The Book of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews is not a complicated book to understand, as so many theologians and pastors proclaim. The keys to understanding the book are found in the beginning two chapters, particularly Hebrews 1:6, 14-15 and 2:5, 6-10:
Hebrews 2:5
For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.
Hebrews 1:6
But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
Hebrews 1:13-14
But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 2:6-10
But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him [man], He left nothing that is not put under him [man]. But now we do not yet see all things put under him [man]. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
We are explicitly told what the subject of the book is: "the world to come" (the kingdom age). We are also told that it won't be in subjection to angels. Meaning, we know that this current world/age IS in subjection to angels (Satan and his fallen angels), but the coming one WILL NOT BE.
So, if not angels, then who?
Jesus. When He again comes into the world, He will take His rightful place as King, and ALL the angels will be in subjection to Him.
And verse 1:14 tells us that the current angels (not the fallen ones under Satan) are ministering to those who will inherit salvation... this is a future salvation which has to do with a Christian's inheritance, not their eternal security.
Having this in mind, when we go back and read chapter one we see the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ over the angels in every way: His name, His future position (as King over His Kingdom), His Sonship, His Deity, His favor from the Father, His inheritance.... Jesus is the One who will be subjecting all things to Himself in the world/age to come. But not yet.
In chapter 2 we see that Jesus will not be alone in His position as King in His heavenly kingdom over the earth. He is bringing many sons to glory, the ones who the angels are currently ministering to regarding the inheritance, the future salvation. To them, and Christ, it is given to rule over the works of the Father's hand.
But not yet. This awaits the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Book of Hebrews is written to THE CHURCH, and it concerns the world/age to come and Christ and His co-heirs' position in it.
Now before you read any further, go and read the Book of Hebrews yourself - all the way through in one sitting - and see if you can find the 5 instances where we Christians are warned regarding LOSING this very precious reward of the inheritance.
If you'd like to learn more, read the following messages on Hebrews listed on this page. The first one is a brief overview of the entire book, with specific focus on the five warnings.
You can also visit our blog HERE and ask questions. But before you do, please make sure you visit our "10 Basic Questions" page and review the content provided. You may find your questions answered there.
The Book of Hebrews
A Brief Overview
The author of the Book of Hebrews is unknown, but we do know he demonstrates a deep knowledge of the Old Testament as he draws from it often. This book was written to believers, meaning the author is addressing saved individuals in the church (which is the body of Christ). We know this to be so as evidenced by the author including himself in the warnings and using terms fitting the saved, such as "holy brethren" (Christians) who are "partakers of the heavenly calling."
Historically, the author’s contextual audience were Christians who were Jewish, as they would have had a keen understanding of his use of so many Old Testament passages. And in particular, those he directed his letter to were at the time facing persecution.
The Book of Hebrews is just as important and applicable today as it was 2,000 years ago when it was written. This book, like every book in the Bible, contains God’s words speaking to God’s people. We need to have eyes to see and ears to hear what God is saying.