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Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The epistle to the Hebrews provides remarkable insight into the work and character of Jesus Christ, the Son, who is vital to our conversion and transformation into God's image. Despite opposition from some Jewish converts who could not accept Him as High Priest under the New Covenant, believing angels to be better qualified due to their mighty, eternal nature and Jesus' human death on a Roman stake, their reasoning was tragically flawed. They underestimated Jesus of Nazareth, who, though born of a human woman, has the eternal God as His Father, making Him both divine and human. As the Creator God, He created the angels and humanity, being higher and greater than all living things except the Father, and now sits at the Father's right hand in heaven, the source of all power and sinless purity. The author of Hebrews, in the first chapter, addresses this conflict by emphasizing Jesus' qualifications as High Priest. Carrying the title Son of God, He holds a relationship with God superior to that of angels, who are never called sons in Scripture. This title conveys a continuous relationship with God, a truth authenticated throughout time. The gospels affirm that Jesus, named Yeshua at birth as inspired by God, is the Son of God, never having sinned, which sets Him apart uniquely in human history. Furthermore, God commanded the angels to worship the Son as God, confirming His divinity despite appearing human. For angels to worship Him without breaking the first commandment underscores that He is indeed God, royalty in God's Family, and worthy of the highest honor. The apostle presents an irrefutable argument that Jesus of Nazareth is far superior to angels, as a creator is to even the best of his creations. The pre-incarnate Jesus, the Word, created the angels and gave them life, just as He did to all living things. Scripture clarifies this order among created beings, noting that no angel was ever invited to sit at God's right hand as Jesus was, nor are they destined for the exalted offices for which He prepares us. Angels, though valuable, intelligent, powerful, and morally pure servants, are created to minister under us in the positions God is preparing us to occupy, a truth both awesome and humbling.

Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The author of Hebrews begins by emphasizing the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, a crucial point for persuading the Jews to accept Him as their High Priest in the New Covenant. Jesus Christ's qualifications are presented as unparalleled, being the very Creator God, a status no angel can attain. Even as a man, He held authority over countless angels, and now, having ascended to the right hand of God, His position in heaven is immeasurably higher than any creature, including angels. The Jews held angels in high regard due to Old Testament revelations, a reasonable stance given the lack of New Testament clarification at the time. However, the author of Hebrews seeks to shift their loyalty by demonstrating that Jesus Christ surpasses even the most respected angels. His appointment as High Priest was not an afterthought but was planned from the beginning, underscoring His preeminence. Hebrews 1 highlights a transition in which Jesus Christ became so much better than the angels through His exaltation, officially taking on the role of High Priest after His death for mankind's sins. Though always God, He fulfilled this role through His human life of thirty-three and one-half years, proving His worthiness. No angel could match His qualifications, as He was both God and the sacrifice for sin, a unique combination necessary to pay for mankind's transgressions. This transition began with His incarnation, when He was born of a woman, and ended with His death, fulfilling prophecies such as those in Psalm 2, where God declares Him as His Son. Unlike any angel, He alone is addressed with such Sonship, affirming His divine nature and authority. Angels are commanded to worship Him, recognizing Him as Creator God, High Priest, and Redeemer, a command that underscores His supreme position above all creation.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ is declared superior to angels, having become so much better than they by inheritance, obtaining a more excellent name as stated in Hebrews 1:4. As the Son, He is proclaimed by God in Psalm 2 as begotten, called Son and Messiah long before His human birth. At the moment of His birth through the virgin Mary, God exalted Him to a role He had not literally held before, becoming the High Priest of the New Covenant. Though already God, He did not need to qualify for what He inherently was, yet He completed His course through death and resurrection, fulfilling God's purpose as both God and man, sinless and an unblemished sacrifice for humanity's sins. In Hebrews 1, the author presents Him as the One through whom God spoke prophetically, the High Priest who provided purification for sins, and the King ruling from His throne with royal authority. God places Him in this office, anointing Him above His companions because He loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, as shown by His sinless life. His qualifications to lead are unparalleled, setting the foundation for His eternal role as High Priest. Without Him, salvation would be impossible, as He is the vital link between humanity and eternity with God in His Family. His work ensures that neglecting these truths risks the loss of salvation, underscoring the urgency of His claims on mankind's attention and loyalty.

The Angel and the Apostle

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Hebrews 1-2 establish Christ's superiority over angels, but notably do not mention the Angel of the Lord. Instead, the author handles the Angel differently.

Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The author of Hebrews presents a compelling case for the supremacy of Jesus Christ over angels, emphasizing His unparalleled qualifications and divine nature. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Heir of all things, and the actual Creator who upholds the universe by the word of His power. He is the brightness of God's glory, purged us of our sins, and sits at the right hand of God on high in heaven. These attributes establish His absolute authority and superiority, far beyond any other being. While the Jews held angels in high regard due to their significant roles in biblical events, such as their involvement in the giving of the law at Mount Sinai with ten thousands of holy ones present, the author of Hebrews quickly dispels any notion that angels could compare to Christ. Angels, though sinless and instrumental in delivering God's messages, are not on the same level as Jesus Christ, who possesses none of the shortcomings of human prophets and is one with God the Father. The Old Testament often portrays angels as messengers and participants in divine acts, yet even when Christ Himself appeared as the Angel of the Lord, His true identity as the divine Messenger surpasses any angelic role. The author of Hebrews systematically addresses Jewish resistance by highlighting that no angel, nor any other figure, matches the qualifications of Jesus Christ, who is uniquely positioned as the greatest of all God's communicators and the ultimate High Priest.

Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

In the book of Hebrews, the author emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ, presenting Him as superior to all aspects of the Old Covenant. The opening statements are profound, declaring that through the Son, the Father created the ages, encompassing the divisions of time, history, and culture that sum up eternity. This includes not only the physical world but also the pre-Flood age, the present age, and the ages to come, all crafted by the One who became Jesus. Furthermore, Christ is described as upholding, maintaining, guiding, sustaining, and propelling all things by the word of His power. This ongoing operation includes everything from galaxies and solar systems to the life and death of each sparrow, ensuring that even the natural entropy of creation progresses according to His plan. He prevents stars from collapsing into black holes too soon, maintains planetary orbits, regulates earth's ecosystems, and oversees the course of human history. As Creator and heir, He holds the power to perpetuate or eliminate all things, a truth underscored by the potential withdrawal of His Spirit, which would cause all flesh to perish and return to dust.

Angelic Responsibilities

Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Angels were endowed with the capacity to think, reason, and form attitudes. Their function was and is to be God's messengers and ministers to His creation.

Power Belongs to God (Part 2)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We may be going through a period of hopelessness, but must believe that all things work together for those who believe and are called for His purpose.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.

Heirs of Salvation

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

As we complete our spiritual walk, we will attain the dominion God promises in Psalm 8, a psalm that has all mankind as the subject.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Nine)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God has communicated tirelessly with humanity through men and angels. The first chapters of Hebrews displays Christ's superiority over even the angels.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Three)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews was written to fulfill several needs of the first-century church. One of the most critical was to explain God's opening of eternal life to the Gentiles.

Heirs of Salvation

'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. Graham

As God's children, we have not received the fullness of the inheritance. We will not possess the entire inheritance until the first resurrection.

Hebrews (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews is addressed to a people living at the end of an era, who were drifting away, had lost their devotion, and were no longer motivated by zeal.

Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Even as Hebrews prepared the first century church for persecution, so it is also relevant to today's church as it faces an increasing assault on God's law.

Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.

Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.

Hebrews (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

In terms of spiritual insight, Hebrews is a pivotal book, whose function is to bridge the purposes and themes of the Old and New Testaments.

Hebrews (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.

Hebrews 2: God Is Present

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.

A Feast Message From Hebrews

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.

Hebrews: A Message for Today

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.

Who Do You Trust? (Part Three)

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The corruption of sin was brought on the world through the rebellion of Satan and his fallen angels, an event which took place between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.