God Who Comes Near: Hebrews 2 and the Gospel’s Contrast with Islam | Tim Orr

Click here to read the full article at RENEW.org: https://renew.org/god-who-comes-near-hebrews-2-and-the-gospels-contrast-with-islam/  This is an audio version of a written Article from RENEW.org Check out other great articles on RENEW.org here: https://renew.org/articles/ The Hebrews author provides us in 2:14–18 with some remarkable Christology. The necessity of the Incarnation is discussed, along with Jesus’ death and the role of Jesus as High Priest. These are some of the most important and essential doctrines of Christianity. They speak to the atonement, the work of Christ, and the security of our salvation. Placing these truths from Hebrews over and against Islam makes them even more poignant. The question at the root of this consideration is: How does God relate to humans? Christianity teaches that God comes near to us, suffers for and with us, and saves us through His sacrifice. Islam teaches that God is near in knowledge, power, and mercy, but denies that God could draw near via Incarnation. This makes Hebrews 2:14–18 a text that is in direct opposition to Islam, and at the same time, a great encouragement to Christians. Hebrews 2:14 (ESV) reads, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things.…” The doctrine of the Incarnation, that Jesus became a human (John 1:14; Philippians 2:6–8), is fundamental to Christianity. The Greek word meteschēken (μετέσχεν), “partook,” means total participation. The Incarnation is necessary for three reasons. First, for revelation: Jesus in the exact imprint of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3); in Him we do not simply know about God, but we know God (John 14:9). Second, for redemption: Only by becoming a human could Jesus be a substitutionary atonement for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Third, for relational nearness: Jesus is Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23), not a God who only forgives as he wishes and does not provide a sacrifice. Listen for more... Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Join RENEW.org at one of our upcoming events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Get the RENEW.org App -- https://renew-app-page.bolt.host/  Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW