Study Desk

God's Final Word: His Son

In the past God spoke^(a) to our ancestors through the prophets^(b) at many times and in various ways,^(c)

but in these last days^(d) he has spoken to us by his Son,^(e) whom he appointed heir^(f) of all things, and through whom^(g) also he made the universe.^(h)

The Son is the radiance of God's glory⁽ⁱ⁾ and the exact representation of his being,^(j) sustaining all things^(k) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(l) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^(m)

So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.⁽ⁿ⁾

For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"^[a]?^(o) Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"^[b]?^(p)

And again, when God brings his firstborn^(q) into the world,^(r) he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."^[c](s)

In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire."^[d](t)

But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;^(u) a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions^(v) by anointing you with the oil^(w) of joy."^[e](x)

He also says, "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.^(y)

They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.^(z)

You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same,^(aa) and your years will never end."^[f](ab)

To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand^(ac) until I make your enemies a footstool^(ad) for your feet"^[g]?^(ae)

Are not all angels ministering spirits^(af) sent to serve those who will inherit^(ag) salvation?^(ah)

Warning to Pay Attention

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.^(a)

For since the message spoken^(b) through angels^(c) was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,^(d)

how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?^(e) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,^(f) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.^(g)

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,^(h) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit⁽ⁱ⁾ distributed according to his will.^(j)

It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.

But there is a place where someone^(k) has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?^(l)

You made them a little^[a] lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor

and put everything under their feet."^[b][c](m) In putting everything under them,^[d] God left nothing that is not subject to them.^[e] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.^[f]

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor⁽ⁿ⁾ because he suffered death,^(o) so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.^(p)

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists,^(q) should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.^(r)