.png)
Purpose:
Hebrews 2:5-18 - For he has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. 6 But someone somewhere has testified: What is man that you remember him, or the son of man that you care for him? 7 You made him lower than the angels for a short time; you crowned him with glory and honor 8 and subjected everything under his feet. For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9 But we do see Jesus—made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone—crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death. 10 For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God—for whom and through whom all things exist—should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying: I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will sing hymns to you in the congregation. 13 Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me. 14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. (CSB)
vv. 8-9 - For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. But we do see Jesus
Four Views on the Sovereignty of God: (Steve Schramm)
Calvinism - Holds that God is completely sovereign over all aspects of creation, including human salvation. Everything occurs according to God’s decree and purpose. Not a leaf falls or a breath is taken that is not directly attributable to God’s will and direction of his creation. God predestines certain individuals to salvation (the elect) and others to damnation (the reprobate) for his glory. This predestination is unconditional, meaning it is not based on any foreseen merit or action of the individual.
Arminianism - Within this framework, humans have what is called Libertarian Free Will. This can be characterised as “the ability to do otherwise” in at least some situations, even if not every situation. In other words, humans genuinely have the ability to choose between A or B, even if A or B is the choice to follow Christ and be saved.
Molinism - God possesses “middle knowledge” where he knows all potential scenarios and how individuals would freely act in each. With this knowledge, God sovereignly orchestrates the world in such a way that human free choices align with his ultimate plans.
Open Theism - This relatively modern view suggests that the future is not completely set or known by God because of human free will. While God is supremely powerful and knows all possibilities, he does not know the future exhaustively because of the genuine choices of free creatures. Thus, God’s plans can be responsive and adaptive based on human actions.
Sovereignty of God
“Jesus is in Control” “Jesus is in Charge”
“Pioneer of our salvation” (apostle – apostolos) – sent one, originator, founder, trailblazer
N.T. Wright – “In Jesus God has already dealt with death on our behalf, and is already ruling the world as its rightful Lord.”
Jackie Hill Perry - “When salvation has taken place in the life of someone under the sovereign hand of God, they are set free from the penalty of sin and its power. In a body without the Spirit, sin is an unshakable king under whose dominion no man can flee. The entire body, with its members, affections, and mind all willfully submit themselves to sin’s rule. But when the Spirit of God takes back the body that He created for Himself, He sets it free from the pathetic master that once held it captive and releases it into the marvelous light of its Savior. It is then able to not only want God, but it is actually able to obey God. And isn’t that what freedom is supposed to be? The ability to not do as I please, but the power to do what is pleasing.”