Hebrews 1:3-14

Hebrews 1:3-14 After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” He also says, “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

The author of Hebrews reveals that Jesus is the Son of God. As the Son, He is far above the angels who are ministering spirits created by God. After his ministry on Earth, Jesus took his place once again at the Father's side as a part of the triune Lord. And as the Christ, the true Messiah, He is forevermore advocating for those He rescued from sin and death, the born-again children of God. IN HIM we have eternal security, for his righteousness never ends, and his throne will last forever and ever. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.

Praise God, our hope of eternal life rests in Christ alone because of his sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Therefore my friend, hang onto Jesus. All others might fail you: life may bring disappoints; sickness may cause you pain; you might be in a desperate situation today. Yet even when you feel as if all doors are closed, these scriptures tell you to hold onto Jesus, the giver of life eternal. He is the creator of everything, and He promised never to leave or to forsake you. No philosophy, ideology, religion, or method of positive thinking can give you life. At death's door, the ideas of men will fail you, but Jesus will be there until the end, offering life and light that last forever. What a wonderful hope we have in Christ. He alone is anointed with the oil of joy, for He knows that his efficacious work of victory over sin and death produces children of God. His work overcomes the devil and the powers of darkness. His work brings salvation, righteousness, and victory to all those who believe and take up their crosses to follow him. He is Lord and Savior of all!

How do we know that we have inherited eternal life and the blessings of God's family? We know because the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirits that we are alive in Christ. Jesus said God would send his Spirit to quicken our mortal souls and to testify that we are his, that He knows our names, and we will never again be alone or without hope. Some people struggle with the idea of salvation and redemption. How do we know that life exists outside of this earthly realm? We know because all of creation testifies of God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than our fleshly spirits. His still small voice confirms we are sons and daughters of the King, his beloved children. When our spirits are quiet and we stop fussing about this world and our troubles, we will hear the lovely voice of God saying, "You are mine, and I love you with an everlasting love. You are known of me, and I will never leave you. When you pass through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be with you as a Good Shepherd. My Spirit will guide and comfort you as He leads you to my throne." God's Word is true, and He keeps his promises. If you have problems hearing that voice inside you, ask God to be more real in you, to help you hear his voice rather than your own. As we read in James 4, as you draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to you. Today, listen and believe.