2-Minute Theology - TRINITY BIBLE CHURCH

TRINITY BIBLE CHURCH

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 11 - The Final Prophet, Purifier and Authority

2/27/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 11 - The Final Prophet, Purifier and Authority

Hebrews 1:2-3 reveals seven qualifications for the Son to be the final Prophet of God’s revelation.

To recap, Jesus is the heir of all things and has the authority to be the final revealer of His Father’s revelation. Jesus made the world and as Creator controls God’s plan and has the authority to reveal it. Jesus is the radiance of His glory or the visible manifestation of God. As, the visible manifestation of God dwelling among humanity, He reveals God and His word to humanity. Jesus is the exact representation of His nature or exact copy of God’s nature and has the right to speak as God and reveal His word. Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power. Because He spoke all creation into existence, He has the authority to speak God’s word to humanity.

The sixth qualification is that Jesus made purification of sins. The term purification (katharismós) is a priestly term associated with ceremonial cleansing from defilement by the death of a sacrifice. Jesus' sacrificial death for sin cleanses the sinner from all sin. The phrase had made (poiéō) is an aorist participle indicating that His sacrificial death was a one time action completed in the past, which accomplished purification for all time. Thus, His sacrificial death is a finished work. Because Jesus finished the work of humanity’s redemption, He has the right to finish the work of God's revelation to humanity.

Thus seventh qualification is that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Being seated indicates that His redemptive work is finished. Further, He is sitting at the right hand of God, which places Him in a position of equality to the Father. Since the Father is Lord, so Jesus is Lord. Because Jesus is Lord, He is qualified to be the final revealer of God’s revelation.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 10 - The Final Prophet, Powerful Word

2/24/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 10 - The Final Prophet, Powerful Word

Hebrews 1:2-3 reveals seven qualifications for the Son to be the final Prophet of God’s revelation.

One, Jesus is the heir of all things and therefore has the authority to be the final revealer of His Father’s revelation.

Two, Jesus made the world and as its Creator, He controls God’s plan and has the authority to reveal it to humanity.

Three, Jesus is the radiance of His glory or the visible manifestation of God. As, the visible manifestation of God dwelling among humanity, He reveals God and His word to humanity.

Four, Jesus is the exact representation of His nature. Jesus is the exact copy of God’s nature or essence and has the right to speak as God and reveal His word.

Five, Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power. Uphold (phérō) means to govern or to keep something in an unaltered condition. As well, the term means to move something to the desired goal. Jesus keeps all things — the created realm — in an unaltered or sustained state.

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. - Colossians 1:16-17

Jesus sustains the universe by the word of His power. The phrase word of His power can be translated as His powerful word or His powerful command. The idea of command harkens back to Genesis 1 — “God said…” The term said (ʾāmar) means to say, think, or command. God did not merely speak creation into existence, He commanded it into existence (Psalm 33:9; 148:2-5).

For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. - Psalm 33:9
Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. - Psalm 148:2-5

Christ spoke or commanded all creation into existence and therefore has the authority to speak God’s commands to humanity.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 9 - The Final Prophet, Representative of God

2/24/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 9 - The Final Prophet, Representative Of God

According to Hebrews 1:2-3, the Son is qualified to be the final Prophet of God’s revelation.

One, Jesus is the heir of all things and therefore has the authority to be the final revealer of His Father’s revelation.

Two, Jesus made the world and as its Creator, He controls God’s plan and has the authority to reveal it to humanity.

Three, Jesus is the radiance of His glory or the visible manifestation of God. As, the visible manifestation of God dwelling among humanity, He reveals God and His word to humanity.

Hebrews 1:2-3 continues with the fourth qualification.

And He is… the exact representation of His nature, - Hebrews 1:2-3

Four, Jesus is the exact representation of His nature. The phrase exact representation, occurring only here in Hebrews 1:3, translates the Greek term charaktḗr. It denotes something that is an exact copy or exact likeness. The term originated from the engraving die used in making coins. The die would be pressed against the metal and, when removed, would leave behind an exact copy of the image.

Nature (hupóstasis) refers to the substance or essence of someone or something. Jesus is the exact copy of God’s nature or essence.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. - Colossians 1:15

Whatever God the Father is, the Son is the exact copy of Him. The Father is holy. Hence the Son is holy. The Father is righteous; ergo the Son is righteous. Everything true of the Father is true of the Son. Hence, Jesus is God and has the right to speak as God and reveal His word.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 8 - The Final Prophet, Shekinah Glory

2/20/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 8 - The Final Prophet, Shekinah

According to Hebrews 1:2-3, the Son is qualified to be the final Prophet of God’s revelation.

In these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory... - Hebrews 1:2-3

One, Jesus is the heir of all things and therefore has the authority to be the final revealer of His Father’s revelation.

Two, Jesus made the world and as its Creator, He controls God’s plan and has the authority to reveal it to humanity.

Three, Jesus is the radiance of His glory. The term radiance (apaúgasma) means to shine forth and is only used here in Hebrews 1:3. Jesus is the shining forth of God’s glory. The verb is (hṓn) comes from verb eimí — to be or to exist. This verb is a present tense participle indicating that Jesus is existing as the shining forth of God’s glory. There has never been a time when Jesus was not the brightness of God’s glory.

The glory of God is known as the Shekinah. The term Shekinah is derived from the Hebrew term šākēn, which means to dwell or tabernacle.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

It describes the presence of God in a particular locale, manifested as visible light. Jesus shining forth as God’s Shekinah reveals that He is of the same essence of the Father. Hence, Jesus is Deity. As God, Jesus has the right to reveal Himself and His word to humanity.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 7 - The Final Prophet, Heir and Creator

2/20/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 7 - The Final Prophet, Heir And Creator

Hebrews 1:2b-3 sets forth seven statements to demonstrate why the Son is qualified to be the final Prophet of God’s revelation.

In these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, - Hebrews 1:2-3

These statements also qualify Jesus to authenticate all the previous revelations given by God. One, He is the heir of all things. As heir, Jesus has inherited all things, including all authority, from His Father. Thus, heirship necessitates Lordship. Being Lord means Jesus cannot be less than God. Being given all authority implies that as God, He is Lord over all creation. He has the authority to be the final revealer of His Father’s revelation.

Two, Jesus is the One through whom also He made the world. The term world (aiṓn) is better rendered as ages. Through Jesus, the Father made the ages. Genesis 1:1 reveals that the first thing created was time — in the beginning. John 1:1 further establishes that at the beginning of time, Jesus (i.e., the Word) was with God. Each time that the Creation narrative records God said it is communicating to the reader the role of the Son in Creation. Jesus is the Creator of time implies that He is in control of God’s plan and program. The One who controls God’s plan and the program had the authority to reveal it to humanity.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 6 - Christ Greater than Moses

2/17/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 6 - Christ Greater Than Moses

Like Moses, Jesus was faithful in all His house.

He was faithful (pistós) to Him who appointed (poiéō) Him, as Moses also was in all His house (oikos). - Hebrews 3:2

Faithful (pistós) means to be worthy of responsibility. Moses was faithful in all His house is drawn from Numbers 12:7 — “My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household.” The term house (oikos) refers to a group of people, not a building. That Moses was faithful means that he proved himself worthy of responsibility in executing his God-given responsibilities to the Israelites.

Jesus was faithful to the Father who appointed Him. The term appointed (poiéō) means to create. Cults, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, use this verse to support the idea that Jesus was created by God. However, the term poiéō also means to make someone something. Thus, God made Jesus a Prophet.

Though Moses and Jesus are prophets, Jesus is more advantageous in the office of Prophet than Moses. While both were faithful, Moses failed when he struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock. Jesus never fails; He is eternally faithful. As well, both Moses and Jesus served as prophets, but only Jesus serves as High Priest. Additionally, Jesus is more advantageous than Moses is part of the house, whereas Christ is the builder of the house.

For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house - Hebrews 3:3

Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses. Glory (dóxa) is honor or recognition of someone’s character, nature, or attributes. No human prophet or apostle is worthy of the honor that Jesus deserves. In a day of Christian celebrity, believers must beware. Beware of honoring Christian authors, pastors, and leaders more than Jesus. One’s allegiance should be to Jesus first and foremost.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 5 - Like unto Moses

2/17/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 5 - Like Unto Moses

The prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:18 specifically states Jesus will be like Moses.

Moses: Rescued as an infant from Pharaoh’s order to kill all babies
Jesus: Rescued as an infant from Herod’s order to kill all babies

Moses: Lived a portion of his life in Egypt
Jesus: Lived a portion of His life in Egypt

Moses: Rejected by the Jews / criticized by his family
Jesus: Rejected by the Jews / criticized by his family

Moses: was a shepherd
Jesus: is the Good Shepherd

Moses: authority confirmed by miracles
Jesus: authority confirmed by miracles

Moses: instituted the Threshold Covenant with the death and shed blood of a Passover Lamb
Jesus: instituted a new Threshold Covenant with His death and shed blood as the Passover Lamb

Moses: brought deliverance after 400 years in Egypt
Jesus: brought deliverance after 400 years of silence

Moses: fasted 40 days and nights
Jesus: fasted 40 days and nights

Moses: received the Law on Mount Sinai
Jesus: clarified the Law on the Mount of Olives

Moses: provided bread from Heaven
Jesus: is the bread from Heaven

Moses: chose 12 spies
Jesus: chose 12 apostles

Moses: set 70 elders over the nation of Israel
Jesus: sent 70 disciples out to the people of Israel

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 2 - Prerequisites

2/10/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 2 - Prerequisites

The prerequisite for a prophet was that he or she was to be blameless.

You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. - Deuteronomy 18:13

The term blameless (tāmîm) means that a prophet had to be a person of integrity. It indicates that the one speaking on God’s behalf, speaks what is in agreement with truth and fact. As well, the term blameless implies that the prophet belongs completely to the Lord.

One called to be prophet was verified by two tests — a theological test and an accuracy test. Theologically, a prophet could only speak in God’s name.

It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. - Deuteronomy 18:19

Additionally, a prophet’s predictions had to pass the test of accuracy. That is, what they said could be verified.

You may say in your heart, How will we know the word which the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. - Deuteronomy 18:21-22

Deuteronomy 18:15 reveals that “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.” This is a prophecy of the Messiah who would be the Great Prophet or the Prophet Greater than Moses. The phrase like me is defined by Numbers 12:7-8 and Deuteronomy 34:10.

Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household; With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses? - Number 12:7-8
Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, - Deuteronomy 34:10

Contextually, a prophet like Moses is one with whom God has stood face to face, spoken mouth to mouth, and has seen the form of the Lord.

The Prophethood of Christ: Part 1 - Purpose

2/10/2021

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Prophethood Of Christ: Part 1 - Purpose

The Old Testament prophet (nābî) was known as God’s servant (’ebed) or the man of God (’īs hā elōhîm). As a servant, the prophet’s ministry was to perform any task given to him by God. The title man of God denoted the unusually close relationship which existed between the prophet and God. Prophets were often viewed as mediators, watchmen, and messengers.

The Hebrew term nābî, translated as prophet, derives from a root term meaning to announce. As such, the prophet is a spokesperson for God. As a spokesperson, they often identified their message with phrases like, “Thus saith the Lord” and “the Word of the Lord came to Me.” As such, they spoke in God’s name and with His authority.

God speaks through His prophets and reveals His secrets through them.

I have also spoken to the prophets, And I gave numerous visions, And through the prophets I gave parables. - Hosea 12:10
Surely the Lord God does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets. - Amos 3:7

The prophet only proclaims those things which God commands.

I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. - Deuteronomy 18:18

God’s purpose for the prophets were to lead and protect His people.

Yet He sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord; though they testified against them, they would not listen. - 2 Chronicles 24:19
But by a prophet the Lord brought Israel from Egypt, And by a prophet he was kept. - Hosea 12:13