Contrast of Character and Grace

Hebrews 2:16 - "For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham."

In the previous verses, the death of Jesus was shown to destroy Satan and his enslaving power to the fear of death and to deliver God's chosen people from this slavery to sin, fear and death. The author then grounds these two purposes on the simple truth that God provides "help" to sinful man in a way that He doesn't to sinful angels (demons).

When Satan and his host fell from angelic status in heaven, God provided them no second chance or offer of forgiveness. Yet now, by sheer grace alone God provides sinful man (who is equally deserving of death and hell) the offer of forgiveness ("help") and eternal salvation from wrath. Why again does God offer it to us and not to demons? Grace! What is the only difference between any one of us and Satan himself? Grace!

According to Ephesians 3, the redemption of the church by Jesus is designed to provide an eternal testimony to the angels and demons ("rulers and authorities in the heavenly places") of the unfathomable wisdom of God. God's wisdom is shown through His revelation of humble self-sacrificial love. This will remain the eternal contrast between Jesus and Satan. Satan thought he could get acceptance and a position of authority by exalting himself (Isaiah 14:13-14). Jesus gets this acceptance and position by humbling himself and allowing God to exalt Him (Philippians 2:5-11). And by grace He unites Himself to His people by dying for them so that they can eternally share this acceptance and position of authority with Jesus. The goal of creation then was and is to reveal the One who is truly worthy of exaltation.

How great is the contrast between Jesus and Satan and between the "help" God denies to Satan but graciously provides to the bride of Jesus!