
Hebrews
2:8 shows a "now and not yet" tension that existed before
AD70. All things had already been given to Christ in authority
(Matthew 28:18), but the visible reality of that subjection had not
fully appeared. The Old Covenant system was still standing (Hebrews
8:13), and enemies like unbelieving Israel were still resisting Him. By AD70, those enemies were judged, the
Old Covenant ended, and the full visible reign of Christ was
revealed. So when Hebrews was written, it was true to say, "we
do not yet see all things subjected", but that has since
changed. Hebrews 2:8 says, "You have put
all things in subjection under His feet." This shows Christ had
already been given full authority (Matthew 28:18), but the writer
adds, "we do not yet see all things subjected to Him." Why?
Because at the time Hebrews was written, the Old Covenant system was
still active, the temple was still standing, and rebellious Israel
had not yet been judged. Though Christ reigned from heaven, the
full manifestation of that reign was still unfolding. His enemies,
chiefly apostate Jerusalem, had not yet been made His footstool
(Psalm 110:1). But once the judgment came in AD70, the last obstacle
to His visible reign was removed. What they did not yet see then, we
now see in full: the Kingdom is established, the Old has passed away,
and all things have been placed under His feet.
By Dan Maines
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