God Spot

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God Spot
This Christian Resource Blog has been created by a group of friends from around the world. Our purpose is to provide links to useful resources, some commentary on topical or doctrinal issues, a place where anyone can come with questions and a means whereby we can share our faith. And above all, to grow and encourage each other. As Christians, we believe we bear God's image in this world, and seek to glorify God's name in this endeavour. Any Christian who wants to join with us is very welcome!

Friday, April 30, 2004

Hebrews 1&2 Study

I know some of you will have read this on another List we're on, but this blog is for others too, so I'm doubling up.

This week's bible study of Hebrews 1&2 was inspiring. Two good ch's to look at together. As someone said in our study, the first ch. focuses on the deity of Christ, while the second emphasises the humanity of Christ.

For instance, in Heb 1 it says of Christ "having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs", whereas in Heb 2 we read of Christ "we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels". So we see those two sides of Christ, both co-existing.

These are remarkable ch's really, for what they present of the nature and glory and majesty of Christ and his many roles (eg. Heb1&2 present Christ as creator, heir of all things, image of God, ruler of all, Son of God, eternal unchanging Spirit, Saviour of mankind, Sanctifier of mankind, conqueror of the devil, High Priest and intercessor). Very rich ch's. I liked the glimpse we get into the throne room in heaven, we get to see some of the relationships (Father, Son, angels) and the power structure, the majesty and glory in the place from where the creation (and our lives, should we choose) is ruled from.

Interestingly, here (Heb1:8) God himself refers to Christ as God:

"But of the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom."

It appealed to me that in the throne room of heaven, it is right for us to consider God the Father on the throne, and Christ ruling all creation on His right hand, as co-equal God. The reality perhaps of Jesus' prayer in Jn17 "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us".

The remarkable thing is that we are invited - nay, it's God's purpose for us - to enter into that union between Father and Son, to somehow share in that unity between Father and only begotten Son. It suggests this in Heb 2 also "For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers".

It all brought to mind the hymn "How Deep the Father's Love" (Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer - below).

How deep the Fathers love for us,
how vast beyond all measure,
that he should give his only Son
to make a wretch his treasure!
How great the pain of searing loss:
the Father turns his face away
as wounds which mar the chosen one
bring many sons to glory!

Behold the man upon the cross,
my sin upon his shoulders;
ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held him there
until it was accomplished;
His dieing breath has brought me life-
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
but I will boast in Jesus Christ,
his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer;
but this I know with all my heart,
his wounds have paid my ransom.

# posted by geoff @ 12:33 pm

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