1. “They shall perish…”
The opening statement of Hebrews 1:11 asserts the transitory nature of creation. “They shall perish” refers to the heavens and the earth—the entire created order. The verb “perish” here emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the passing away of creation. Despite the grandeur and permanence that the universe seems to exhibit in human experience, it is ultimately temporary and subject to decay.
The phrase “they shall perish” echoes the words of Psalm 102:26, where the psalmist writes:
“They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment.” (Psalm 102:26, KJV)
This reflects the biblical view of the cosmos as being created but also ultimately subjected to change and decay. The idea of the perishing of creation is not merely about its eventual physical destruction but also about its impermanence in the grand scheme of eternity. The created world, though magnificent and vast, is not eternal. It was made by Christ, and it will one day come to an end according to God’s will.
For the original audience of Hebrews, who may have been facing persecution or hardships, this reminder would have been particularly important. It was a call to shift their focus from the temporary world around them to the eternal Christ. The troubles they faced, as well as the world itself, were fleeting compared to the permanence of Christ’s kingdom and reign.
2. “…but thou remainest…”
In contrast to the perishing world, the author of Hebrews affirms the eternal nature of Christ. “But thou remainest” emphasizes that while the world is subject to decay, Christ remains unchanged. The word “remainest” suggests that Christ’s existence is constant and enduring. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His reign is unshakable.
This statement is a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of Christ. While everything in the created order is temporary, Christ stands eternal. This is one of the central themes of the epistle to the Hebrews—Christ’s eternal priesthood, His unchangeable nature, and His ultimate sovereignty. Unlike the world, which is subject to corruption and change, Christ’s existence is not dependent on time, space, or any external factor. He is the eternal Son of God, whose essence and reign will never fade.
The fact that Christ “remains” is foundational to the Christian faith. Believers find security in the unchanging nature of Christ. Unlike the world, which is unstable and passing away, Christ’s promises, character, and kingdom are enduring. This provides comfort to believers, especially in times of trial and uncertainty.
3. “…and they all shall wax old as doth a garment…”
The final phrase of Hebrews 1:11 compares the heavens and the earth to a garment that grows old. The metaphor of the garment highlights the temporal nature of creation. Just as clothing wears out and becomes old with time, so too will the created universe. Everything in the created order is subject to change and eventual decay. The heavens and the earth may seem solid and permanent in the short term, but in the grand scope of eternity, they are like a garment that grows old and will one day be discarded.
This image reinforces the idea that creation, though magnificent and awe-inspiring, is not eternal. It is subject to the same process of aging, decay, and eventual end as any other created thing. The world may seem to last for a long time from the perspective of human history, but in the light of eternity, it is like an old garment that is slowly wearing out. The contrast between this and the unchanging nature of Christ serves to highlight His divine and eternal nature. While creation is temporary, Christ’s existence and reign will never grow old or wear out.
Old Testament Context: Psalm 102:25-27
Hebrews 1:11 is a direct reference to Psalm 102:25-27, which speaks of the eternality of God and His creative power. Psalm 102:25-27 states:
“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” (Psalm 102:25-27, KJV)
In this psalm, the psalmist reflects on the contrast between God’s eternal nature and the temporary nature of the created world. The heavens and the earth will eventually perish, but God Himself will endure forever. This passage speaks to the unchanging nature of God, and in Hebrews 1, the author applies it to Christ, further reinforcing the point that Christ is eternal and superior to the temporal world He created.
The psalmist’s description of the heavens and the earth “waxing old like a garment” is a vivid image of the transitory nature of creation. The comparison to a garment highlights the idea of wear and tear, a slow process of aging that eventually leads to obsolescence. In contrast, God remains unchanged and eternal. This theological truth is central to understanding Christ’s nature, as it is Christ who is the eternal Son of God and the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
Theological Implications of Hebrews 1:11
Hebrews 1:11 provides several significant theological insights about the nature of Christ and the created world:
1. The Impermanence of Creation
This verse reinforces the biblical teaching that creation is not eternal. The heavens and the earth are temporary, and they will one day pass away. This stands in contrast to the eternal nature of Christ, who created the world and will remain unchanged even when the world passes away. Believers are called to set their hope on the eternal Christ rather than the transient world.
2. The Eternal Nature of Christ
Christ’s eternal nature is a key theme in the book of Hebrews. Unlike the heavens and the earth, which are subject to decay and change, Christ remains constant and unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His reign will never end. This provides a secure foundation for the faith of believers, knowing that they are anchored in the eternal Son of God.
3. The Unchanging Reign of Christ
The impermanence of creation serves to highlight the unshakable nature of Christ’s reign. While the created world may wear out and perish, Christ’s kingdom is eternal. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and His reign will never come to an end. Believers can take comfort in knowing that Christ is not only eternal but also sovereign over the world, guiding history toward its ultimate fulfillment.
4. A Call to Focus on the Eternal
For the original readers of Hebrews, who may have been facing difficulties or challenges, this verse served as a reminder to focus on the eternal realities rather than the temporal struggles of the world. The world may seem overwhelming and permanent in the moment, but it is passing away. Christ, however, remains forever, and His eternal promises offer the hope and stability that believers need.
Conclusion
Hebrews 1:11 highlights the stark contrast between the impermanence of the created world and the eternal nature of Christ. The heavens and the earth, though magnificent, are temporary and will eventually perish. In contrast, Christ remains unchanged, eternal, and sovereign over all things. This verse further reinforces the supremacy of Christ and calls believers to focus on the eternal, unshakable foundation of Christ’s reign. In times of trial and uncertainty, believers are encouraged to remember that Christ is eternal and that His promises will never fade.