forth our angels on divine assignments, we can know that God is at work in our behalf as we serve Him and establishing the kingdom of God upon this earth. [132] Richard Roberts, Angels on Assignment [on-line]; accessed 21 May 2011; available from Internet; see also Oral Roberts, All You Ever Wanted to Know About Angels: A Personal Handbook on the Angels that Help You (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Oral Roberts, 1994), 26.Creflo Dollar said, “Angels are covenant enforcing agents.”[133] They enforce God’s covenant towards man. This means they will not do things that are outside the Abrahamic covenant, through which we partake of redemption through Christ Jesus. [133] Creflo Dollar, Changing Your World (College Park, Georgia: Creflo Dollar Ministries), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program.Illustrations - Note illustrations from the Scriptures of angels ministering to the righteous:
3. Acts 12:6-10 - Peter is freed from prison by an angel.
4. The angels ministered to Jesus after the 40-day fast (Mark 1:13) and during painful prayer in garden (Luke 22:43). Mark 1:13, “And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.” Luke 22:43, “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” Scripture References - Note other verses in the Scriptures referring to the ministry of angels to men: Psalms 34:7, “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalms 91:11-12, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Psalms 103:20, “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Isaiah 63:9, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Daniel 3:28, “Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.” Daniel 6:22, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Luke 12:8, “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:”