When Paul wrote, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever;” (Hebrews 3:8) it was in complete knowledge of who Christ is. A learned man, Paul would not have written these words in ignorance or doubt. So, what can we learn from this and similar statements from the Apostles and Prophets, concerning the true nature of Jesus Christ?
First we will look to Isaiah: You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:10-11)
So, we learn from Isaiah there is one LORD and Saviour. Habakkuk states; yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:18) Zechariah also points to Jesus as LORD and Redeemer; behold thy king comes to thee: he is just and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass… (Zechariah 9:9)
The most famous passage declaring Jesus is LORD of all is from John. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) John also tells us Jesus created all things in Heaven and Earth, and confirms He is the Word of God as seen in the Book of Revelation. And he was clothed in vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God. (Revelation 9:13) So, we see that the Spirit of Prophecy is the LORD Jesus Christ who spoke through the Prophets, and inspired the Apostles and Paul. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12)
While Peter confidently declared Jesus is both LORD and Christ (Acts 2:36); Paul expanded and clarified his opening statements in Hebrews pertaining to Jesus and the Godhead, when writing to the church at Colossae: for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Like Peter, Paul tells us that Jesus is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Godhead in its fullness, as did Isaiah. And the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, forecast the birthplace of Jesus, and in doing so, spoke of His timeless nature, as did John in his Gospel and Letters. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2)
John’s first letter records that Jesus was God personified who physically walked among us teaching the better way for all mankind. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; for the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness … (1John 1:1-2)
Now, Paul occasionally speaks of our silly and confused thinking, of vain imaginings, when the truth of Jesus is really quite simple, it is we who make it complicated. Beware lest anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8) For example the Trinity Creed reduces Jesus to a third of His true standing when He is Father, Son and Spirit. So let Paul’s words now shine forth in you that Jesus is the Ever-Living God: the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
For if you walk in this light the eternal Kingdom of God is yours to inherit forever.
In love and peace,
James