What does "appointed heir of all things" imply about Jesus' authority? “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.” Heir in the Biblical World - An heir legally receives title, possession, and authority when the estate is transferred. - In Scripture, sonship and inheritance are inseparable; the firstborn gains the father’s rights (Deuteronomy 21:17). - By calling Jesus “heir,” the verse declares that every right the Father has over creation now belongs to the Son. All Things—The Scope of Christ’s Inheritance - Nothing is excluded: matter, angels, time, nations, history, redemption, judgment. - Colossians 1:16 “All things were created through Him and for Him.” - Psalm 2:8 “I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.” - The phrase sweeps from atoms to galaxies, thrones to consciences—everything lies within His estate. Appointment by the Father: Divine Commissioning - The Father publicly confers the inheritance, affirming perfect unity within the Godhead. - This appointment is irrevocable (cf. Psalm 110:4). - Trinitarian order: the Father plans, the Son inherits and executes, the Spirit applies. Authority Flowing from Inheritance - Legal right: He legitimately owns creation. - Ruling right: He directs history toward God’s purposes (Revelation 11:15). - Judicial right: He will judge every person (Acts 17:31). - Redemptive right: He can offer salvation and command faith (John 3:36). - Covenantal right: He mediates the New Covenant and secures its promises (Hebrews 9:15). Scripture Echoes Underscoring His Supreme Authority - Matthew 28:18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” - Ephesians 1:22 “God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church.” - Philippians 2:9-11 Every knee bows and every tongue confesses His lordship. - Revelation 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb to receive “power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” Implications for Believers - Submission: obey the One who owns and governs every realm. - Confidence: trust His ability to keep promises, since He rules all. - Worship: ascribe glory proportionate to His cosmic inheritance. - Mission: proclaim His rightful kingship to every nation—His inheritance includes them. - Hope: share in His inheritance as co-heirs (Romans 8:17), anticipating the day He openly exercises full dominion. |
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