God bless you through Hebrews
Hebrews 1:1-3 (Pastor Heo)
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 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.
“Better, better, more, superior” – this is the repeated theme throughout Hebrews. He is BETTER than all created things.
Theme: The superiority of Christ Jesus
Be assured + Live by Faith
In the sight of God, how can I be accepted by God? If I live by faith. If you put your faith in Christ, you will be accepted by God as righteous.
“The righteous will live by faith”
- Habakkuk,
- Romans,
- Galatians,
- Hebrews
In the NT, Hebrews is the only book whose human authorship is unknown. There are many suspicions: Paul, Apollos, Barnabas, Aquilla – but the name of the author is not given in the text itself.
Because the author’s name is unknown, also the time it was written is unknown. It is assumed it was written in AD 60s because that is before the temple was destroyed in AD 70. There are religious ceremonies and traditions mentioned, but no mention of the destruction of the temple.
v. 1-3
“1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways (OT), 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (NT) 3 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.”
Think about it: by nature, God is creator; we are his creations. God is infinite; we are finite. God is in heaven; we are on earth. God is spirit; we are material (from dust).
By nature, God is unapproachable, unknowable, hidden.
Q: How is knowing God possible? How is the study of God possible? What makes it possible to know God and something about him? This is a basic question for entrance into the study of Hebrews.
Do you have an answer?
We can say several things, but in one phrase: God’s self-revelation
The self-revelation of God makes it possible to know something of him.
For example, you know your birthday / place / mother / father. But HOW do you know these things? Someone told you. Like this, God reveals himself – and still is revealing himself. That’s why / how it’s possible to know him.
Revelation of God: The action of God by which he discloses himself, or communicates himself to his creation. He makes known about himself what could not be known in any other way.
2 forms:
- General
- Special
General revelation (3 areas):
- Nature
- Human history
- Your Conscience
1. Nature
Look at the created world – this is God’s handiwork. When we see this, we can know there is a creator, with wisdom, power, glory, and goodness.
Ps 90:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God…”
Also, as all buildings have a builder, so does this world
Romans 1:19-20 “Since what may be known about God, since the creation of the world – his divine power – has been clearly displayed so that no one has an excuse.”
Through Creation, we can know his power and glory.
2. Human History
The Bible speaks of God’s dealings with many nations: Greece, Rome, Israel, Macedonia, etc – more than anything else, he reveals himself through Israel.
By nature, Israel is weak and small – but when they obeyed, God empowered them to drive our 7 nations from Canaan who were greater than they were. But, when they disobeyed, God made them defeated and enslaved. But when they cried out to him, he sent them a deliverer and empowered them again.
Throughout history, we must know that God used more wicked nations or men to punish less wicked nations or men.
It is possible for God to use unbelievers to discipline disbelieving believers.
“From one man, God made every nation of man that they should inhabit the whole earth. God determined the exact times and places they should live.”
3. Human conscience
Conscience is in human beings – and the conscience tells us what is right / wrong. It tells us strongly “Do right ; abstain from wrong.” It also tells us “Every wicked deed must be punished.”
These 3 general revelation of God is ENOUGH to know there is a God who created all things – and know he is powerful, wise, and holy. But even this general revelation of God has limitations.
- This is not enough to meet and know him.
- It is not enough for us to have a personal relationship with him.
- It cannot lead us to salvation (which is only found in Christ).
- That’s why we need “special revelation” of God.
Special Revelation: God speaks
The action of God by which God makes himself known at specific times and places in specific ways, for specific purposes.
- Speaking
- Miracles
- Prophecy (in the Bible)
- Climax: Person, work, word of Jesus Christ
This is the entrance point of Hebrews.
The perfection of God’s special revelation = the purpose, work, word of Jesus Christ.
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
The same God who spoke: “Let there be light” is still speaking to us. He spoke to Adam, Noah, Moses, Joseph, and is still speaking to us.
OT: (v 1): “In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.”
- Isaiah = vision
- Jacob = dream
- Abraham, Moses = personally
- Jeremiah = object lessons
- Hosea = marriage experience
- NT (v 2): “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”
- Before Christ: “In the past…”
- After Christ: “In these last days…”
- OT = Covenant, promise, message, prediction
- NT = New covenant, new promise, new message, new prophecy
In the OT, God spoke through human prophets, but now, no more human prophets. Now, he is speaking to us through Christ: “God’s special revelation” – which is progressing and changeable.
- God’s revelation is changeable.
- But GOD is unchangeable.
We are very changeable. Do you like this word? Do you want change? Of course.
The word change = to the better or to the worse. So, change has two meanings, positive and negative.
God is unchangeable. He is immutable, he never changes, because he is God. God can never be better because he is now perfect. God can never be worse or he would not be God.
God cannot be more holy nor more righteous, nor wiser than yesterday – because he is already perfect.
In this sense, God is absolutely unchangeable. That’s why we can trust him and put our faith in him. Are you sure of this?
But, God’s unchangeability does not mean “immobility.” God is a person, he has emotions – he can be sorrowful, happy, angry. He is active, a speaking God. So, he is very changeable. What does this mean?
God wants a personal friendship and partnership with us – who are very changeable – for better or worse. So, in these relationships with changeable man, it is necessary to change his dealings with changeable man to remain unchangeable in his purpose.
God does not show partiality, nor choose favorites – BUT he deals with us each individually very differently according to our obedience or disobedience. But now, we are living in the last days. That’s why Hebrews encourages us very strongly to “focus” on Christ – the author and perfector of our faith.
We know the transfiguration story of Jesus. Let me say it again briefly. This is important to understand the special revelation of God.
One day, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to a high mountain. Before them, he was transfigured – his face shining like the sun; his clothes white like light. Then, two great men appeared before him.
A voice came from heaven, “This is my Son, listen to him.”
We know that Moses and Elijah were the two greatest prophets in the OT. Moses represented the Law; Elijah the prophets. No matter how great a man, Jesus is greater.
…
Q: Why are there so many human prophets in the OT? And why Jesus is written in the NT? What is the difference? Why were they all recorded in the Bible? We must be clear in this matter – or we will be confused in our Christian life.
Yes, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, great men of faith.
Then, what is the difference between these men and Jesus? Why were they recorded in the Bible? Still today, God is speaking through Jesus.
The reason all human prophets – including great prophets – are recorded in the Bible so that we may see how they heard, obeyed, and were used by God.
Why Jesus? So we may hear him, obey him, and worship him as Lord and Savior.
There is a BIG difference.
Repeat (next time).
So, who is Christ?
In these short verses, we can see many titles and status’ of Jesus (at least 7).
v. 1-3
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
- Jesus is heir of all things – ruler; king; highest position
- Jesus is creator
- 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,
- Jesus is visible God – the exact representation of God – the visible expression of the invisible God
- John “No one has seen God; but God has made him known.”
- 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.
- Jesus is sustainer, supporter of all things – including living creation. Even today, God can sustain you in times of stress and hardship. Jesus is sustaining and supporting us always. Also, you are here today by Jesus’ sustaining grace and mercy.
- Jesus is provider of all things we need
- Phil 4:19 “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ.”
- Jehovah Jireh (Provider) – this is who Jesus is to us today. What do you need spiritually, mentally, relationally? Jesus will provide – do not be worried.
- Jesus is the purifier of sin. He provides also forgiveness. You know, my sins are so dirty. If I’m not purified, I cannot stand here to preach.
- 1 John 1:9? “The blood of Christ purifies us from all unrighteousness.”
- The blood of Jesus has power and authority. He is creator and sacrificed himself for us. No sacrifice for our sin could be greater than that offered by the creator himself.
- Christ cleansed this whole world and took the penalty for our individual sins with his death on the cross.
- “…he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
- His work was complete.
- In your own job, if you do not finish your job, you cannot sit down.
- Jesus sat down because his sacrifice was final and complete. “It is finished” on the cross.
- At the right hand of the Majesty of heaven = he is equal with God – one person (second) of the Trinity God.
Do you need advice? Go first to Jesus. We must go FIRST to Christ for advice, wisdom, faith, love. No human counselor knows more about our ultimate security and well being than our Lord Jesus does.
Conclusion:
Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”
Only when you fix you eyes on Jesus can you grow spiritually.
“Fix your eyes on Jesus.”
God bless you through Hebrews.
Let’s pray.
