Jesus Christ, “the Author of Eternal Salvation”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search Jesus Christ, “the Author of Eternal Salvation” CFMCorner Oct 29, 2023 19 min read CFM: October 30–November 5 Hebrews 1–6 Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Hebrews 1-6 Study Guide Follow Him Hebrews 1-6 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Hebrews 1-6 ​FHE Lesson Teaching with Power Hebrews 1-6 ​ Don't Miss This Hebrews 1-6 ​ ​CFM New Testament Hebrews 1-6 ​Unshaken Hebrews 1-6 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Hebrews 1-6 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Hebrews 1-6 ​ ​Ponderfun Hebrews 1-6 ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture Hebrews 1-6 Show Notes ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament Hebrews & The Epistle of James: Notes , Slides , Handout arnt27_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 3.65MB Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson Dr Matthew Gray provides a fantastic overview for the Book of Hebrews on Follow Him podcast. He frames the historical and literary context of this book beautifully, and outlines these chapters in a way that makes them very approachable and very powerful. In opening his discussion, Dr. Gray begins with the following statement, which is a very helpful perspective when one begins to study this book. It's really fun to work through Hebrew scholarship and interact with scholars who spend a lot of their career studying this book. Speaking of the complexity of the background and how much we do or don't know, one of my favorite common sayings in Hebrew scholarship, the more you study the epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, the more you come away with three certainties. One is that it's not an epistle. Two, that it was not written by Paul, and Three, that it was not written to the Hebrews. With that in mind there are a lot of different theories in circulation about who the author of Hebrews actually was and we simply do not know. The following resource discuss some of those theories, and can be helpful. “ Authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews ” Condescension of God I am a visual learner, and it helps me to see things mapped out, and I believe that is what the author of Hebrews is doing in their summary. In previous lessons, we discussed the principles of Justification through the Grace of Jesus Christ and Sanctification. Justification is offered through the Grace of God, it is a gift that only He can provide through the Power of His Atonement, which he performed as part of His Condescension. This was the process of Jesus Christ “coming down” from the Throne of Heaven in steps and stages, to descend below all things, to rescue us, to be with us, so he can help to lift us up. The word condescension literally means to descend together with ( synapago , yarad , katavaino ). The English word comes from the Latin root skala , and the Greek root klino which is where we get the English words scale, escalator, ascend, descend, climb. The Greeks borrowed this word from Latin to indicate a stair, staircase, ladder , rungs, and even a stumbling block or scandal . These are concepts indicative of falling, bowing, bending, being made low, laying down, and becoming humble. Sanctification is the process of an individual's ascension from Earth to the Heavenly throne on High. This also comes in steps and stages, like a ladder, as one learn to become spiritually mature and apply the blessings of God's Laws to their life as they learn to Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is indicative of the process of Ascending the Mountain of the Lord that is found all throughout Scripture. This topic is introduced in Chapters 5 and 6, and is the primary topic for next week's lesson. In this week's lesson we are examining Chapters 1-5, which primarily focus on Christ's Condescension, and we see the author demonstrate the concept of descension by outlining the hierarchical steps of Christ's gradual descension from his throne on high to his descension below all things, into Hell itself, to rescue the sinner from both spiritual and physical death, those who want/choose to be saved. One can observe this visually from the authors description in Hebrews. Overview: Hebrews 1 The Book of Hebrews addresses a Christian audience, emphasizing the preeminence of Jesus Christ, especially for believers from Jewish backgrounds who might be tempted to revert to their former religious practices or doubt Christ's significance. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources Hebrews 1 ​ ​ ​INT ​ Verses 1-4: ​ Supremacy of Christ This introductory hymn highlights God's communication with various patriarchs and prophets at various times , and in various ways throughout history to describe these principles. The author describes Jesus Christ as the latest and most recent individual who taught these principles, and he sets Christ apart not only as the most recent revelator but also as the Son of God, the appointed heir, the Creator , and the sustainer of eternal worlds. He explains that this was done through the Power of the Atonement. The author continues to explain that because of Christ's " brightness " (his ability to reflect the light and majesty of the Father perfectly), he was able to uphold the power of the word , (law, promise, decree). By himself, Christ purged our sin and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High. ​Psalm 144:3 ​ Verses 5-14: ​Christ as the Son of God, the Eternal King, Supremacy to Angels ​ The author supports Christ's superiority as the begotten son of God to angels (ministers). He references seven specific Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate and support these principles. Verses 5-7 establish Jesus' divine role as God's sole and first Begotten Son. These passages remind the reader that God never said to any angel, “You are my Son.” This emphasizes Christ's role as the eternal, ruling King whom the angels worship , for it is Christ who manifests his spirit in the angels and lights his flame of fire within his servants . Verses 8-9: The author continues to highlight the superiority of the Son, Jesus Christ, over the angels. This passage references the angels as God's servants and ministers, but it contrasts them with the Son, who is positioned above his fellows and seated upon God's eternal throne , carrying the scepter of righteousness , the scepter of kingship , and anointed with the oil of gladness ( exultation ). This passage emphasizes the unique and exalted nature of Jesus, who is not just a servant but the divine Son of God, worthy of worship and eternal glory. Verse 10 reflects Jesus Christ as the Creator, who laid the foundations of the earth and heavens , and everything within them, through the work of his own hands . Verses 11-12: The author continues to assert the superiority of the Son, contrasting Him with the created universe, which will perish , and emphasizes the unchanging nature of Christ, which will remain throughout the ages. He uses the analogy of an old garment that will eventually wax old . As a vesture , it will be folded up and changed , yet the consistency of Christ will remain the same and will not fail . Verse 13-14 This passage reaffirms that the angels are ministering spirits sent to serve the believers, those who are intended to be heirs of salvation with Christ. ​ ​ (Hebrews 1:5) Psalm 2:7 - “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (Hebrews 1:5) 2 Samuel 7:14 - “I will be his father, and he will be my son.” (Hebrews 1:6) Deuteronomy 32:43 - “Let all God's angels worship him.” (Hebrews 1:7) Psalm 104:4 - “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” Psalm 102:25-27 (Hebrews 1:8-9) Psalm 45:6-7 - “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:10) Psalm 102:25-27 “And thou Lord, in the beginning has laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the works of your hands .” (Hebrews 1:13) Psalm 110:1 “sit on my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool.” Hebrews 2 Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources Hebrews 2 ​ ​ INT ​ Verses 1-18 ​ Jesus descends below the Angels and takes a Human Form in His Role as Savior and Redeemer Verses 1-4: The author warns the saints to heed the things we have heard earnestly so that we do not slip or drift away. He reminds his audience that the message spoken by angels was steadfast ( binding ), and every transgression ( violation ) and disobedience ( negligence ) would receive a just recompense . If one neglect s the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, there will be no escape ; they will, therefore, be obligated to pay the penalty for their sin, as the Lord first explained from the beginning . When we heard this proposal, we agreed to it and confirmed it. According to God's will , this message was confirmed multiple times through reliable witnesses and accompanied by various signs , wonders , miracles , and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to God's will . Verses 5-9: This passage speaks about the exalted destiny of humanity. It highlights that God did not subject the world to come to angels but to humans. He quotes Psalms 8:4-9, emphasizing the unique position and authority given to mankind . It discusses Jesus, who, for a little while, was made a little lower than the angels but is now crowned with glory and honor . The passage underscores Jesus' role as the Savior and Redeemer because he tasted the death of every individual being and collective whole through his suffering and death . Because of His victory and grace, he has opened the pathway for mankind to receive redemption and salvation. Verses 10-13: This passage elaborates on Jesus' humanity and his role as the pioneer ( captain , author, prince, first/pr