Grace Community Church

Hebrews 1:1-4 NIV
SCRIPTURE
“ 1In the past God spoke to our ancestors 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 also 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. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” -Hebrews 1:1-4 NIV

OBSERVATION
The epistle opens with an exaltation of Jesus as "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." (vs 3) The epistle presents Jesus with the titles "pioneer" or "forerunner," "Son" and "Son of God," "priest" and "high priest." The book of Hebrews has been described as an "intricate" or “complex” New Testament book that consists of many different connecting parts.
The epistle casts Jesus as both exalted Son and high priest. Most scholars today believe the document was written to prevent apostasy or the renunciation of a religious / political belief. In light of a possibly Jewish-Christian audience, the apostasy in this sense may be in regard to Jewish-Christians leaving the Christian assembly to return to the synagogue. The epistle dissuades non-Jewish Christians from feeling a need to convert to Judaism. The author writes, "Let us hold fast to our confession." -Hebrews 4:14

The book could be argued to affirm special creation. Special creation is a theological doctrine which asserts that the origin of the universe and all life in it suddenly sprang into being by unconditional fiat or divine decree. It affirms that God by His Son, Jesus Christ, made the worlds. "God...hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...by whom also he made the worlds."-Hebrews 1:1-2 The epistle also states that the worlds themselves do not provide the evidence of how God formed them. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."-Hebrews 11:3

APPLICATION
In the midst of studying and taking a historical look at the book of Hebrews - I can not help but see God’s Son extending His hand out to us via desiring to cultivate a genuine growing relationship.  
Reading Hebrews 1:1-4 has made me remember that a simple way to see things is:

Old Testament - Promises Made.

New Testament - Promises Fulfilled.  “live under the freedom of God’s grace.”-Romans 6:14

PRAYER
God, Thank you for fulfilling your promises....  From the side of logic to emotions and back again - passing over that sweet center balance point slow enough to know that’s where I would to live my life.  This morning, I just ask that You would guide me to that point.  Help me navigate today and guide me footsteps for tomorrow.  Please let me always feel the weight of my need for You. I pray that it would stir up my affections for You, leading to deep worship and a surrender of every area of my life. I need a revelation from You as I sit in a place of internal turmoil.... - Trevor
“live under the freedom of God’s grace.”-Romans 6:1