Hebrews 2. Here’s the first warning in the letter to the Hebrews: We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it… [if] every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (2:1,3) The offer of salvation has come to all through Jesus Christ – verified by signs, wonders, witnesses, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out on believers (2:3-4). Pay attention! Do not drift away or neglect this opportunity for salvation!

Additionally, angels are mentioned frequently in Hebrews 1-2, so let’s be good Bible students and make a list to see what we can learn:

• Jesus is much superior to the angels and has inherited a name more excellent (1:4).
• God never called angels the same as he called his Son (1:5).
• The angels worship Jesus (1:6).
• God oversees the angels and calls them his ministers like winds or flames (1:7).
• Angels are ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (1:14).
• Jesus is in command of the world to come, not the angels (2:5).
• Jesus was made for a little while lower than the angels, when he became human, but is now crowned with glory and rules over everything (2:7).

I don’t know what you believe about angels, or if you have ever given them any thought. In the ancient world angels were revered and worshiped like gods, and it was important that the early church have a correct understanding of their place in the universe. Here are the foundational principles of theology related to angels from this passage:

Angels are part of the created order; they are spiritual beings that were created at the beginning of time. They are not human, do not have physical bodies that decay, and they do not have wings! Deceased humans do not become angels when they die. Angels are spiritual beings who have a role in the furtherance of God’s salvation plan – they are ministering spirits who are sent on earthly missions to assist humans who belong to (or are called into) the kingdom of God. Angels are the servants of Jesus in the government of the universe, they fall under his command, and they worship him.  

We also know from other passages in the Old Testament and the gospel accounts, that angels are messengers or warriors who do battle on behalf of God’s kingdom. They certainly are not fluffy baby figures who sit on clouds and play harps! (Check out this video from the Bible Project on angels.)

What is most striking in these two chapters is the picture of the rule and reign of Jesus Christ. Everything is in subjection under his feet… nothing is outside of his control (2:7-8). He upholds the universe by the word of his power (1:3). In his death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death, the devil, and delivered humankind who was subject to lifelong slavery (2:14-15). We have been offered freedom and new life! Let’s be careful to not neglect this great salvation Christ has offered us.