(17) God’s Exact Image

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament)


Reproductive cloning uses cell nuclear transfer to create animals that are genetically identical. In science fiction, you step into a chamber and an exact duplicate of you is produced. Neither is reality. Reproductive cloning does not actually produce a genetic equal, and the chamber is, well, science fiction. There are no two persons who share the exact same nature. Except when it comes to the triune God. In which case, it is three persons sharing the exact same nature.

The second wonderful phrase in Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus is “the exact imprint of [God’s] nature.” This statement describes the nature of Jesus through the use of metaphor, using one thing to explain another. Here, He uses the process of making coins to explain that Jesus is God.

The statement contains two key words. The first is the Greek word charakter. Originally, this was an engraving tool or die used to cut something or to make a coin. Latter, it came to refer to an exact representation, duplicate or reproduction.

The second key word is hupostasis. This word refers to something that stands under or behind something or the true substance of something. Here, it is referring to God and speaks of God’s substance, or nature.

Martin Vincent explains:

Here the essential being of God is conceived as setting its distinctive stamp upon Christ, coming into definite and characteristic expression in His Person, so that the Son bears the exact impression of the divine nature and character.

Consider the explanation of William Hendricksen.

A die that stamps an image on a coin bears certain characteristics. When the die produces a coin, the coin is an exact duplicate of the die. Whatever was characteristic of the die is now characteristic of the coin. The nature of the coin is exactly the same as the nature of the die. Nevertheless, even though an imprint is the same as the stamp that makes the impression, both exist separately.

The illustration of this verse helps us think in terms we can understand. A coin is an exact replication or reproduction of the die it came from. Jesus is an exact representation of God. All that God is in His nature, Jesus is.

He is not just the shining forth of God, He is the very person of God. He is the exact representation of God's essence. And what is God's essence? He is God. He is the precise copy, the exact image, the exact reproduction. Language is basically pressed to its limits to try to express this. He is not just a sketch of God. He is not just a shadow like Old Testament pictures and images. He is the full revelation, the picture complete. (John MacArthur)

God is spirit. The Father has no material or physical substance. He is invisible. But here, the writer of Hebrews explains that the substance of God, His true nature is expressed in Jesus in a physical image. Jesus is an exact replication of God. All that God is in His nature, Jesus is. Jesus is God.

Next: (18) Did Jesus Claim to be God?

(16) The Glorious Son

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament)

Have you ever looked at the sun? In reality, no, you haven’t. You have looked at the rays emanating from the sun, but you have never looked at the sun itself. You can’t. You would be blinded.

Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is “ the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power (ESV).”

Scientists have studied the sun with all manner of instruments and are able to give us an analysis of its chemistry, size, temperature, physics, etc., but nothing can reveal the sun to us with quite the same effect as the beams of light that come to us from the sun. They warm us, lighten our days, and are even capable of helping maintain a sense of happiness and well-being in us. In the same fashion, prophets and preachers through the ages have been able to tell us much about God in theological terms, but no one can reveal God to us with quite the effect of that One who is the "Brightness" or radiance or "beams of light" of God's glory. (Joe Terrell)

William Hendriksen states, “The Son causes the radiance of the Father to shine forth. The Son's radiance, therefore, is an extension of God's glory.”

Noted Greek scholar Kittel helps us understand the idea of Jesus being the radiance of the glory of God.

The sun as a heavenly body radiates its light in all its brightness and power to the earth. In the same way , we may see Christ as the radiant light coming from the Father as sunlight emanates from the sun.

Ray Stedman gives us further understanding,

Radiance is light that streams forth from a source of light. As no one can separate the sun's light from the sun itself, so also no one can separate the nature of Christ form that of his Father. Whether the radiance is seen as reflected brightness or inherent brightness, the thought is clear: in Jesus we see the essence of God.

We can say then that Jesus "flashes forth" the glory of God in all His divine nature. The one true God in all His glory is the source and Jesus radiates that glory. Jesus is the brilliant shining forth of the glorious nature of God.

In order to understand the full incredible significance of this statement, we need to consider it in light of its context. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience steeped in Old Testament allegiance. The writer is trying to show that the new revelation, leader (Jesus), sacrifice, covenant, and everything else is better now. When the writer of Hebrew speaks of the radiance of God’s glory to this audience, it very likely an allusion to the “Shekinah” presence of God demonstrated to the people of Israel as a pillar of fire.  The familiarity of this reference was even greater since the Jewish Rabbis used the word Shekinah frequently to refer to the presence and glory of God dwelling in the midst of his people.

So the writer of Hebrews is likely referring to the two concepts of the pillar of fire and the Shekinah glory of God to communicate the truth that Jesus is the living presence of this glory. Jesus is the living presence of God. Jesus demonstrates the greatness and glory of God in all its magnificent brilliance. And Oh, how great is that glory!

Stop, look, and have you vision filled with Jesus, up close & personal, the brilliant radiance of the glory of God.

Next:  (17)  God’s Exact Image