“Long ago, at many
times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these
days he has spoke to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things,
through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God
and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of
his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of
the Majesty on high” [Hebrews 1:1-3ESV]
This description of God’s glory is dripping with the notion
that Jesus Christ is the central concept of scripture that we dare not miss
this point. God now speaks through his Son…the radiance of God’s glory and the
exact imprint of God’s nature. Let us break apart two key components for better
understanding.
- · First of all we learn that Christ is the “radiance of the glory of God.” To better understand this clause we would say that as “brightness is to sun” so Christ is to God. The radiant reflection is so identical that to discuss God Almighty to automatically include Jesus Christ.
- · Secondly we learn that Christ is the “exact imprint” of God. This New Testament term indicates something that has been engraved. Therefore, we would conclude that the selection of this term teaches us that Christ is so precise in representation that “originality/only one of a kind” is the concept that comes to mind.
These are powerful concepts when discussing the “glory” of
God. Adding to the discussion of John 1:14; “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his
glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
That glory is a manifestation of God, it is evidence for God. Is it any wonder
the angelic host in heaven declared “Glory to God in the highest…” [Lk 2:14] at
the birth of Christ. This was not glory in a “high place,” but rather glory of
the highest degree. There is no greater manifestation of the glory of God than
through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.
What God gives to satisfy the spiritual longing He has
placed in every human heart is the only product that church has to offer[1] –
Jesus Christ.
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