Celia Stone: Jesus is exact representation of God's nature

Hebrews, the New Testament epistle written to a first-century congregation of Jewish Christians in the Roman Empire, stands as a pillar of Christian theology. In the first four verses, the author gets right to the heart of questions about Jesus.

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4.

As Jen Wilkin points out in her Hebrews Bible study entitled “Better,” the roles of Jesus include prophet, priest and king. Jesus is creator and sustainer, having made the world and continuing to uphold everything by his word.

Wilkin notes all that could be known about God within time and space is known through Jesus. He is the exact representation of the nature and character of God, and his most excellent name is Yahweh or “I Am.”

The Apostle Paul touches on many of these same points about the Son of God. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:15-20.

The early church fathers in writing the Nicene Creed believed it would be important for Christians to confess these truths.

“We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven. …” Thanks be to God.