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Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ, as the only begotten Son of God, holds unique qualifications for His divine roles, as seen in Psalm 2 where He is proclaimed as the Son, the Anointed One, and the Messiah. Identified in John 1:17 as the only begotten Son in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him, establishing His singular position in all of mankind's history. From the moment of His birth through the virgin Mary, He was both God and human, already qualified as God to fulfill the office of High Priest without needing to qualify in the ordinary sense. His sinless nature, akin to the animal sacrifices, made Him the fitting person, both human and divine, to pay for our sins through His death and resurrection. Throughout His 33 and a half years of human life and ministry, He performed the responsibilities of High Priest, as He was already God, even likened to Melchizedek in His ability to counsel. Appointed by God the Father, He was placed in the position of High Priest under the New Covenant, replacing the Old Covenant, while also serving as King and the payment for our sins. Hebrews 1 further elaborates on His qualifications, describing Him as the Son through whom God spoke prophetically, the High Priest who provided purification of sins, and the King ruling from His throne with eternal authority. His appointment to these threefold offices—Prophet, Priest, and King—is rooted in His love for righteousness and hatred of lawlessness, as stated in Hebrews 1:9, where God anointed Him above all others due to His proven sinless life. This sets Him head and shoulders above all in terms of leadership qualifications. Hebrews 2 continues to affirm His roles, referring to Him as Lord announcing salvation, crowned with glory and honor as King, and a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God. His divine nature, evident from conception, and His actions as recorded in Scripture, underscore His unmatched authority and worthiness to hold these offices for all eternity.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHere are twelve claims that the Father, the Son, and Their way of life make upon humanity, giving mankind no excuse for its failure to respond to God.
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSome Jews among the early converts believed that Jesus Christ did not qualify to be the church's High Priest, considering angels to be greater and holier.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe epistle of Hebrews is so vital to Christians in the first century and now because it explains the unique place and power of Christianity's High Priest.
Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3-4 describes the dramatic transitional period in which God begot Christ, making Him the only human being who could qualify as our Messiah and Savior.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews 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.
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews systematically proves Christ's superiority to patriarchs, prophets, the Levitical Priesthood, and angels, establishing His credentials.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Nine)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod has communicated tirelessly with humanity through men and angels. The first chapters of Hebrews displays Christ's superiority over even the angels.
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 (Part Six): God's Salvation Communication
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God personally communicated with Adam, Eve, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, and to us through His Son. With the Scriptures, God teaches His faithful today.
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 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.