Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Jones examines the first chapter of Hebrews to define Christ's nature as God. He highlights that Christ is not merely a creature, but is the 'brightness of His [God's] glory, and the express image of His person.' Christ inherits the name 'God' from His Father, placing Him far above the angels, who are created to worship Him. By describing Him as the Creator, the sustainer of all things, and the One whose throne is 'forever and ever,' Jones shows that Christ’s nature in heaven was the very nature of God. This divine nature is essential to understand because, as we will see in the next chapter, it is the background for His condescension. We cannot appreciate the depth of His sacrifice without first recognizing the infinite height of His divinity. He is the active, vivifying Word of creation.
Key points
- Christ is the 'express image' or 'very impress of God's substance.'
- Christ's name 'God' is inherited from His Father, which is why it is 'more excellent' than that of the angels.
- Christ is the Creator through whom God made the worlds.
- Christ is worshipped by the angels, proving His divine nature.
Key texts
- Hebrews 1:1-3
- Hebrews 1:8-9
- John 1:1-3
From the book
Chapter 2 · Belief 4 · Read this chapter
- “This tells us that in heaven the nature of Christ was the nature of God, that He in His person, in His substance, is the very impress, the very character, of the substance of God.” (ch. 2)
- “This name, then, of Christ’s, which is more excellent than that of the angels, is the name of His Father, and His Father’s name is God.” (ch. 2)
- “Thus He is so much better than the angels that He is worshiped by the angels: and this according to the will of God, because He is, in His nature, God.” (ch. 2)
Put it into practice
- Read Hebrews 1 and list all the ways Christ is described as divine.
- Reflect on the greatness of the God who became your High Priest.
- Worship Christ as the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
- Comprehension
1. How does the author describe Christ's nature as presented in Hebrews 1?
- Doctrinal Clarity
2. Why is Christ's name 'more excellent' than the angels' names?
- Comprehension
3. What role did Christ play in creation?
- Scripture
4. What is the relationship between Christ and the angels?
- Doctrinal Clarity
5. What does it mean that Christ's name is 'inherited'?
- Comprehension
6. How is Christ's throne described?
- Contrast
7. Why must we understand Christ's divine nature before His human nature?
- Application
8. How does realizing Christ is the Creator change your appreciation for His sacrifice?