What is the meaning of the phrase “sat down” in Hebrews 1:3?
(Hebrews 1:1-4; Luke 1:31-33) Blog Jan. 09-15, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: From being Stephen’s persecutor, Paul became the principal proponent of Stephen’s message. In the Book of Hebrews he writes to all believers presenting Jesus as God’s new prophet, priest, and king – One better than Moses, Aaron, and David. He exhorts believers to follow Jesus in his heavenly ministry and to not harden their hearts as Israel did in the desert.
The Promised Son
1. According to Hebrews 1 who has replaced Moses and Elijah? Instead of the Old Testament prophets God gave us Jesus as his new mouthpiece (Heb. 1:1).
2. Where, before Paul wrote Hebrews, had God already made clear that Jesus was his new mouthpiece? On the Mount of Transfiguration God made clear that his disciples should hear Jesus over Moses & Elijah (Mark 9:4-7).
3. Who said that God would raise up a powerful prophet like himself? Moses promised that God would raise up a powerful prophet like himself to whom God’s people should listen (Deut. 18:15).
4. Where does David write that God would choose a new, divine high priest? In Psalm 110:1-4 God promised that his Son would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Psa. 110:1-4).
5. Where does Isaiah say that God’s government would be given to a promised Son? In Isaiah 9:6 God promised that a Son would be ruler over his kingdom (Isa. 9:6).
6. In what special event did Jesus become God’s promised Son? Jesus especially became God’s adopted, promised son at his incarnation. At his baptism, transfiguration, & ascension the Father repeated this truth (Psa. 2:7; Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Rom. 1:3-4; Heb. 1:5).
The Equal Son
7. Who did God choose to inherit all things? God appointed his Son to be heir of all things (Heb. 1:2; Psa. 2:8).
8. According to Hebrews 1:2 what co-equal role did the Son have with God the Father? Jesus was Co-creator with the father (Heb.1:2, 10; Col. 1:15-17).
9. What is meant by the phrase “who being the brightness of his glory”? In verse three Paul is telling us that Jesus was in every way equal with the Father in character (full of grace & truth), in external glory, & as a consuming fire to the wicked (Heb. 1:3; 12:29; John 1:14; 5:18).
10. How does Paul state that Jesus is of the same substance as the Father? Paul states that Jesus is “the express image of [the Father’s] person” showing that Jesus is a separate person from the Father but identical in being & of the same divine substance, just as stated in the Council of Nicaea (John 10:30; 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).
11. In what three ways does Paul say that Jesus is equal to the Father? Paul states that Jesus has the same glory, power, & substance as the Father (Heb. 1:2-3).
12. What ongoing function of Deity does Paul say that Jesus continually exercises? Jesus continually holds the universe & every atom together by the “word of his power (Heb. 1:3; Col. 3:17).
The Working Son
13. What work does Paul say Jesus accomplished before going to his Father’s right hand? Before going to his Father’s right hand Jesus made a complete atonement for all humanity by bearing all their sins on the cross, making propitiation (payment) for them (Heb. 1:3; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1John 2:2).
14. Who else helped Jesus atone for humanity’s sins? Jesus bore our sins all alone on the cross: of the people there was none with him. He made a vicarious atonement: meaning he alone did something in our place (Isa. 63:3, 5; Heb. 1:3).
15. What did Jesus have to suffer to atone for the sins of all men? To make atonement for all humanity Jesus had to suffer (undergo the punishment of hell) for every human being while being forsaken by God, his Father (Isa. 53:3-8; Matt. 27:46; Luke 22:44; 24:26; Acts 17:3; 2 Cor. 5:21).
16. What is the meaning of the phrase “sat down” in Hebrews 1:3? The phrase “sat down” refers to taking an official office & not to sitting on a chair. A king is “seated” on his throne even when he is far from his palace (Heb. 12:2; Rev. 3:21).
17. Where was it that Jesus went and took an official office? Jesus went to the right hand of his Father in heaven (Matt. 6:9; John 16:10; Acts 1:10-11).
18. What office did Jesus take upon his ascension to heaven? Upon his ascension to heaven Jesus was installed as our high priest (Acts. 2:32-35; 6:24; 7:56; Heb. 1:3; 2:17; 5:5).