Hebrews 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
The Old Testament prophets spoke about God’s plan and the coming Messiah, but they only saw glimpses of this (see also Romans 16:25). Jesus the Messiah reveals fully God’s plan of salvation. Jesus is the primary revelation from God. The Bible records God’s other ways of revelation. These include prophets, events, various people, angels, nature, and even animals. “But” shows the comparison between the old revelation and the new revelation. This will be a key theme throughout Hebrews. “These last days” shows urgency about the message this book will have. We as believers live in expectation that God is unfolding his plan of redemption. We await the coming again of Jesus. Hebrews refers to Jesus in similar ways as John 1:1-4: Jesus as the word from God. When God speaks, we hear the Son. The primary and ultimate speaking was in the Incarnation, when the Son became one of us. Hebrews will stress the humanity of Jesus as well as his divinity. Jesus as heir of all things shows his exaltation over all. This is similar to Philippians 2:5-11. What does Jesus inherit? Everything that he purchased by his blood. All creation will be reconciled through him (Colossians 1:20). And finally, the Son is the agent of creation. When God said, “Let there be . . . ” in Genesis 1:3, the speaking was through the Son. This is a deep thought. When God communicates, we hear and see the Son. How is that? God communicates to us love and forgiveness. But we also see in the Bible that the Son is holiness and justice, resulting in judgment of those who do not repent. Hebrews will show the love of God but also give plenty of warnings. How should we respond? By putting our faith in the Son and looking to him for our salvation (see Hebrews 12:1-2).
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