Answer
At the fall, sin destroyed humanity’s relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2). Yet God had a plan to redeem and restore us from sin’s destruction. Hebrews 2:10 says, “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (NKJV). Jesus, fully man and fully God, willingly died in our place and brought salvation to all who would believe in Him, thereby bringing many sons to glory.
As a result of Adam’s disobedience, every person is born a sinner, and death entered the world through sin (Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23). Yet God Himself took care of the problem of sin (Hebrews 9:26) through the gift of His Son: “It was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10). According to Hebrews 2:10, it was “fitting” for God to crush Jesus for the sake of bringing many sons to glory.
Jesus is the one bringing many sons to glory. The Creator became like His creation to save us (John 1:1–2, 14). He suffered death so all who trust in Him never have to die (John 3:16). Jesus is the “pioneer” or “captain” (NKJV) or “founder” (ESV) of our salvation, providing the only way to be saved. Where Adam failed, Jesus did not. Where Adam brought death, Jesus brings life. By His death and resurrection, Jesus leads the way and brings many sons to glory.
God’s desire is to bring many sons to glory. God’s heart is that all come to faith in Him, though not all will (1 Timothy 2:3–6; Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9). When we trust in Christ, He brings us into the family of God (Romans 8:13; 1 John 3:1). We become His children. When Jesus brings us to glory, He welcomes us as family. “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11; cf. Matthew 12:48–49).
Jesus is bringing many sons to glory. First Corinthians 15:20–22 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” As the captain of our salvation, Jesus defeated death and was the first to have gone to glory. Jesus’ bodily resurrection guarantees our future bodily resurrection. For the believer, to die is to be present with the Lord, and we will become like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). As Joshua led the people of Israel victoriously into the Promised Land, so will Jesus lead us into a glorious heavenly inheritance.
Because of His great love for us (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4–5), God provided the only way to be forgiven and made right with Him (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), thereby bringing many sons to glory. The song “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townsend relays this truth:
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
