Study Guide
Hebrews Study 5 | The Glory of Christ #1
Taught by Dr Paul Iles
Bible Class is the teaching ministry of Salisbury Christian Church 56 Henson Rd Salisbury QLD 4107 AUSTRALIA contact@salisburychristianchurch.com.au www.bibleclass.com.au Page 1
Scripture 1. Prologue: A seven-fold description of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4) 1
Structure 1. Jesus’ glory in relation to the world • Creator (v2) • Sustainer/Upholder (v3) • Heir (v2) 2. Jesus’ glory in relation to God • Brightness/radiance of God’s glory (v3) • Exact imprint/stamp of God (v3) • On His throne (v3) 3. Jesus’ glory in relation to us • Purged our sins (v3) Analysis 1. God has spoken in His Son • God has chosen to make Himself known by revealing Himself rather than to leave us in the ignorance of our imagination. • Hebrews tells us that God has fully revealed Himself in a final manner in Christ (cf the multiple, partial revelations in the days pre-Christ). • When the Son came into the world and showed Himself, God Himself was revealing Himself to the world (John 1:1-2). • Where God Himself has come to give His self-revelation, no more is needed. The revelation is complete (see also John 1:18).
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2. Creator • The first outcome of His place as creator is that He is greater than me, with authority and power over me. I am indebted to Him for my very existence. • Objectionable to human pride. 3. The Upholder • He did not leave the world upon creation. • He is not disconnected from creation, nor is He disinterested in His creatures. • God is in control of all things. 4. Heir • This world is owned by the Lord Jesus Christ. • He owns it, not just by right of creation by also by right of redemption. "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11) "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!" (Revelation 5:9-12)
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Review Questions 1. That Christ is God’s self-revelation, because He is God, implies what? A. God has revealed Himself in fullness. B. When the reality has come, no more is needed. C. God’s partial and diverse revelations have given way to a full and complete revelation. D. All of the above. 2. Which of the following is NOT an implication of Christ’s place as creator? A. He is superior to me. B. I am indebted to Him for my very existence. C. Having created, he is no longer engaged with the world. D. Human pride is contrary to His authority. 3. Jesus is heir of all things by right of... A. Redemption. B. Creation. C. Wisdom. D. Both A and B. E. Both B and C. 4. Which view is contrary to the fact that Jesus upholds all things? A. That the laws of science describe the fine balance of the universe. B. That God made the world and left it to run itself. C. Creation was complete after 6 days. D. None of the above. 5. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Jesus’ glory from Hebrews 1:1-4? A. He was incarnated. B. He upholds all things. C. He is the revelation of God. D. He purged our sins. 6. What is the solution offered by the writer to every problem of the readers? A. Prayer. B. Faith. C. Jesus. D. Love.
Answers | 1D | 2C | 3D | 4B | 5A | 6C bibleclass.com.au
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