May 28, 2004

SUPERIOR TO THE ANGELS

"So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs" (Hebrews 1:4, NIV).

In a moving tribute to Christ, Paul describes Him as superior to the angels. He refutes the arguments of false teachers who held that Christ had originally been an angel who was subsequently elevated to His present status.

The apostle first tells what made Christ worthy of all honor and praise by the angels as well as by the redeemed. He identifies Christ as God's official spokesman, the heir to all things, the Creator of all things, the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of God, the sustainer of all things, the Saviour of the world, and the One who is superior to the angels (see Hebrews 1:1-3). Christ is superior to the angels because only He has ever been referred to by the Father as "my Son" (Hebrews 1:5, NIV). His superiority to the angels is evident in that He is the Creator, while angels are created beings (see Colossians 1:16). He is superior to the angels because angels, as well as other created beings, are commanded to worship Him (see Hebrews 1:6). Paul concludes that Christ is superior to the angels because the Father Himself addresses the Son reverently, calling Him "God" (see Hebrews 1:8).

The very name Jesus refers to the One who will save His people from their sins (see Matthew 1:21). This is the saving name that is "above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and... every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:9-11). Speaking of Christ's superiority to the angels, Ellen G. White wrote: "As the Majesty of heaven, He was exalted above the angels, and in His work of redemption He carries with Him all who have received Him and believed in His name."--Letter 97, 1898.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I worship You, because as Saviour You are superior to the angels and Lord of all. Amen.