Lest We Forget - Lesson 3, Jesus is God

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, - Hebrew 1:3a part 1

   To truly grasp the concept of the writer’s message when he wrote this verse, we need to breakdown the verse into its literal translation word for word.

Radiance

   The transliteration of this word is apaugasma (ap-ow’-gas-maw) and is derived from the Greek verb apaugazo which means to radiate or to shine forth. The word is used to describe a reflection of something, typically of something spiritual such as glory or splendor. In that regard, it was used to describe a divine presence, God’s presence. Hence, the writer’s full message is: He [Jesus] is the radiance [light, reflection, presence] of the glory [divinity, holiness] or God.

Exact Imprint

   The transliteration of those two words is Charakter pronounced khar-ak-tare. It is the character of, exact representation, exact reproduction. The word comes from the Greek verb charasso which means to engrave or to inscribe. Therefor, in Greek the word Charakter refers to an engraving tool or more applicable, a stamp. In the New Testament the word is used to indicate an exact image or representation of something. In this case, the writer is saying, Jesus is the exact representation of God’s nature.

God’s Nature

   The transliteration of those words is Hupostasis pronounced, hoop-os-tas-is. Because the word is a noun, the phrase God’s Nature is used to imply the substance of something, in this case the essence, reality, actual being of God. 

   Pulling these together we get a more precise understanding of the message the writer was expressing.

[Jesus] is the [the exact image, representation] of the [divinity and holiness] of God and the exact imprint of [God’s actual being, presence].

   The writer is saying, Jesus is in every way exactly the same as God but in human form.   

   Next week we will breakdown the second half of verse 3 and look at the power and authority which comes with Jesus being God.