Home

Author: Bruce Yocum, a member of Antioch, a community of disciples on mission in London.

Paul writes, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that, though the prophets authentically brought us the word of the Lord, now, in these last days, our days, God has spoken His own Son. He was the one John described, as we have earlier read, as himself being the Word of God. (John 1:1)

Through the prophets God spoke to us, but through intermediaries. Although they genuinely brought God’s word, even they did not fully understand what they spoke.

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:10-12)

The prophets had a limited revelation of God and His plan. Christ brought the fullness of revelation. To this Word, nothing could be added. The apostles, in obedience to Christ, wrote down for us the revelation that came through Him. In the New Testament we encounter this Word. That is why the Letter to the Hebrews can say, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Of course it is living and active! In the Scripture we encounter the Person of the Word, not the Word itself, but the Word Himself. Reading the Scripture is an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.