The Son Is The Radiance Of God’s Glory

October 2018

Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) says, “The 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.” He came down from heaven as the God-Man, fully divine and fully human, yet without sin. He died on the cross for our sins that we may be cleansed of them and be with Him in glory forever and ever. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

He is the radiance of God’s glory. When our Savior was transfigured before three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, they had the blessed privilege of seeing Him in His glory. His clothes became whiter than any earthly launder could make them and so bright the disciples could barely look at Him. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke to Him of His death which He would accomplish at Jerusalem. The Father’s voice from heaven came out of a cloud saying, “This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him! The disciples were awe-struck indeed!

Not only is our Lord Jesus Christ the radiance of God’s glory, but He is also the exact representation of God’s being. He is exactly like the Father. We still use the expression in life from days gone by, “carbon copy.” Jesus is the carbon copy of God, for He is God the Son. In John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.” John 14:8-9 says, “Phillip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Phillip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so now how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’” Of Jesus and the Father we can truly say, “Like Father, like Son.”

When we think of radiance and power we think of the sun. It is a ball of power and has three aspects: light, heat, and energy. That is why it is such a beautiful analogy of the Godhead — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. Such lofty thoughts are more than our finite, mortal minds can take in. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, is with us and walks with us daily. He loves us and cares for us so much. We walk in the light of His presence and rely fully on His power. Let us power before His majesty!