…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 1:1-4
The book of Hebrews opens with the acknowledgement that God spoke to the saints of old through the prophets, indicating the need for a mediator between God and sinful creatures. While these prophetic revelations of God’s Word to His people were true and accurate, the old covenant prophets were a precursor of the coming messianic prophet. Moses speaks of this coming prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15–18. Our verses today proclaim that the promised prophet of whom Moses spoke has come in the person of Christ. The prophets of old were sinners, and, though God communicated His Word through them and they were frustrated or reluctant, but, Jesus is the only Begotten Son of the Living God. Jesus, who is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature,” is without sin, and there is no frustration in His task nor reluctance to declare the words of God. The Old Testament prophets prefaced their message with “thus says the Lord” but, when Jesus spoke, He said, “You have heard it was said to those of old…but I say to you…” Mark indicates that from the beginning of His public preaching and teaching ministry, Jesus spoke more authoritatively than the scribes. In John 5:24–25, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. . . . an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” Jesus is superior to the prophets of old in His position of preeminence, His person, and His prophetic utterances. But, there is an eschatological dimension to be considered. The former days consisted of types, shadows, and promises that pointed to the coming prophet-priest-king of a new covenant. The death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ have brought an end to those elements, practices, and offices that pointed to Him. Jesus’ death on the cross has brought animal sacrifices to an end, and His high priestly functions have abolished the need for human high priests. The finished work of Christ and the completion of the canon of Scripture have brought an end to the office of prophet and Apostle. Today, preachers are to expound the Scriptures, and, they are not the recipients of new revelation from God. One may hear Christians say or refer to the phrase “the Lord told me…,” but more caution should be exercised as, “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” There are many cases where a strong impression on one’s conscience about a particular matter or a specific biblical text, or its application, is brought to bear on a given situation. This could be what is meant by those who have heard “God speaking.” The types and shadows of animal sacrifices and the Levitical priesthood were abolished at the appearing glory of the substance, Christ, who is God’s final and definitive revelation of His Word and will. Christ has spoken in the Scriptures and continues to speak when Scripture is read and expounded. There is no new revelation apart from Christ. He is the prophet that has come as the fulfillment of the long awaited promise. As the Son of God, Jesus not only declared the Word of God but manifested God to us as the Word of God in the flesh. What more do we need than what God has declared and manifested through His Son?
Source: S C Ball March 18, 2024
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