The Brightness of His Glory

Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

‘Brightness’ [Greek: apaugasma], translated as reflection.

‘Glory’ [Greek: doxa] translated as glory 145 times (1:3; 2:7, 9, 10; 3:3; 9:5; 13:21); glorious (Rom. 8:21; 2Cor. 4:4; Php. 3:21; Col. 1:11); praise (John 9:24; 12:43; 1Pet. 4:11); honour (John 5:41, 44; 8:54; 2Cor. 6:8; Rev. 19:7); worship (Luke 14:10); and dignity (2Pet. 2:10; Jude 1:8).

‘Express image’ [Greek: character] exact expression, or impression as when metal is pressed into a die, or as a seal upon wax.

‘Person’ [Greek: hupostasis] person (1:3); substance (11:1); confidence (3:14; 2Cor. 11:17); and confident (2Cor. 9:4). Here it refers to an essential substance or that which constitutes deity in body, soul, and spirit.

‘Word of his power.’ By His word of power, all things are upheld and sustained eternally.

‘By himself purged our sins.’ By His atonement sins are purged, not by water baptism, the Lord’s Supper, or any other ritual or form of religion (Matt. 26:28; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:1-11; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:22; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 1Pet. 1:18-23; 2:24; Rev. 1:5; 5:8-10).

‘Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.’ Christ’s exaltation at the right hand of God (Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22). Another proof of God and Christ being separate and distinct persons who sit side by side.