Welcome to lecture #3 on Hebrews

[3b]…and the express image of his person… Key words Express image; in Greek: Character

[3b]…and the express image of his person… Key words Express image; in Greek: Character Person = Essence. But also has connotation of Subsistence

[3b]…and the express image of his person… Key words Express image; in Greek: Character Person = Essence. But also has connotation of Subsistence Points to relation between Father and Son

[3c] …and upholding all things by the word of his power… 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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist [Col 1:16-17]

[3c] …and upholding all things by the word of his power… Caring for the creation is an act ascribed to God. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. [John 5:17]

[3c] …and upholding all things by the word of his power… Caring for the creation is an act ascribed to God. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. [John 5:17] So, Jesus is God! …but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God [John 5:18]

[3d] …when he had by himself purged our sins… Note progression in verse 3 from what He is –> does –> accomplishes –> position

[3d] …when he had by himself purged our sins… Note progression in verse 3 from what He is –> does –> accomplishes –> position Contains gospel in a nutshell

[3d] …when he had by himself purged our sins… Purged our sins Consider Is. 64:6, Hab. 1:13, Jer. 13:23, Eph. 2.12, Rom. 3:10, John 1:29

[3d] …when he had by himself purged our sins… points to His deep suffering

[3d] …when he had by himself purged our sins… points to His deep suffering Only He was capable of purging man’s sin

Division of verses 3e-14 3e-4: key statement about position of Jesus Then 3 comparisons between Jesus and angels Verses 5-6: 1st comparison Verses 7-12: 2nd comparison Verse 13-14: 3rd comparison

Position of Jesus [3e] Consider the fact: Jesus has ascended into heaven

Position of Jesus [3e] Consider the fact: Jesus has ascended into heaven Foretold by Jesus (John 3:13; 6:62; 20:17)

Position of Jesus [3e] Consider the fact: Jesus has ascended into heaven Foretold by Jesus (John 3:13; 6:62; 20:17) Eye witnesses &revelation (Acts 2:34; Eph. 4:8-10)

Position of Jesus [3e] Consider the fact: Jesus has ascended into heaven Foretold by Jesus (John 3:13; 6:62; 20:17) Eye witnesses &revelation (Acts 2:34; Eph. 4:8-10) Key theme in Hebrews (4:14; 7:26; 8:1; 9:24; 10:12)

Position of Jesus [3e] Reasons for emphasising: To instil confidence and trust

Position of Jesus [3e] Reasons for emphasising: To instil confidence and trust To know that believers have access to God through Him

Position of Jesus [3e] Reasons for emphasising: To instil confidence and trust To know that believers have access to God through Him To fear the consequences if depart from the faith

Position of Jesus – Verse 4 Does not refer to prophets (vs 1), but to angels

Position of Jesus – Verse 4 Does not refer to prophets (vs 1), but to angels Apostle plainly says: Christ is superior to them

Position of Jesus – Verse 4 Does not refer to prophets (vs 1), but to angels Apostle plainly says: Christ is superior to them Why Jesus compared to angels? They are most glorious creatures (cf. Mat. 18:10) He is God’s Son in a double respect

First comparison [5-6] Psalm 2: [6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. [7] I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. [8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, [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. (Acts 13:32-33)

And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son [5b]

And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son [5b] 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 Chron. 22:10; See also 2 Sam 7:14, 1 Chron. 7:13)

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him [6]

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him [6] Worship him, all ye gods (Ps 97:7)

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him [6] Worship him, all ye gods (Ps 97:7) Angels are glorious beings, but may not be worshipped (Rev. 19:10 & 22:8-9)

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him [6] Angels are to worship Christ (1:6) And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever (Rev 5:13)

Concluding thought He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose (John 1:27)