Chapter one verses six and seven: Even though Jesus came to earth as a man, the angels of God knew Who He was and worshiped Him. Note that Jesus was called the “FIRSTbegotten.” All who are converted are begotten (not born again) of God. In verse seven we see that God’s angels are ministers of fire. This is brought out more graphically in verse 14: “Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who SHALL BE (through obedience) heirs (in line for) salvation.” We must remember the difference between heirs and inheritors. An heir does not yet have the promise; an inheritor has it. Angels are prepared to minister for those who will embrace God in total obedience to His Word, thereby making them heirs who, if they endure to the end in a state of righteousness (Mat. 10:22), will inherit eternal life.

Verses eight through 13: Here the Apostle Paul is telling the Hebrews that Christ’s rulership over all things has been awarded Him because of His righteousness, and that he maintains his rulership by that same righteousness. Also, those who serve with Him in that position of rulership–His true saints–must have  manifested that same righteousness in their human life in order to rule with Him. In the life to come there can be no weak link in the chain of command. Each “link” must be as sure as the Main Link. This is possible only through righteousness. In verse 8 God tells Jesus that He (Jesus) hates iniquity–lawlessness. Note that in the statement God says that lawlessness and righteousness are diametrically opposed. The believer is either one or the other. One either obeys God’s Law or disobeys it. Only the obedient saint will rule with Him in the Kingdom of God.

In verses 10 and 13 Paul reiterates the fact that Jesus Christ created the universe under orders from the One who would later become His Father. This is the One Who would one day make His (Jesus’) enemies His footstool. In verses 11 and 12 we are told that the earth and heavens as we know them will all be changed, but that He would never change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). One day there will be a new earth and a new heaven. Only His true saints will get to witness the transformation from old to knew and to live forever in the new. L.J.