The Superiority of Christ

Hebrews 1: 1 - 6 (NIV): In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father "? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."

    If we want to know how to become right with God we see what Jesus says about it. Jesus is now God's spokesman. All truth about God is revealed in him. God used prophets in the Old Testament, but when Jesus came, he assumed that role. Jesus is our one and only prophet now.

    We think of Jesus as God's son, and that is true, but he is also God himself. John tells us this in the first chapter of his Gospel. Paul tells us this in Colossians 1:16 and the writer of Hebrews (probably Paul) tells us this again today. Jesus is the creator of the universe. He created everything for his pleasure. How can Jesus be God's son and also God? God became flesh and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus Christ.

    Because Jesus is God himself, he is superior to the prophets in the Old Testament who were men of God, but not perfect. Jesus was and is perfect. When he said he was the only way to the Father, we better take that to heart. He wasn't kidding.

    And Jesus is superior to the angels. Angels were created to minister to God and to us. Angels worship Jesus but never the other way around. And if an angel brings a message that is new or contrary to what Jesus taught, let that angel be accursed (Galatians 1:8).