Q.         What is the weight of evidence for the inheritance view in the thematic development of the first two chapters?

A.         The first two chapters contain a total of thirty-four verses.  Of these, twenty-six specifically advance the thematic development of the inheritance view as described above.

Hebrews 1:2 (Jesus is "heir of all things")

Hebrews 1:3 (Jesus' majesty on high)

Hebrews 1:4 (Jesus has, by inheritance, obtained a more excellent name than the angels).

Hebrews 1:5  (it quotes Psalm 2, which talks of Jesus inheriting the nations, and ruling the world to come)

Hebrews 1:6 (when God "again" brings the firstborn into the world will be the second coming, when Christ begins his rule over the nations, as described in Psalm 2)

Hebrews 1:7 (In Hebrews 2:5, the concept of angels being ministering spirits plainly deals with ruling over the world to come, whether by Jesus, or those to whom he appoints over ten cities or five cities or one city.

Hebrews 1:8 (The throne and scepter are all symbols of ruling.  Additionally, the kingdom is specifically mentioned.)

Hebrews 1:9  (Anointing the Messiah as he reigns over the world to come.  Also, the term "fellows" (metachoi in Greek) referred to those who reign along with the king . . . the ruling counsel as it were.

Hebrews 1:13 (Jesus' rule over the world to come)

Hebrews 1:14 (those who shall be "heirs" of salvation.  Note that here, "salvation" is not deliverance from eternal damnation in hell, but the privilege of ruling with Christ.  In Eden, Adam lost his dominion over the world.  Salvation from most aspects of Adam's fall are a free gift through faith in Christ.  But restoration to the position of ruling over the world is not the automatic result of saving faith, but a reward for persevering faith and good works.

Hebrews 2:2 (a just recompense of reward")

Hebrews 2:3 (the "salvation" spoken of in Heb. 1:14 above)

Hebrews 2:5 (angels will not be the ones ruling over the world to come)

Hebrews 2:6  Jesus is linked to Adam's race.  He is the Son of Man.

Hebrews 2:7 (the son of Man being crowned with glory and honor, and set over the works of God's hands)

Hebrews 2:8 (the world being put in subjection under Jesus' rule)

Hebrews 2:9 (the coronation of Jesus with glory and honor when he returns to rule)

Hebrews 2:10   Bringing many sons to glory.  That is, setting an example of faithfulness which we may follow to share in Christ's glory when he reigns.  His being linked to Adam's race is the basis of our hope of ruling and reigning with Him.

Hebrews 2:11   The union between Jesus and Adam's race is again emphasized.

Hebrews 2:12   The union between Jesus and Adams race is again emphasized.

Hebrews 2:13   The union between Jesus and Adams race is again emphasized.

Hebrews 2:14  The union between Jesus and Adam's race is again emphasized, with a focus on Jesus facing the same fears and temptations that we face as men.

Hebrews 2:15  The union between Jesus and Adam's race demonstrates that his victory can be our victory.

Hebrews 2:16  The union between Jesus and Adam's race is again emphasized.

Hebrews 2:17  The union between Jesus and Adam's race is again emphasized, with a focus on his ability to assist us in our trials and temptations.

Hebrews 2:18   The union between Jesus and Adam's race is again emphasized with a focus on his ability to assist us in our trials and temptations.

Q.    How is the Calvinist positoin (the perseverance of the saints) advanced by the thematic development of the first two chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews?

A.        You tell me, and we'll both know!

The Thematic Development of the First Two Chapters