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Still our apostle prosucutes his former design, which was to persuade the Hebrews, that more heed is to be given to the word of Christ, the doctrine of the gospel, than to the word or law delivered by angels, because God had given a greater authority to Christ than ever he did to the angels, as appears by putting the world to came in subjecton to Christ, and not to angels; yea, inasmuch as angels themselves are to be in subjection unto Christ, as a part of his kingdom, Unto the angels hath he not put into subjection the world to come? That is, the world of believers gathered out of all nations by the preaching of the gospel, is put under Christ's immediate power, and subject not to angels, but to Christ himself.
Learn hence, That it is the great privilege of the gospel-church, that it depends upon Christ as its immediate and only Head, and is not put in subjection to any other, either angels or men. The gospel-church was not put in subjection to angels in its first erection or institution, nor was it put into subjection unto angels, as to the rule and government of it when erected; but angels and saints are equally subjected unto Christ, who is both an head of vital influence, as also an head of authority, rule, and government to the whole church, and every member thereof.
Observe next, The proof which the apostle brings for this out of the Psalms, Psalms 8 in which David breaks forth into admiration and wonder, at that glory and honour which God the Father put upon man at first in the work of creation, and next in the work of redemption: When the Son of God took the nature of man upon him, well might it then be said, Lord! What is man, that thou wert thus mindful of him, and the sons of men, that thy dear and only son did thus visit them:
Learn hence, 1. That such was the inconceivable love of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, towards the sons of men, that he was free and willing to condescend unto any condition for their benefit and salvation: He that was the Creator of angels, was willing, for our sakes, to be made lower than the angels, a little lower, that is, for a little time lower than the angels, namely, during the time of his humiliation.
Learn, 2. That this wonderful condescension of Christ to take the nature of man, his respect and care, his love and eternal admiration. Oh! What is man that thou art mindful of him, and crownest him with dignity and glory.