Study Guide
Hebrews Study 6 | The Glory of Christ #2
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 (Previous Study) • Creator (v2) • Sustainer/Upholder (v3) • Heir (v2) 2. Jesus’ glory in relation to God (This Study) • • • •
His Son (v2) 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) Jesus’ Glory in relation to God 1. The Son of God • • • •
Means firstly that He is of the same kind as God. A son shares the same origins as his father. A son receives his nature and rights by inheritance. The following descriptions flow out naturally from this fact.
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2. The radiance of the glory of God • Glory is the exuding radiance that is always associated with God’s presence. The Bible states that God dwells in unapproachable light that nobody can stand to see (1 Timothy 6:16). • God’s presence was shown, for example, by the shekhinah cloud in the Tabernacle and the Temple. • Jesus is therefore the unique splendour, radiance, shining and effulgence of God. He has an integral place in the fullness of the Godhead with respect to the fullness of God’s glory. • This is why the scripture says that you can see the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). • John writes that we beheld the glory of Jesus because He was none less than God (John 1:14). 3. The exact image of God • Not like a photograph, which simply shows what a person is like on the outside. • This means more: Everything that God the Father is in Himself is shown in the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. To know Jesus is to know God. To see Jesus is to see God (John 14:8-11). • When God made Himself known in Christ, He did it perfectly and in fullness. He is the ultimate revelation of God, as stated in verses 1-2. 4. Sitting at the right hand of the Majesty on High • Means the place of equality - on the same level. • King’s thrones were always elevated above their subjects in order to show their superiority. But the Lord Jesus Christ is seated on the same level as God. • Majesty is the honour and dignity which the place affords. • God allowed His Son to take this place because though a man, He is God: The Son of God, the express image of His person and the radiance of His glory. • Christ has rule and authority from this position. The Father has given all things into His hand (John 3:35).
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Review Questions 1. Because He is seated at the right hand of God, Jesus is what? A. Honoured by God. B. Equal with God. C. Ruling and reigning over all things. D. All of the above. 2. Jesus is the Son of God, therefore...? A. He is the same as God. B. He comes after God. C. He was created by God. D. None of the above. 3. Jesus is the exact image of God...? A. Like a photograph is to the person in it. B. Like a mould is to the object is creates. C. As One carrying His entire and perfect nature. D. All of the above. 4. If God’s glory can’t be looked upon, how did Jesus display it when He was here on earth? A. He didn’t. B. Only at certain times when alone. C. Through who He was. D. None of the above. 5. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Jesus’ glory from Hebrews 1:1-4? A. He is the brightness of God’s glory. B. He purged our sins. C. He sent the Holy Spirit. D. He is the revelation of God. 6. That Jesus is the exact image of God further establishes that...? A. He was created by God. B. He is the final, full and perfect revelation of God. C. He is a partial representation of God. D. All of the above.
Answers | 1D | 2A | 3C | 4C | 5C | 6B bibleclass.com.au
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