but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.

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　Today’s title is from Hebrew 1:2, 「but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.」From this time, I would like to give you a message from the book of Hebrews. So far, I have spoken the message from the Gospel of Mark, and through these messages I believe you understand that Jesus is the Savior who was prophesied in the Old Testament. Since the book of Hebrews includes a lot of quotation from the Old Testament, we would like to learn more about the work of Jesus from Hebrews in relation to the Old Testament. We would like to learn individual scriptures in relation to their context which are the principles of studying the Bible. Now, please read Hebrews 1: 1-14. First of all, I’d like to talk about Jesus who is the true God, the one who has accomplished the cleansing of sins, the heir of all things, and he calls us believers brothers and sisters and he invites us to follow the creation mandate.
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Hebrews 1:1-2 says「In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.」From this passage, it is clear from the Old Testament that the new era of New Testament has come. The Old Testament is also a wonderful book and has been written in many ways by different authors. The Old Testament is a collection of 39 books that have shown divine revelation through the law, ritual, institution, kings, and prophets. It also contains a promise to be saved through the observance of the law and rituals. In Exodus 19: 4-6, the covenant between the Israelites and God was written before the Ten Commandments of Moses were given: “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. …You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation..”」
‭‭For Israelites who failed to keep this covenant, the prophecy about the Savior was also an important message of the Old Testament. It is a covenant mainly for the Jewish people. In contrast, the New Testament reveals that the work of Jesus brought the end to the old age and brought a new one. Please read Hebrews 8: 1-13 for details. It describes Christ as a mediator and a new covenant is established by him. The new covenant isn’t for only one nation like the old one, but it’s for the people of the whole world. Then, let’s look at what kind of person Christ is who is called the son. He is described as the heir of all things, the one who created the world (John 1: 1-3), the glory of God, and the perfect manifestation of God’s nature. The word “the glory of God”, or “the perfect manifestation of God’s nature” reveals that Christ is God. It is said that this person sustains everything. It’s understood that the one who created this world also sustains all things. Furthermore, in verse three, it is said that after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. As a priest, Christ has completed the work of redemption on the cross and is now seated on the right hand of God.
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Following this passage, it is written from verse 4 to chapter 2, that Christ is superior to angels. Verse 4 says “So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.“ Verse 14 talks about the role of angels, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Those who will inherit salvation means us, Christians, and the angels are sent by God to serve and support us. Matthew 28: 2-7 records the words of the angel who appeared to Mary Magdalene in the empty tomb of Jesus. Please refer to it. Then, what kind of person is Christ, the Son? Verse eight says “Your throne will last for ever and ever”, in verse ten, “You laid the foundations of the earth.”, and in verse twelve, “You remain the same,”. It is mentioned that Christ is more than an angel, and he is unchanging Creator.

Hebrews 2: 3 then revealed that there is a great salvation, which was brought by Jesus, who was lowered a little lower than the angles for some time. Verse nine says, “But we see Jesus,… now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.“ In verse ten, “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” This Great salvation comes from the precious sacrifice on the cross of Jesus, who is also God. Reading verses three and four, it is written that this salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit. I believe in Jesus and experience a transformation in my life. I believe that you also have the same experience. I believe that God is involved in each person’s life. Furthermore, regarding the purpose and cause of the existence of all things, I would like to talk about these topics next time and the work of creation mandate.