Verse of the Day for Tuesday, April 9, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Hebrews 1:3

He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Hebrews 1:3 is a significant verse located in the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, a book in the New Testament. This verse succinctly captures key aspects of Christian theology concerning the nature and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike other letters in the New Testament that are attributed to specific apostles, the authorship of Hebrews remains anonymous, adding a layer of mystery to its interpretation.

The epistle is primarily addressed to Jewish Christians, and it emphasizes Jesus' superiority over all things, including angels, the old covenant, and the Mosaic law. Hebrews 1:3, in particular, focuses on the divinity, the powerful word, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

This verse can be broken down into several key theological components:

1. Reflection of God’s Glory and Exact Imprint of His Being: This phrase asserts the belief in the divinity of Christ. He is not just a messenger or prophet but is presented as a direct and perfect representation of God. This ties into the doctrine of the Trinity, suggesting an essential unity between the Father and the Son.

2. Sustains All Things by His Powerful Word: This part emphasizes the power and authority of Christ. It indicates that Jesus upholds the universe, not just through his physical presence but through his word—a testament to the power of divine speech.

3. Purification for Sins: This segment highlights the redemptive work of Jesus. The notion of making "purification for sins" refers to the Christian belief in Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, which is seen as a means of reconciling humanity with God.

4. Sat Down at the Right Hand of the Majesty on High: Finally, this position at the right hand of God signifies a place of honor and authority. In Jewish tradition, sitting at the right hand of a ruler was a position of high status. This illustrates the exalted status of Jesus after his resurrection and ascension.

Overall, Hebrews 1:3 is a compact statement of high Christology, presenting Jesus as divine, powerful, redemptive, and exalted. It forms a foundation for understanding the broader theological arguments presented throughout the Epistle to the Hebrews.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
Click on the image to reveal the meaning and insights of this verse…