--Heb. i., 18.
In the all-important argument which occupies this epistle, Paul
assumes, what the believing Hebrews had already profest, that Jesus of
Nazareth is the true Messiah. To prepare them for the consequences
of their own principle--a principle involving nothing less than the
abolition of their law, the subversion of their state, the ruin of
their city, the final extinction of their carnal hopes--he leads them
to the doctrine of their Redeemer's person, in order to explain the
nature of his offices, to evince the value of his spiritual salvation,
and to show, in both, the accomplishment of their economy which was
now "ready to vanish away." Under no apprehension of betraying the
unwary into idolatrous homage by giving to the Lord Jesus greater
glory than is due unto His name, the apostle sets out with ascribing
to Him excellence and attributes which belong to no creature.
Creatures of most elevated rank are introduced; but it is to display,
by contrast, the preeminence of Him who is "the brightness of the
Father's glory and the express image of his person." Angels are great
in might and in dignity; but "unto them hath he not put in subjection
the world to come.
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