There are certain passages of scripture scattered thoughout the Bible that sum up basic truths of the gospel in just a few words. Paul said to Timothy, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1Tim 1:15) He said to the Colossians, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col 1:27)
In this same book of Hebrews we read, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Heb 9:12)Again Paul said to the Colossians, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: butChrist is all, and in all. “ (Col 3:10-11)We cannot forget this classic line to the Ephesians either, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:8-10)And as Peter testified in Jerusalem, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Act 2:36)
All of these statements contain a piece of the “kernel” of truth. As believers we can rejoice in a contemplation of each one. However, these four verses from Hebrews contain the sum total of the gospel in a “nutshell”. If one can grasp the breadth and depth of all that the writer of Hebrews says he will hold in his hands the very essence of the gospel.
The BEGINNING. Even as all things begin with GOD so does this statement. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)
The prophecies concerning HIS dominion. HE spoke in times past by the prophets. No generation in the earth is without a witness of the reign of CHRIST. “But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” (Rom 10:18) All of mankind is without excuse before GOD.
There are but “two times” spoken of concerning the earth and its inhabitants. The former times and the latter days. “Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:16-17) (see Acts 17:30) “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”(1John 2:18) We are not now waiting for another era to unfold upon the earth. HE has in these “last days” spoken unto us by HIS SON. We now see the reign of CHRIST and wait for no other. (see Dan.8:18; I Pet.1:5; Jude 1:18; Isa.2:2; Micah 4:1; Acts 2:17)
CHRIST is HIS own witness. “HE hath spoken unto us by HIS SON”. Even as Peter was given this revelation. “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1John 2:27) “He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” (John 10:3)
CHRIST is the revelation of GOD. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:18) If any man would ever be acquainted with the true and living GOD HE must of necessity be acquainted with JESUS CHRIST. “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9) “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30)
HE is the appointed HEIR (i.e.; rightful owner) of all things. The Psalmist spoke of HIM saying, “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” (Psa 2:7-8) “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” (Isa 42:1) It is to CHRIST that all of the promises of GOD are made. “He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” (Gal 3:16)
CHRIST is the CREATOR. “By whom also HE made the worlds”. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Col 1:16-17)Being the CREATOR, HE alone is eternal. “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.” (1Tim 6:16)
HE came into the world to redeem HIS people. “when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high”. HE came to fulfill that which was spoken to Joseph “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Mat 1:21) Without the shedding of blood there is no remission and HE came to shed HIS precious blood as a LAMB without spot or blemish to take away (i.e.;purge) the sin of HIS people as their SUBSTITUTE. It is impossible (according to GOD’s law) that anyone could undertake to be the REDEEMER of another except that HE was of the same kin. The LORD took upon himself the sin of all of those elect children which were given to HIM before the foundation of the world and did fulfill all of the law’s demands completely and without reservation for them alone. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth” (Rom 8:33)
HE is the END. HE has finished the work HE came to perform. “HE sat down at the right hand of the MAJESTY on high.” “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11) The sons of GOD worship at HIS feet and expectantly look for HIM. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.” (Rev 22:17) “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev 22:20)
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