Hebrews 1

The letter to the Hebrews sheds light on the shadows of the Old Covenant. It is the author's intent to show that Christ is that superior light.

The shadows of Old are replaced by the light of Christ

Job 12:22
He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light.

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Isaiah 59:9
So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.

Matthew 4:16
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Colossians 2:17
These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

It is in this sense that Hebrews begins by saying

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son

We are then given a list of why Christ is the great light

1. He is God's final Word
2. He is the heir of all things
3. The universe was made through Him
4. He is the radiance of God's glory
5. He is the exact representation of God's being
6. He is the sustainer of all things
7. He provided purification for sins
8. He sat down at the right hand of the majesty
9. He has a superiority over angels

Next we are given a course in how to understand the Old Testament by the light of Christ

Psalm 2:7
The shadow: Coronation of an Israelite king
The light: Coronation of Jesus, the King of kings
*see Acts 4:25-27

2 Samuel 7:14
The shadow: Solomon will build physical temple
The light: Jesus will build spiritual temple

Deut. 32:43
The shadow: Worship of God in unity
The light: Worship of God in trinity

Psalm 45:6
The shadow: Solomon as king & bridegroom
The light: Jsus as King & Bridegroom
*see Isaiah 61:1-3 & Luke 4:18-19

Psalm 102:25-27
The shadow: God's work in creation
The light: Creation was made through Christ
*see Isaiah 34:4

Psalm 110:1
The shadow: Messiah as David's son
The light: Messiah as David's son AND Lord
*see Matthew 22:41-46

Thus, Christ is far superior to angels who, in comparison, are merely...

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