Appointed Heir of All Things

There are five descriptions of Christ, unfolded in the introduction to the book of Hebrews (vv. 1-4). First, He is said to have been appointed “heir of all things.” Then it is stated that He is the Creator, namely, the One “by whom the Father made the aeons;” Third, He is said to be God, as being “the brightness of the Father’s glory and the exact representation of His being.” Fourth, He is shown to be the Providential Sustainer of all, because He “carries all things along by the word of His power.” And finally, He is said to be the Redeemer, when it is said that “He, by Himself, has made purification of our sins.” The interesting thing is that the writer of the epistle does not start with a declaration of Jesus being God” or Creator, or Providencial Sustainer or Redeemer. Rather He begins by explaining that He is heir of all things. This is significant because the purpose of the book of Hebrews is to encourage Christians who are being persecuted and having their possessions stripped from them to persevere.

Later in the book the writer reminds the Hebrew Christians: “[You] joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.” This is the common thread that runs through the book with regard to Old and New Testament saints. We all are awaiting the city that has foundations who builder and maker is God. “Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come (Heb. 13:14). Jesus is the One who received the right, by inheritance, to all things. It is when we come to look to Him, and consider Him, and lay hold on Him, that we are assured of the inheritance that awaits us in glory. This is the Christians hope. The writer of Hebrews leads off with it and continues through the book with it. We must again be reminded of it.