"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, {2} Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; {3} Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; {4} Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. {5} For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? {6} And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. {7} And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. {8} But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. {9} Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. {10} And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: {11} They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; {12} And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. {13} But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? {14} Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:1-14)In but four short words which are contained in Colossians 3:11 the Holy Spirit puts the 'capstone' upon the entire framework of true Theology, that Theology which is contained in and taught by the inspired Word of God."Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:11)
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." ( 2 Corinthians 11:3)In expounding God's Word we should seek to do so with plain straight forward speech that the power would be in the message and not in the one who presents it.
"For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." ( 2 Corinthians 1:12)Let us now begin our consideration of this great and wondrous fact, that 'Christ is all', by briefly looking at some verses from the first chapter of Hebrews.
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, {2} Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (Hebrews 1:1-2)The apostle begins his discourse by declaring the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ over and above all of the Old Testament prophets. When we say, 'the apostle declares' it is to be understood that we are in fact saying, 'God, the Holy Spirit, through the apostle declares'.
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." ( 2 Peter 1:21)The apostle in Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds his readers that in different times and in different fashions God spoke to their forefathers by the inspired prophets. That was the manner in which He conveyed His will for them, that was the manner in which He instructed them in the acceptable form of worship. It was through the prophets that God's chosen nation, Israel, was instructed in the sacrifices and offerings performed under the Mosaic economy, all of which pointed to the person and to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13)Returning to Hebrews 1:2, we see that the apostle declares that God had sent a new messenger who is infinitely superior to those Old Testament messengers which God had sent in times past.
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" (Hebrews 1:2)Please bear in mind that it is not the message which is under consideration, for the message of the Old Testament prophets is the same message as the message of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)Note if you will in the latter part of verse 2 of Hebrews chapter 1 and in verse 10 of that same chapter that creation is ascribed unto the Lord Jesus Christ.
"... by whom also he made the worlds ..." (Hebrews 1:2)God's great messenger Moses, whom He used to record for us His creation of the universe and all things contained therein, was made privilege to the knowledge of that creation by supernatural revelation. He was supernaturally instructed as to what went on during a portion of that creative fiat. Neither he nor anyone else were there at the time of that creation."And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:" (Hebrews 1:10)
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: {15} Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: {16} 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: {17} And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:14-17)Note if you will that in verse 14 we are told that 'we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:'.
"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:" (Colossians 1:16)That can be a reference to non other than the Lord Jesus Christ.
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:17)That statement is in perfect harmony with Hebrews 1:3 where we read that He upholds, 'all things by the word of His power'.
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (Hebrews 1:3)We will return to this verse of Scripture later in our discussion but for now we would like to leave the point of the Lord Jesus Christ being superior to and having preeminence over the Old Testaments prophets and go on to our next point for consideration:
"For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house." (Hebrews 3:3)The Master is greater than the servant. The angels are servants sent forth to minister unto the 'heirs of salvation', that is the elect and redeemed of God.
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14)The One who is worshipped is superior to those who worship Him.
"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Romans 1:25)Even the beloved apostle John was rebuked for his momentary lapse of judgment in the presence of one of God's holy angels as he sought to give worship to that angel instead of the One who created them both.
"And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. {9} Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." (Revelation 22:8-9)At His incarnation the entirety of the angelic host were given the divine directive to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, thus indicating His place of 'preeminence', that He is to be 'distinguished above all others.'
"And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." (Hebrews 1:6)When we see this divine directive here we might be prone to think only of the angels in heaven. However all of the fallen angels, including their leader, satan, will one day fall prostrate before the Lord Jesus Christ and acknowledge that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
"And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)We would next like to put before you for your consideration that:
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (Hebrews 1:3)The clear, plain and forceful declaration by God is that the sins of God's people are purged and that they were purged solely by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. When the Lord Jesus Christ was engulfed in the holy wrath of the Father's judgment against the sins of His people there was none other assisting or comforting Him as He bore the full brunt of that wrath.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)God does not declare that His people were made better by the bruising of Christ but that they 'are healed.'
"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." (Isaiah 53:11)God declares that He saw the travail of Christ's soul, that travail being in the place of His elect people, and that He was satisfied. He was satisfied because Christ bore 'their iniquities' For anyone to declare that they must add anything to that travail, even their acceptance of it, to make it valid is to flatly contradict the inspired Word of God.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)In the lives of His people the Lord must be the center of their love and adoration. We are commanded to love our parents, love our children and love our spouses. But the love which God has given us for them must never exceed or supersede that which we have for the Lord Jesus.
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37)V.) The name of the Lord Jesus is superior to and has preeminence over any other name.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: {10} That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" (Philippians 2:9-10)As our pastor has said on occasion, 'name is indicative of character'. The name of the Lord Jesus is indicative of a character that is superior to and preeminent over the character of the most righteousness and moral mortal who ever lived or shall ever live.
"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;" (Hebrews 1:9)When the Jews were seeking to find fault with our dear Lord they could not find any guilt in Him and had to bring in 'false accusers', that is liars, to build their case against Him.
"Which of you convinceth me of sin?" (John 8:46)The name and character of the Lord Jesus are superior to and preeminent above all others.
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)And to Mary it was said:
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." (Luke 1:31)There was no question what the name of the Lord Jesus would be. And with those of His people who have prayerfully and diligently read His Word there is no question that He did indeed 'save His people from their sins.'
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)The clear and plain declaration by God is that there is 'none other name', that is none other person by which we can be saved.
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)The Lord Jesus Christ authored our faith and our salvation and He will also finish it. It is not left up to the frailties and weaknesses of puny mortals to undertake the monumental task of safekeeping their everlasting souls once they have become as it were 'a brand plucked out of the fire'. The same preeminent One who rescued them will deliver them safely to His celestial shore.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6)Christ does not save a person part way and then let them fall away and be lost. He saves His people all the way, even to the uttermost.
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)VI.) The salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only true salvation and is therefore superior to and preeminent to all other claimed and supposed forms of salvation.
"And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:39)God required a perfect and complete payment of that sin debt if anyone was ever to be released from its curse, go free and be acceptable in His eternal presence.
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" (Revelation 22:18)VII.) The Lord's church is preeminent to and superior to every other so called church.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)There is but one church that was purchased with the sinless blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)To that precious blood bought church is the Lord Jesus betrothed.
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:2)One day in glory that marriage between the Lamb and His chaste bride will be consummated and it will then be evident to all the universe that His church did have preeminence over all man made organizations.
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. {8} And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. {9} And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:7-9)The Bible declares that the Lord started and preserves His church and that He will one day be wed to it. Therefore it behooves every redeemed person to diligently search out one of His churches and to thankfully serve Him through it.
All the way my Savior
leads me - Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace
for every trial, - Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary
steps may falter - And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from
the Rock before me, - Lo! A spring of joy I see;
(12-29-02)