Posted on 12/11/2016 5:46:32 PM 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 to those passages quote? What truth does each of them verify?
Studying God’s Word ping
How do you reconcile this? I Cor. 6:3: Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! ESV
Often wondered if angels were open to sin after the fall. Is there a biblical reference that states angels are no longer subject to sin or falling from God’s grace?
Some day will will judge angels.
It says we are to judge angels. It doesn’t say we’re going to now.
There’s no conflict so nothing to *reconcile*.
It seems that they had their choice to make when Satan fell and 1/3 of the angels followed him.
I haven’t seen anything else that indicates the state of angels changes at any time.
I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve got enough to deal with in real life without worrying about things that are beyond my control.
If they had the ability to rebel in the first place, then they have free will.
However, I tend to think of it as God asked the non-rebellious angels to be patient and wait out the sin story for a better understsnding
Nonsense.
Jesus was never lower than any angel.
The statement only refers to mortality. That Jesus would be subject to mortality.
Weird fixations
We never dwelled on angels
I’ll see em soon enough
You start seeing angels it’s time for morphine
Saying Jesus is beneath angels is doing a very dark bidding
Good luck with that dangerous foolery
Nonsense.
Jesus was never lower than any angel.
What I said was angels have helped me, and Jesus is present every day. Don't know where you're coming from.
Does anyone have the scripture verses that points to the angel war and the 1/3rd or whatever number I’ve heard? I know Satan fell I seem to recall from job but not the other.
Does this mean he will win the next election like “The Bitch Set Me Up” fella?
So what does this sentence mean: “But there are created beings even higher than man—angels.”
I believe I also have had angels intervene and act in my life. They are God’s messengers ministering to His children according to His will.
That is correct. Jesus took on the flesh of Abraham's seed (Hebrews 2:16) in order to experience death for our sakes. He is God incarnate and can never die nor can angels, But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)
This may be what you were asking about:
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (from Revelation 12)
Also, in Isaiah 14:
They are rarely visible. I have seen the effects of them in certain instances in my life but I can only remember one or two times where I believe an angel actually helped me and was in human form. Like Scripture says some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
Isaiah 14:12: How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! NIV
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