Posted on 12/11/2023 6:26:54 AM PST by metmom
"Having become . . . much better than the angels" (Heb. 1:4). Through a deft use of the Old Testament, the writer proves that Christ is the mediator of a greater covenant.
Man is a wonderful and amazing creation—higher than plants, animals, and any other material creation in this world. But there are created beings even higher than man—angels.
Hebrews 2:9 shows this to be the case because when Jesus became a man, He was "made for a little while lower than the angels." After the fall of the rebellious angels under Lucifer, the angels in heaven were no longer subject to sin. These angels are holy, powerful, and wise. They are special beings created by God before He created man.
The Jewish people understood the exalted position of angels because they knew that the Old Covenant was brought to men and maintained by angelic mediation. Galatians 3:19 says, "Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made."
Because of this high regard for angels by his readers, the writer of Hebrews was faced with a problem. If he was to show that Christ was the mediator of a better covenant, he would have to prove that Christ is better than angels. To do so, he used seven Old Testament passages to verify his claim.
If he had tried to prove from Christian writings that Christ is a better mediator, his unbelieving Jewish readers would have said, "We don't accept these writings as being from God." So in effect he wisely replies, "Open up your own Scriptures and I'll prove my claim from them." It results in a powerful and irresistible argument.
For the next several days, we'll see in what ways Christ is superior to angels and how He could mediate a better covenant for us.
Suggestion for Prayer
Because much of our understanding of the New Testament is based on the writings of the Old Testament, thank God for how He has brought His complete Word to us intact throughout the centuries.
For Further Study
Read Galatians 3:8, Romans 9:15, and Matthew 4:4.
What Old Testament verses do those passages quote?
What truth does each of them verify?
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
1 Corinthians 6:3 King James Version
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
Just because angels were created before man does not mean they are higher than man. God sends angels to serve man. Angels do not have free will. Man has free will. Big difference.
Well, angels are a higher order of creation than man, as Scripture says, even if one of their functions is to minister to man.
That role they fill does not mean inferiority.
Even Christ came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
So, the creator is greater than the creation?
I agree. Our roles are different.
You need to ask???
No actually God created angels to use in service to man. That’s what they do. They do God’s bidding without question.
” for God so loved the world (man) that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Free will. Even Jesus had free will because he was a man. That’s what differentiates us from angels.
While I know that is a role they play, I don’t see any Scriptural support that that was the reason they were created.
Of course they do.
Angels have free will. They do not have time.
Originally they were created to worship God but later they became an emissary between God and man.
All the messages to mankind have been from angels. An angel appeared to Mary to tell her she was pregnant. When Christ was born an angel appeared to the shepherds in the field. An angel appeared at the tomb to tell Mary Magdalene why do you seek the living among the dead? And on and on.
Yup.
But as I read your comment, it was that the reason they were created was for the purpose of serving (or ministering) to man. They had other purposes.
Yes God created angels to worship him around his throne. Revelation 5:11-14
God also created angels to be ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. (man) Hebrews 1:14
Angels are not meant to be worshipped. “and I fell at his feet to worship him but he said to me see that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” Revelations 19:10
Angels have their own hierarchy and have many roles but they serve God and by extension man. We don’t serve angels. They also can’t accept Christ because they already have eternal life.
Well; the FLOOD came upon man because of them, and there was no 'law' in place to enummerate them.
'Twasn't until after dry land appeared and then Sodom and Gomorrah, took place that the LAW was finally encoded in stone.
Genesis 3:22 NASB 1977
Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil;
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