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Title: Cherubim and Seraphim Post by: TrevorL on August 19, 2004, 06:53:08 AM The Cherubim and Seraphim represent all that has been incorporated in the Lord Jesus Christ, representing his being, his character, his past, present and future work The "many parts" and "the many ways" revealed by the prophets have now been fully revealed in God's Son Hebrews 1:1-2.
A few examples of the occurrence of cherubim and seraphim and a brief note of their fulfilment in Christ. a. Cherubim guarded or preserved the way to the tree of life Genesis 3:24. Jesus now is the one who will give access to the tree of life Revelation 2:7 b. Cherubim are seen as part of the ark in the Most Holy Place Exodus 25:18-22. Hebrews 9:5,11 and John 1:14 indicate that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Tabernacle, and hence each part. c. Cherubim were embroided in the curtains and the veil of the Tabernacle Exodus 36:8,35. The veil represents the flesh of Jesus and hence the cherubim are part of the flesh of Jesus Hebrews 10:20 d. Seraphim surrounded the vision of Christ as the future king-priest Isaiah 6:1-2. Some aspects of the role of the seraphim are seen to be fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus in John 12:20-41. e. Cherubim are seen in active vision in Ezekiel 1 and Ezekiel 43:1-4. The earlier reference speaking of judgment on Judah, the latter showing all things incorporated in Christ. f. The Cherubim of Ezekiel 1:10 had four faces, a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. Christ is the man, the Son of Man, the second Adam, the true likeness and image of God, the one who will fulfil the Divine purpose in the creation Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:4,5, Matthew 11:25-30, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Hebrews 2:5-11. Christ is the lion of the tribe of Judah, the king, who has inherited this role by first being the slain lamb, establishing the basis of righteousness and mercy of the future kingdom Revelation 5:5,6, 14:1 Christ is the ox, the burden bearer Matthew 11:28-30, the servant, Isaiah 42:1-4, 52:13-15, 53:1-12. Christ is the eagle, the Son of God, John 1:14, fulfilling the Divine role in the new creation, the new exodus previously revealed in God's care and nurture of Israel Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11-14. All that is fulfilled in Christ will also be seen in small measure in the believers during their probation, and in more fulness during the kingdom to come Isaiah 40:31. The glory that dwelt between or inhabited the cherubim is seen in the glory of Christ's character, "full of grace and truth" John 1:14 and we can reflect this moral glory John 1:16, 1 John 3:1-3. His physical glory is to be revealed at his coming and will also be given to the faithful who love his appearing Philippians 3:21 (KJV): "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Kind regards Trevor |