Christ called God by Father; full divinity affirmed
The LCMS affirms that Hebrews 1:8, where God the Father addresses the Son as 'God,' is a clear biblical affirmation of Christ's full divinity. This passage is cited in LCMS doctrinal literature as evidence that Christ is truly God, coequal with the Father. The verse is understood within the Hebrews 1 context that describes Christ as 'the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature' (Hebrews 1:3) and affirms his role in creation and sustenance of all things.
LCMS systematic theology integrates Hebrews 1:8 into the doctrine that Christ is 'true God, begotten of the Father from eternity,' a foundational article of faith. The passage supports the Chalcedonian affirmation of Christ as fully divine and fully human in one person.
Key Distinctions
- Christ divinity:
- unambiguous affirmation of Christ's true deity
- Psalm application:
- Worship status:
Scripture References
Sources
- LCMS doctrinal statements on Christology
- Formula of Concord, Article VIII (1577)
- Luther's Commentary on Hebrews 1:8