“LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM”

Hebrews 1:4-6

The angels are venerated, and even worshipped by many, as the highest creatures of God. Therefore, the Holy Spirit shows us here the infinite superiority of Christ over those heavenly creatures. In verses 1-3, we are told who Christ is and what he has done. Beginning with verse four, we see numerous displays of Christ’s superiority over the angels of God. This is in keeping with the whole theme of the book of Hebrews which was written to show us the excellence, superiority and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ over all creatures, all covenants, all priests and all sacrifices.

Christ Better Than Angels

Our Lord Jesus Christ is better than the angels by virtue of his eternal divinity; but he was made better than the angels as a man, as the God-man, by virtue of his success as our Mediator and Surety (vv. 1-3; Phil. 2:9-11). While we thank God for the angels and their work, we must never pray to or worship them (Rev. 22:8,9). Neither angels nor men are to be worshipped, but God alone (Acts 10:25,26; Matt. 23:8-11).

Christ is, in all things, better than, superior to, and more excellent than the angels by an infinite degree. He is the Creator. They are his creatures. He is the King. They are his subjects. He is independent. They are dependent upon him for all things. He is the One worshipped. They are his worshipers. He is the Master. They are his servants. He is the One who sends. They are sent by him. He is the One who blesses. They are blessed by him.

God the Son

God never said to any angel, “Thou art my Son.” That title is given to the Lord Jesus Christ alone (v. 5). When did the Lord God say to Christ, “Thou art my Son”? -- At his baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). -- At his transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). -- At his resurrection ((Ps. 2:7; Rom. 1:4; Heb. 5:5). Christ is the Son of God by nature. He is God the Son. Angels are the sons of God by creation. God’s elect are the sons of God by adoption. Our Lord’s office as the Messiah and our Mediator is not the foundation of his sonship. His sonship is the foundation of his office. He was the Son before he was the Prophet, Priest and King (John 1:1,2; 17:1-5).

Angelic Worship

When our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, the angels of God were called to worship the incarnate God, and they gladly did so. We see the angels worshipping him as God, and serving him as their Master with willing hearts in many places: at his birth, after his temptation in the wilderness, in Gethsemane, at his resurrection, at his ascension, and in heaven (Lk. 2:9-14; Mk. 1:13; Lk. 24:2-5; Acts 1:10,11; Rev. 5:11).