Sharper Iron — The New Covenant in Christ: God Speaks to Us By His Son

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Rev. Dr. John Kleinig, professor emeritus of Australian Lutheran Collge in Adelaide, South Australia, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hebrews 1:1-4.

The anonymity of the author of Hebrews ends up reinforcing one of the primary points of the book. Understanding Hebrews more as a sermon for the Divine Service rather than as a letter, we see that the pastor doesn’t desire the congregation to hear his own voice. He wants the congregation to hear the voice of God Himself. Although God’s voice has spoken in a variety of ways through the prophets, now God speaks finally and completely in His Son, Jesus. It is to Jesus’ voice that the preacher directs his congregation’s attention, for Jesus is the exalted Son of God who is superior to the angels.

“The New Covenant in Christ” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews is best understood as a sermon preached to those who have gathered for the Divine Service, exhorting them to continued faithfulness to Jesus. As the Son of God and our Brother, Jesus is both our exalted King and faithful High Priest who is truly present with us so that we might fix our eyes on Him.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Hebrews 1:1-4

The Supremacy of God’s Son

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 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. 3 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, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.