THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD

Hebrews 2:10

Notice the first word in this verse - "For." It is important. This is a connecting word. It connects verse 10 with what has been discussed in the previous verses. There the Holy Spirit sets before us the excellence and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then, in verse 9, he tells us that Christ "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death...that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Poor Translation

I prefer the King James Version to all other translations; but the King James gives a very poor translation of verse 9. The words "every man" simply should not be in verse 9. A far better reading would be "every son”. Both the original language and the context will show this. To translate Paul's words as they stand in the King James Version would imply that Christ died to redeem and save all men, which is totally contrary to the Word of God.

To the Jews, the death of Christ on the cross as the sinners' Substitute was a stumbling block and rock of offense. So when the inspired writer mentioned it, he immediately declared the necessity for it in our text. That is the connection. In this 10th verse of Hebrews 2, he is declaring to us the necessity for Christ's suffering and death.

Divine Sovereignty

The purpose of God is the salvation of his people. But the declaration of that purpose is meaningless, until we are assured that the God who has purposed our salvation is able to perform it. Therefore, we are first assured that the Lord our God, who is determined to bring us to glory, is that One "for whom are all things, and by whom are all things.” This is a declaration of God’s total, universal sovereignty. This is a description of the Triune God; but it is particularly a description of God the Father, who made his Son perfect through suffering and death, in bringing many sons unto glory.

The Lord our God is glorious in his absolute sovereignty. This is what sets him apart from all his creatures and distinguishes him from all the gods men have invented. He who is God rules everything absolutely. All things are for him, to do his bidding, to accomplish his purpose, to set forth his glory. All things are for him because all things are by him. In their origin, preservation, purpose, and consummate end, all things are by him. This is what the Scriptures universally declare (Rom. 8:28; 11:36; 2 Cor. 5:18; Eph. 1:11). And this will be the subject of God's everlasting praise (Rev. 4:11).

Our Assurance

This declaration of God's greatness as the sovereign ruler of all things is given to assure us of his ability to save. In the matter of salvation, we need One "for whom are all things and by whom are all things,” because no one else can save. Who can create us anew, but the Creator of all things? Who can keep us from falling, but the Preserver of all things? Who can save us from the many perils we face in this world, but the Ruler of all things? If ever we are brought to glory, it must be by that God "by whom are all things.” If you and I enter into glory it will be by the work of him "for whom are all things.”