lilithu
The Devil's Advocate
Hi No*s, namaste.No*s said:No, I don't believe that it can be. For instance in vv. 1.8-9, we have the famous passage, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever...Therefore God, Your God, has annointed You..." which is very difficult to take as some honorific deity. Following it, is a similar statement "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth..." and so on. In the Old Testament, this refers to the LORD (I'm avoiding the Tetragrammaton, not shouting). However, in contrast to this, the author of hebrews argues that the angels must worship him and that they are ministers made a flame of fire. He's not talking about a difference in deeds, but a difference in stature in the context.
Thank you for the verse reference. I looked it up and from my perspective, it does not preclude the possible interpretation that I suggested. I concede, however, that I don't know my bible as well as you guys do and may thus be overlooking references contained therein to other parts the bible that would support the orthodox position.
From the text (v8), it's quite clear that the Father calls the Son "God" and exalts him above the (other) angels. However, it doesn't say that this was always the case. I asked in my previous post if Jesus/Michael might not have made himself exalted by his actions and vv3-4 seem to support that.Hebrews 1 (New International Version)
The Son Superior to Angels
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but 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. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5For to which of the angels did God ever say, You are my Son; today I have become your Father? Or again, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son?
6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, Let all God's angels worship him.
7In speaking of the angels he says, He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.
8But about the Son he says, Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
10He also says, In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
13To which of the angels did God ever say, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
The implication there is that he was not as superior before but achieved it after his death and ressurection. Granted, I am relying on this translation (as I do not read Greek) and will gladly listen if you can show me how the translation is wrong.
Even the wording of the verse that you directly reference:
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
to me, suggests that Jesus/Michael was an angel, or in essence like an angel, who was then set above his companions - adopted by the Father and made God - because of his loyal service.
No*s, ultimately, I agree with NetDoc that the most important thing in Christianity to me is Jesus' message of love. So for me, this discussion is an exploration of the text, and it's not my intention or desire to try to turn anyone's beliefs. I am very aware of the fact that I am arguing in favor of what you believe to be a heresy of the worst kind, and I thank you for your open-minded discourse with me.
-lilith