Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Heir of All Things" ascribed to Jesus Christ is a profound declaration of His divine authority and preeminence in all creation. This title is primarily derived from the Epistle to the Hebrews, where the author writes, "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" (
Hebrews 1:2). This passage underscores the dual role of Christ as both the agent of creation and the rightful inheritor of all that exists.
Biblical Context and SignificanceThe concept of heirship in biblical terms often involves the transfer of authority, ownership, and responsibility from one generation to the next. In the context of Christ, being the "Heir of All Things" signifies His ultimate authority over the universe, a position granted by God the Father. This title affirms the Son's unique relationship with the Father, highlighting His divine nature and eternal purpose.
The title also reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies and covenants. In
Psalm 2:8, God declares to the Anointed One, "Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession." This prophetic promise finds its ultimate realization in Christ, who, as the heir, is destined to rule over all nations and creation.
Theological ImplicationsThe designation of Christ as the "Heir of All Things" carries significant theological implications. It affirms His sovereignty and lordship, reinforcing the belief that all things are under His dominion. This title assures believers of Christ's ultimate victory and the consummation of His kingdom, where He will reign supreme.
Furthermore, the heirship of Christ is intimately connected to the believer's inheritance. Through faith in Christ, believers are made co-heirs with Him, as stated in
Romans 8:17: "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This shared inheritance emphasizes the believer's participation in the redemptive work and future glory of Christ.
Christ's Role as Creator and SustainerThe title also emphasizes Christ's role in creation and His sustaining power. As the one "through whom He made the universe" (
Hebrews 1:2), Christ is not only the heir but also the creator and sustainer of all things.
Colossians 1:16-17 further elaborates on this truth: "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
Eschatological FulfillmentThe eschatological aspect of Christ as the "Heir of All Things" points to the future realization of His kingdom.
Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." This future reign is the culmination of Christ's inheritance, where He will exercise His rightful authority over all creation, bringing about the restoration and renewal of all things.
In summary, the title "Heir of All Things" encapsulates the majesty, authority, and eternal purpose of Jesus Christ. It affirms His divine sonship, His role in creation, and His ultimate reign over the universe, offering believers a profound assurance of their own inheritance in Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 1:2Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
Proof of the Catholic Sense of the Word Son. Power, Word or Reason ...
... but if He be less than the names, yet He ... and of the generation from the Father these
titles are tokens ... And again, There is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iv proof of the catholic.htm
Wisdom and Revelation.
... The names and titles of God ... When we are told that Christ was set at God's right hand
far above all powers, we can understand something of the Divine might ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm
The Name Above Every Name
... whilst in combination with any other of the titles it is ... in which sense also it is
applied to Christ in the ... and then with the other of the two names that we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the name above every name.htm
To John the Oeconomus.
... He was called Jesus and Christ, receiving the names from the ... common, we ought not
to glorify the Christ as God ... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm
Messiah the Son of God
... compassion, and faithfulness, it is obvious that these names, when applied ... They are
both the titles of MESSIAH ... The God-man, the whole person of Christ, was sent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvii messiah the son.htm
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... So precious are their names that God enters them in the book of ... youngest child is
an heir, a co-heir with Christ who is ... Positively: They have titles of honour. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... Note how the titles of Christ in verse 8 ("I am He ... Some of the names are "blotted
out." The others are ... the throne of His father David," to which Christ is the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm
Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... the law are given in the two titles by which ... It is somewhat singular that thirteen
names are enumerated ... of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm
The Lord's Supper
... What names and titles in Scripture are given to the sacrament? ... This sours our holy
things. Will a humble Christ be received into a proud heart? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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