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Hebrews 1:4-14
Hebrews 1:4-14
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 first begotten 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?
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1. Del Blanchard
Commentary on Hebrews 1:4-14
Continuing with the thought in verse three that Christ is the brightness of his glory, being made higher than the angels. The angels worship him, and we are not to worship the angels.
There seems to be a certain fascination with angels these days. There are movements aimed at them and Mary as well. We have T.V. shows about them. I think some would rather worship the ground Jesus walked on instead of Jesus.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Rom. 10:2,3)
We see his better name than the angels.
In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely : and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jeremiah 23:6)
God never said that about any of the angels. This would stop the mouths of those who worship the created rather than the creator. If not in this life, the next for sure. Mary can't purge our sins, Jesus did. The angels can't help you when you stand before Christ (lying at his feet), after despising and rejecting him time and again in this life.
We see also:
* His throne is forever;
* He loves righteousness;
* He made heaven and earth, and shall fold them up and change them, but he won't change;
* He sits on the right hand of God;
* The Father will make his enemies his footstool.And we see that the angels serve the elect as God dispatches them. I don't see any reference to the angels serving the non-elect, so I have a question:
If God's holy angels don't serve the non-elect, and assuming at least some of the sightings of angels these days are real, who are they?
Del Blanchard
rockyflats@gorge.net
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2. Jim McClarty
INTRODUCTION:
We live, sadly, in a time when the most common substitute for Christian worship is a form of new-age "spirituality" which worships and venerates angels. "Angelology" runs rampant. On the daytime talk shows I've seen panelists who insist that they can command angels to do their bidding, instructing them to heal or intervene in the events of life. A friend of mine who has a retail Arts and Crafts store said that the simplest way to move any product off the shelves is "to put an angel on them." Books have been written by no less than Billy Graham (God's Secret Agents), and angels are touted in such books as Embraced by the Light by Betty Edie as the emissaries of God's love, bridging the gulf between life and death. A quick search on the internet of the word "angels" got over 39,000 references. Angels are hot, hip, and what's happenin'.
Still, there's "no new thing under the sun." False worship has been around ever since Satan aspired to the throne of God. Unfortunately, the mad rush to worship and glorify angels always comes at the expense of sound Christian doctrine. In most cases, as in the New Age writings, Christ is left out altogether, or else He is reduced to merely one of the pantheon of characters who've visited earth. But, at Hebrews 1:4 the writer begins describing the absolute supremacy of Christ in all things. And, almost immediately, only three verses in, he starts putting angels in their proper place. He does it by reaching back into the Psalms and reclaiming verses which his Hebrew audience would be familiar with. It's a perfect format for learning how to "see Christ" in the Old Testament.
COMMENTARY :
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (1:4)
Back in verse 2 we learned that the Son was "appointed heir of all things." Part of that inheritance was a place of power and authority. The use of the term "name" here denotes authority. For instance, when the cops show up at our door and proclaim, "Open up in the name of the law," there is no definite "name" (like Bob or Doug) attached to that authority. The law itself is the authority. But, the representative of the law, the cop, declares his right to enter based on the "name of the law." "Name" denotes "authority." Likewise, Christ is given a better name - a higher authority and superior rank - than the angels.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven {including angels}, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9)
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? (1:5a)
This is a reference to Psalm 2:7-8:
I will declare the decree; the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee, Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
This prophetic promise is clearly a reference to Christ, and the author of Hebrews places a clear contrast between the Son and the angels. No angel ever received such a promise.
And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (1:5b)
This may well be a reference to Psalm 89:26-29:
(I included the entire passage because it's such a wonderful promise)He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Also I will make Him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for Him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with Him. His seed also will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of Heaven.
No angel was ever the recipient of such language.
And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (1:6)
Psalm 97:6-7 declares:
The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory. Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols; worship Him, all ye gods!
The "small g" in "gods" denotes the principalities and powers of the heavenly realm. That includes angels. The angels are commanded of God to worship Christ.
Then, having shown their subordination to Christ, the author turns his attention to what station angels actually possess in the hierarchy of Heaven:
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (1:7)
That's an exact quote from Psalm 104:4. The point is that angels were created for the purpose of ministering. In fact, in Matt. 4:11 we see angels ministering to Christ. They are not to be worshipped or adored. In Revelation 19:10 John fell at the feet of an angel to worship him, but the angel wisely corrected,
See thou do it not; I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God.
And the "ministering spirits" are sent in service to us, as well....but, we'll get to that in verse 14.
The contrast continues:
{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. (1:8, 9)
Again, a quote from Psalms. This time it's 45:6-7. The son, significantly, is referred to as God, and the throne of His dominion is everlasting. He will rule in rightness and straightness. That will be the hallmark of his reign. The Son so loves the righteousness of God, and hates iniquity, that he would endure the cross and bear the reproach of men to satisfy the righteous command of the Father. No angel (and no man) has ever loved the righteous decrees of God to such an extent. "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (Heb. 12:4).
And, the result is that God has anointed the Son with great joy and exceeding gladness. Have you thought about that? Jesus is happy. God is happy with the Son and the Son is filled with Godly joy. And, it's a greater joy than any other being has ever known. It's a joy we will share with Him.
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them; let them also that love thy name be joyful in them. (Psalm 5:11)
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 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. (1:10-12)
This is a quote from Psalm 102: 25-27. The Hebrews writer already declared that Christ made the physical universe back in verse 2. But, now he adds a new wrinkle: They are not eternal. They are temporal. And just as easily as He made all things, he will tuck them away and start again. But the important element in the equation is Himself. He is unchanging, never-ending, constant, consistent, faithful, and eternally trustworthy. That's why we are eternally secure. Everything changes... except Him.
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? (1:13)
Psalm 110:1. The answer? To none of them, thank you. Christ, alone, will rule and reign. Christ vanquished His (and our) enemies - death, hell and the grave - at Calvary. Satan will be utterly defeated, sin will be completely abolished, iniquity will be eternally forgotten... and the Lord will rest his feet.
And, here's the topper:
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (1:14)
The writer brings angels all the way down to the position of servants to the heirs. Who are the heirs of salvation? Well... WE are! Joint-heirs with Christ! (Rom.8:17). And, the angels are sent to minister to us! We are not to lift angels up as though they are to be worshipped - just the opposite. "Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?" (1Cor.6:3). They were created for the purpose of service and ministry both to Christ and to those that are Christ's.
CONCLUSION :
At the risk of being redundant - This section of Hebrews begins a series of declarations which will prove conclusively, from scripture, that Christ is superior in every aspect of His life, ministry, station, and stature. And, in order to see Christ clearly, the first tradition of men that must be done away with is the notion that heavenly or spiritual beings are to be loved or venerated simply by virtue of being spiritual in nature. Fallen angels are able to portray themselves as "angels of light" (2 Cor. 11:14), and the danger of this rampant angel adoration is the lack of discernment it maintains.
The only safe ground is to worship the only trustworthy One, and Him alone. It's commanded. It's sensible. He deserves it...and, He's the only one of whom that can be said.
Jim McClarty
McClartyfam@juno.com
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3. William Oosterman
(I will limit myself to comments on Heb.1:5b.)
I will be His Father and He shall be My Son (1:5b)
David says "I bin thinkin, Nathan. God needs a house. I have a nice house built of cedar (an understatement, if ever one was made) and I want to build God a better house." Nathan nods.. "Sounds like a great idea. Go ahead. God will appreciate it." That night God says to Nathan, and through Nathan to David: 2 Sam.7:1-13:
1. You build a house for ME?
2. In five hundred years the tent I designed has suited Me fine.
3. If I wanted a "better" house than the one I designed I could have ordered one from any of the tribes. Note, David, I never did.
4. I picked you when you were a shepherd laddie.
5. I made you great, gave you all your victories.
6. When you die, I will set up your seed, establish the throne of HIS kingdom forever.
7. He will build a house for My Name, permanent, forever."I WILL BE HIS FATHER, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON."
(HEB.1:5;2 Sam.7:14)Solomon (years later): "I remember God's promise to Dad. I am Dad's son so I had better build this forever house."
And Solomon, as so many today, misunderstood prophecy. He was a literalist listening to a Spiritual God. God never told David or Solomon to build Him a house. Yes, according to God's eternal plan he had to build a house so the messenger of the covenant should come suddenly to the temple so that David's Son (Jesus, David's Royal Son) could say, many years later, while standing beside the house made with hands...
"I will destroy this temple and in three days build it up again."
Jesus had to take on the house of flesh as David's Seed,
so that...
...the temple, His Body, could be destroyed...
...He could build it up a new indestructible Body;
...every one of the elect could make up a portion of that new body/temple;
...they all would come out of the grave with Him;
...the house built by David's Son would be a forever house;
...that the Gentiles could come into David's house Acts 15:16-17;
...God Almighty would have a forever house to dwell in."Not made with hands"(Acts 7:48)
But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Rev.21:22). Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God." (Rev. 21:3)
Herein lies a mystery. We inhabit God. He inhabits us. We are His temple. He is our temple. Forever.
And what does David's and Solomon's attitude illustrate?
Works. Man's attempts to pay God back. To "reward" the eternal Almighty God with a temporal temple.
But God says salvation is all of grace. I picked you, I made you great, you will NOT build Me a house, I will build you a house, from (and out of) the broken temple/body of My Son who is Your Seed. The Body that was broken for you has been built up into a "holy temple...a habitation of God in the Spirit" (Eph.2:22).
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. (Hosea 2:9-10)
Peace that passes all understanding.
I am your Father, You are My Son...
William Oosterman
williamo@cyberus.ca
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4. Kevin Hartley
In a letter that threatens its readers if they fail to listen to our Lord Jesus Christ, how terrifying it would be for us to read and not hear Him; such we shall do if we take this passage and divorce it from its intended context, purpose, and application. To read Hebrews 1:4-14 and not read it in light of the author's intended conclusion of Hebrews 2:1-4 would be criminal. For the warning of Hebrews 2:1-4 contextually defines the intended purpose of this present passage.
Why the contrast between Christ and the angels?
The first question one must ask when approaching Hebrews 1: 4 - 14 is why the author has begun by drawing a clear contrast between Christ and the angels? The initial reaction of the reader is to assume that the 1st century readers were worshipping the angels or exalting them to a lofty position, as the epistle to the Colossians addresses. This conclusion is not correct. Gnosticism might exalt the angels to deity, but Judaism would not. The Jews held a proper view of the angels in light of their servile role to God. The first readers of this letter were not exalting the angels, instead they were guilty of devaluing Christ. The intent of our author and of the Holy Spirit is not to put an end to angel worship; it is to illustrate the preeminence of Messiah worship.
Yet, to simply stop with this conclusion and demonstrate Christ's superiority to the angels that he alone might be exalted to a superior position, would still be an injustice to the context and the passage's intended application. For further insight is given in Hebrews 2: 1 - 4 of the author's reason for addressing Christ in relationship to the angels, a clear contrast is being drawn between ministers of the law of old and Christ the new lawgiver. The angels are brought up in light of their role in the giving of the law under the first covenant, as indicated in Hebrews 2:2-3a, where we read,
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?
The angels served as spokesmen of that first law. Christ is brought up in light of His prophetic role in the giving of this, His law, in contrast to that first law.
Christ is more than just a minister of the law, He is the lawgiver. This is demonstrated in Hebrews 1: 4 - 14 by (a) the title 'Son of God,' (b) the clear use of Messianic Psalms and passages, and (c) the attention given to Christ as Lord and sovereign:
First, as Son of God, Jesus speaks and legislates not as a mere servant or administrator of another, He is the express image and likeness of God. He bears the characteristics and attributes of God because He is God. Thus, He has all due authority and power to speak and enforce what He has spoken. His 'Sonship' is a clear theme of this epistle, as it speaks of His unique and authoritatively glorified position.
Second, the Messianic passages quoted from the Old Testament indicate that He was both subject and intended design of the Scriptures, of the eternal plan of God, and of that Covenant. He is the completion of all that has gone before.
Last, His exaltation and reign, His rule and His might, demonstrate that He does not speak in vain, in weakness, nor as a mere created vessel, but as the Sovereign Creator Himself.
Thus as Christ, Lord, and Sovereign (He being superior to those by whom the law of old was mediated) surely His words should not be ignored. The law of old, as Galatians 3: 19 says, was "ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator." That law "was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward" (Heb. 2: 2); how much less shall Christ's word fail if he is so much better than the angels?
Consider then the folly of apostasy:
For any fool to cast aside the superior message of Christ and His law is wholly rebellious and sure to meet vengeance from our God. Legalism is nigh unto idolatry, as any doctrine or practice that devalues the Word of God is but blasphemous in nature. Shall we not eagerly hear Him when He, who is now seated upon the highest throne, has spoken His law? The relics turned to and embraced by the readers of this letter--that old law as contained in its various parts: Moses, Aaron, the tabernacle, the Sabbath, and the sacrifices of old--were of lesser value than the Son. For us to equate Christ with them is not to raise them to an improper height, but rather it is to cast down Christ and trample underfoot that precious blood that has fulfilled all righteousness.
Our application:
As a Christian then, let us guard against any form of apostasy or idolatry that devalues Christ. Irreligion often is not what re-crucifies our Christ, rather, religion often is that which tramples His glory underfoot. For us to place Him low, aside any religious relic of the old law or our new imaginations, is to open our ears to this threat of the author,
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.
Let us thus declare, Solus Christus.
I close with this bit of exegesis:
If in our Christianity we can keep two terms in mind, as the central work of our hermeneutic and homiletic, as the goal of our exegesis and application, as our defined religion and living, then we shall prevail in the exaltation of our Lord: tosoutv kreittvn (tosoutw kreittwn). One pronoun, one adjective, a favorite of the author of Hebrews, Christ is "tosoutv kreittvn": He is more prominent, higher in rank, better, more useful, so much more, so far greater--He, and He alone.
In conclusion then, understand that Hebrews has not set out to disprove the exalted status of the angels, Moses, Aaron, or the law of old, for these are already held to be truly lofty. Nor is this letter a doctrinal treatise seeking to prove the trinity or eternal nature of Christ, though it demonstrates these doctrines quite well. Rather, this letter is out to declare the superiority of our Lord Jesus Christ, His covenant, and His law. May He be declared by all who bear His name, as tosoutv kreittvn. Soli Deo Gloria.
Kevin Hartley
kartleyk@erols.com
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5. Michael Cruz
I must admit, this passage which contrasts the superiority of Christ to angels was initially puzzling to me. I understand
the main point here is that Christ has a superior ministry to that of the angels;
He occupies a unique place as mediator between God and man;.
the obvious effort of the writer of Hebrews in finding passages that expounds the superiority of the ministry of the Son.
But one question which puzzled me is: Why?
Why the comparison of Christ's ministry is to that of angels? I don't see a great emphasis on the ministry of angels in the Old Testament. I know they are mentioned there, and I know they serve a purpose, and thankfully they were in operation then and are in operation today. But I don't see angels as a major theme of the Old Testament. Quite simply, there is not an abundance of information in the Old Testament that would lead me to believe angels were ever any competition for the beloved Son of God. I can easily understand the later chapters of Hebrews which show that Christ is a superior priest and a superior sacrifice for these two items occupy a more central theme in the Old Covenant.
Just as I was about to give up on this passage, the great relevance of it to our contemporary culture struck me. Let me explain: In the last few years the topic of angels has become very popular. The topic is covered in books, magazines and television. The society at large is obsessed with it. However, a careful examination will reveal that very little of it is scripturally based. Much of it is out of the imagination of Hollywood writers or is based on the false hopes of natural men.
Amidst this misinformation, there is one thing in which we can be sure: angels of the worldly variety or even the Bible variety cannot bring the hope that Christ can. Only Christ gives a complete pardon for sin and hope of eternal life! Angels can bring us good tidings of great joy and angels can bring us direction, but only Christ the Son of God can bring true hope and forgiveness.
I rejoice in the query of verse fourteen which implies that, before I ever knew about my salvation, an angel ministered to me. I remember back to the dark days of my unbelief when I was miraculously spared from death as my car veered off a road into a rain swollen canal. This was the work of an angel sent to minister to an heir of salvation.
Yet amidst this great ministry stands an even greater one: the provider of salvation Himself. The Son!
Alas and did my saviour bleed and did my sovereign die. Would he devote that sacred head to such a worm as I?
Yes, He did, and now He sits in glory at the right hand of the father where He has made our enemies His footstool.
Michael Cruz
a_la_cruz@technologist.com
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6. Maurice Bergeron
Being made so much better than the angels. (1:4)
Superior to the angels
From Paul's letter to the Colossians 2:18 we read:
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.
Paul makes it very apparent that, even in the very early church, there was a willingness to settle for less, and it had found a place in the lives of professing Christians. It is now known that one Jewish cult in particular did embrace a faulty view of angels and of the place they held in God’s economy. Angel worship, or worship of any created thing, is absolutely forbidden. John the beloved Apostle, at Patmos, once bowed before an angel only to be told:
...See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10)
He hath by inheritance
Our Savior has other names, but this name only is received through inheritance. His superiority is shown by the manner in which God speaks to the Son.
For to which of the angels said he at any time. (1:5)
To none of them did he ever use such language as will follow. The manner in which His Father addresses Christ reveals His superiority to the angels.
Thou art my Son.
The second Psalm was regarded by the Jews as a prophecy of the Messiah.I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. (Ps 2:7)
This day have I begotten thee.
What day is referred to? Acts 13: 32-34,
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how
that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
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. And as concerning that he raised him
up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption,
he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of
David.And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Of recent years a person's name is just that. Such was not always the case. When society was organized in small groups, a single given name was sufficient. As communities enlarged there were many people who shared the same name, and eventually people began to add a little extra to their names. Initially, this was often the name of the father. In the New Testament there are many examples. James is identified as the son of Zebedee. Another manner in which identity was achieved is best exemplified by using a person's birthplace. A good example is the name “Joseph of Arimathea." As for Jesus, He is named the Son of God by none other than His Father.
When he bringeth in the first begotten into the world. (1:6)
Here we see the unique Son. There is none other like Him.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: (Heb. 10:5)
And let all the angels of God worship him.
Whatever time is referred to, His superiority to the angels is shown in Ps 97:7:Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
And of the angels he saith. (1:7)
Note how differently God directs His angels.
Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
It is the honor of angels to minister before their Creator God. They were ordained by God for such.
But to the Son he saith. (1:8)
Now compare His language to the Son with that of verse 7 to the angels.
Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever.
The Son's throne is eternal. We should count our many blessings that it is He who sits upon the throne. He is the sole source of grace and truth. From Him flow the waters and bread of Life. He alone is worthy!
Therefore God, [even] thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness. (1:9)
Nothing makes a father's heart glad more than a faithful child, and nothing gladdens the heart of a son more than when his father shows his pleasure towards him.
above thy fellows.
Jesus Christ is King of King and Lord of Lords.These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Rev. 17:14)
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev. 19:16)Maurice Bergeron
ic@mdc.net
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7. David Summerford
The book of Hebrews contains a series of contrasts and comparisons: The first comparison involves Jesus and angels. Both are elevated above man. Both are to continue everlastingly. Both have supernatural attributes. But one is far greater. Verse four's concluding phrase sets the theme of the remaining thoughts of chapter one. Jesus has the more excellent name of the two. The writer uses Old Testament quotes to make four contrasts. In an indirect way we learn much about the angels in these verses. Ironically, most people quote chapter one in order to say something good about the angels. While it is not bad to do so, we should keep in mind that the main thrust of chapter one is to elevate Christ.
Here are four corresponding contrasts of Jesus and the Angels by the writer of Hebrews:
Contrasts: Jesus Angels Their Origin Jesus is the Son, the Creator Created beings Their Service Role A King who stooped to serve Created to serve Their exaltation level over man Seated on His Heavenly throne Gathered around the throne to worship Him who sits on it Their role in worship process worshipped and served by angels
Not worshipped, but worship Angels participate in this separation of Jesus and themselves as is seen in Revelation. John was so impressed with the angel that he started to worship it. The angel intervened, "...worship God!" This message is one of the last images the bible gives us. In Hebrews it is one of the first messages. Thus God seems to say, "Never forget, never forget; Jesus; Jesus; Jesus."
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 shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. [Rev 22:8-9 (KJV)]
David Summerford
davsum@g-net.net
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8. Gavin J. Scalyer
A very general overview of Hebrews 1:4-14, with some side bars.
I work at a private school for girls. Our head master is Moravian in faith. His wife may not admit to it, but I consider her to be on the level of angel worship. She has hundreds, if not a thousand, angel ornaments and trinkets scattered around their residence. I mean every place you look, there is a little angel of some sort. She wears the little angel pins on her clothing. she has angel salt and pepper shakers, angel window stickers, angel patterned cups, candles, table cloths, angel glitter that she sprinkles around, the list goes on and on and on. Have you ever gone to the bathroom and been viewed by seventy-five little ceramic angels?? It is ODD. To honor this woman, the school has started an angel scholarship fund. Don't ask me why, I don't know.
To me, angels can distract from Jesus Christ Messiah, the object of all things. Peoples' desire to worship can be appeased by focusing on angels, much like idol worship distracted the Jews. Which leads me to the "side bar": All humans seem to have a need to worship. Maybe because God "set eternity in the hearts of man." The Aztecs, Indians, Orientals, and Nordics historically have all had their own type of worship. Worship sets us apart from the animal kingdom. Yet today, the philosophy of Nietzsche (God is dead) is gaining popularity. Evolutionists tell us, as man evolves he will lose the sense of worship and need for a God. My question is then: If animals do not worship and man will lose their sense of worship as they evolve, then what happened when the first man evolved? He must have taken a huge step backward toward stupidity instead of forward. The animal kingdom must be actually more advanced than us because they don't worship and we still do.
Man suppresses the truth, Romans 1. Angel worship is an avenue for them to do that. All praise to Jesus Christ who is able to save us from ourselves!
Gavin J. Scalyer
scleib@aol.com
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