“But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom'” (Hebrews 1:8).
The next Old Testament quotation referenced in Hebrews chapter one comes from Psalms 45:6-7. In order to fully grasp the impact of this statement as it relates to Christ, we can start by defining the word “God.”
While this may seem unnecessary, the word “god” has been applied to comic book superheroes, rock music guitarists, and ancient Roman Emperors, among others. Therefore, it is important to understand how “God” (or “theos” in the original language of this passage) is used in the context of Hebrews 1:8.
First, “God” is all-powerful by definition. Since there can only be one Being who possesses all power, this precludes anyone or anything else from assuming that title. However, we should note that there are some legitimate uses of this term in other contexts.
For example, some are called “gods” by virtue of the authority they possess over life and death. However, these “gods” have no inherent authority; instead, their authority is derived from the God who allows them to exercise such power. In addition, the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians refers to Satan as the “…god of this age.” This expression acknowledges Satan’s temporary authority over this present world system (see 2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Therefore, it is important to separate those beings who fall within these parameters from the eternal, self-existent, all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent God of the Scriptures. This distinction is important in light of God’s reference to the Son as God here is Hebrews 1:8: “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever…” (NIV).
This tells us that Jesus is not simply a great man, a great teacher, or a great leader. He is not a creation of God, a demigod (a being with human characteristics and superhuman abilities), or an exalted angel. He is God. No angel was ever addressed in this manner, a point that the author of Hebrews will continue to emphasize throughout the rest of this chapter.
One author draws several key implications from this passage…
“We have seen that the human king in Psalm 45 will occupy a throne that lasts forever. Yet no Davidic king ever measured up to the mark of perfection required to maintain that throne. Thus, the psalm implied that a perfect king was yet to come. The author drew out another point as well. Since the throne is everlasting, we need one everlasting person to sit on it. A dynastic succession of kings won’t do. Thus, Psalm 45 really pointed forward to the incarnation of the Son of God.” (1)
(1) R. C. Sproul, Before the Face of God Book 4 A Daily Guide for Living from Ephesians, Hebrews, and James [pg. 33] © 1994 by R. C. Sproul, Published by Baker Books a division of Baker Book House Company P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan