The Deity of Christ in Hebrews 1

Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 3:17). While He was on the earth, “all the fullness of Deity [dwelt] in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). Yet there are some who reject the Deity of Christ, saying that He surrendered His Deity when He came to earth.

The Hebrew writer appealed to his audience to not go back to the Old Law. He made several points about why the new way with Christ was better than the old way. He begins the book talking about Christ. In the first chapter alone, there are several statements that show us that Jesus is God.

• “His Son... through whom also He made the world” (v.2). Jesus is credited with a role in Creation. We know that the Creator is God (Genesis 1:1; see also John 1:1-3).
• “The exact representation of His nature” (v. 3). In Jesus, we see the Father (John 1:18). Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).
• “You are My Son, today I have begotten you” (v. 5). The Jews understood the implications of Jesus' claim to being God's Son. If He was, He was equal with God (John 5:18).
• “Let all the angels of God worship Him” (v. 6). The only one deserving of worship is God (Revelation 22:8-9).
• “But of the Son He says, 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever'” (v. 8). The Son, Jesus, is called God.
• “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands” (v. 10). Again, Jesus is given credit for the Creation.
• “You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end” (v. 12). Jesus is unchanging and eternal, two characteristics of God (Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 43:12-13).

There are many other passages we can use to show the Deity of Christ. But if you remember Hebrews 1, you will find several points in this chapter alone to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is God.

Waiting Patiently

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

In the context surrounding this verse, Peter is talking about the coming day of the Lord. This judgment would not come as quickly as some thought it would. This caused some to mock the idea and believe it will never happen (2 Peter 3:3-4).

The length of time until the day of the Lord is not because God is slow about His promise. After all, "with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day" (2 Peter 3:8). God is not bound or regulated by time like we are. The wait until that day is not due to God's slowness, but God's patience.

Why is God being patient? Because He is "not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." God is not just waiting to do something. He is waiting for us to do something. In delaying judgment, He is giving us time to repent and get our lives right before Him.

However, while we have time now, we will not always have time to repent. "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10).

We must not think lightly of God's patience or take it for granted. He has been gracious to give us the time we have to serve Him. Let us be ready to meet Him so we will not be caught unprepared.