Title

CHRISTOLOGY IN HEBREWS 1:5.14: THE THREE STAGES OF CHRIST'S EXISTENCE

School/Department

Talbot School of Theology

Publication Date

12-2016

Abstract

George B. Caird argues for the exegetical method that the quotation of Psalm 8 in Heb 2:6-8 should control the argument in Hebrews 1. The implication is that one cannotfind the literalpreexistence of Christ in 1:1-14. Likewise, L D. Hurst interprets Hebrews 1 in light of the humanity of Christ in Hebrews 2. Hurst's conclusion about the Son in Hebrews 1 is not about a uniquely privileged, divine being who became a man, but a human figure who attains to an exalted status. In this article I set forth the exegetical method that 1:5-14 and the rest of the book of Hebrews is to be understood in light of 1:1-4, instead of reading chapter 1 with the background of humanity of Jesus in chapter 2. This essay will make evident that the author of Hebrews presents the three stages of Christ's existence in 1:1-4 (i.e. preexistence, incarnation, exaltation), and elaborates them further in 1:5-14. I will also argue that the description of Chrisfspreexistence in 1:5-14 is not metaphorical but literal.

Keywords

Jesus Christ--Person and offices; Incarnation; Jesus Christ--Exaltation

Publication Title

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Volume

59

Issue

4

First Page

717

Last Page

729

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