Chapter two verses five through eight: In verse 4 the Apostle Paul reminded the Hebrew Christians that God has given to true saints spiritual gifts through His Holy Spirit which abides within them. In First Corinthians 12 we are told that these gifts are awarded by the Lord for the edification of the true church so as to draw others to her and to confirm the Truth of His Word. In Hebrews 2:5 Paul makes an astounding statement, one that has eternal implications. Here he declares that God’s true, obedient saints will inherit the entire universe (the “world to come”) upon the return of Jesus Christ. Then he quotes Psalm 8:4-6 which tells us that, though man is relatively insignificant, God is “mindful of him.” Calling human beings the same thing He called Jesus– “the son(s) of man”–the psalmist wonders why the Creator of the universe exalts men and visits them. He wonders why the eternal God made man “a little lower than the angels,” which verse 9 tells us is exactly how He made Jesus Christ. See Jesus Christ: God, Man or Godman? Why, David asks, did He set man over the works of His hands–the universe? And why He made all things subject unto those men who will honor Him by believing and obeying His Word. In verse 8 we find that, though the universe is the inheritance of true Saints, the universe is not at this time in their possession. At the present time God’s servants are heirs apparent. A more literal and heart-stirring statement relative to the saints’ future universal rulership is found in Romans 8:14-18 where we are told that (only) those who are led by the Holy Spirit are true sons (children) of God, and that, as His children, they are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” IF they suffer as He suffered and for the same reason–obedience to God. This is brought out by Jesus in Matthew 10:22. Such suffering for righteousness’ sake will bring glory to the saints just as it did to Him. See Persecution. Verse 18 tells us that the entire universe “waits in earnest expectation for the manifestation of the sons of God” which will take place at the Lord’s return when they will be saved and born again–changed from physical to spiritual beings. See Born Again. It is at that time that the whole of creation will  be placed under their feet (vs 8). Until that time “we do not yet see all things put under him (them–God’s righteous saints).

We must understand the importance of mankind–God’s ultimate creation. God’s calls his creation “Anthropos,” meaning human beings, people. He uses the same word to describe Adam, Jesus and mankind in general. It is to this Anthropos that God has promised to subject the entire universe. The entirety of  His creation is anxiously awaiting Christ’s return so that His saints can visit it and take charge of it. Truly, Paul was right when he said: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart (mind) of man what God has prepared for “THOSE WHO LOVE HIM” (1 Cor. 2:9/Isa. 64:4). This same God said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn. 14:15). In sum, THOSE WHO LOVE HIM ENOUGH TO OBEY HIM IN THIS LIFE WILL SHARE THE UNIVERSE WITH HIM IN THE NEXT ONE. So why does man push, shove, struggle and strain to have stuff and do things in this puff of smoke called life while eternity with everything everywhere awaits him if he will love and obey the Owner of it? Incredibly, God says that only a few will do so (Mat. 7:13,14). L.J.