God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 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 at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Although it is not known for sure who the author of Hebrews is, it is widely believed and accepted by Biblical scholars that Paul is the author. The purpose of the letter was to reassure Jewish believers that their faith in Jesus as the Messiah was secure and legitimate. Also, it was intended to prepare them for the impending disaster of the destruction of Jerusalmen by the Romans. The temple, with its system of animal sacrifices, and the office of the priest, would soon be done away with, just as Jesus had predicted (Mark 13:1-2). It's further explained that there was no more need for a priest to intercede before God on an individual's behalf since Christ's death provided believers with direct access to God's throne (Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22). Furthermore, the blood of Christ now continually takes away sin (Hebrews 9:18-26).*
Hebrews is divided into two major sections: the first deals with doctrinal issues, the scriptures and how they are to be taught and interpreted (Hebrews 1:1-10:18); and the second focuses on practical living (Hebrews 10:19-13:25). In addition to this, it contains several warnings to Jewish Christians not to revert back to Judaism and that system of worship (Hebrew 10:39). It was evident that these believers were weak in their faith; when they should have been teaching others, they themselves still required teaching. The writer urges them to grow and not remain as "babes" in Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14). The major theme expressed throughout the book is the superiority and preeminence of Christ. *Notes from Strong's Key Word Study Bible
The first four verses above of the first chapter are so full of information, information that every Christian must believe as fact before we can grow to maturity in our relationship with God:
God has spoken to all creation from the beginning of time to now, through His creation and all the scriptures written by the prophets and apostles: For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead,... (Romans 1:20) “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,... As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,.. (Luke 1:68-40) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (II Peter 1:19-21)
God has spoken through His Son, Christ Jesus, the Heir of all things because He made all things: While [Jesus] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7, 12:37; Luke 9:35). Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (John 5:24) ...you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:15-17)
God has given Christ Jesus all power, to save all people from their sins, and being the very image of God, resurrected from the dead and is now with God the Father, in heaven: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. (John 12:44-45) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. [Genesis 1-2] And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)
God is the author of the scriptures, He is the Creator of all things, and through His Son, Christ Jesus, all things were made! Christ Jesus is the final offering for all of our sins, because God the Father gave Him all power and authority, in heaven and on earth! Nothing can be added to or taken from Christ Jesus, for he fulfills all the requirements of God! We are to believe in the Word of God, Christ Jesus only, for our salvation (see World Faiths and Religions)! Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels,... (Colossians 2:18) What about angels?...
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