Christs Dependability: Count on It!

Heb. 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." What does this mean? It can't mean that Jesus Christ has never changed.

As the Logos He was co-eternal, enjoying equality with Father and Spirit (Phil. 2:6; John 1:1). Was His incarnation a change? Was it! It was an emptying of cosmic dimensions (Phil. 2:7). But more change was ahead: "Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him...." (Heb. 5:8-9). "He learned... He suffered... He became..." all involved change. But that's not all. "He suffered death" (Heb. 2:9). Then, God raised Him and exalted Him (Acts 2:32-33; Phil. 2:9).

Sounds like a lot of change. So what does it mean that Jesus Christ is timelessly the same? The context provides the answer. In verses 5 and 6 the author says we must keep free of the love of money because God is dependable, always trustworthy to help us when we're in need. Then he turns to the local church leaders, holding them up as models worthy of our trust. Finally, he focuses attention on Christ's dependability.

Look at the past. Christ has been trustworthy in serving your highest interests, even to the point of giving up His riches for the poverty of His earthly life (2 Cor. 8:9), then giving up life itself. Over and over He proved He was your steadfast friend.

Look at the present. At this very moment, Jesus Christ stands before God pleading in behalf of His brothers and sisters (Rom. 8:34). He is our Advocate in the court of heaven (1 John 2:1).

Look at the future. His confession of us to the Father will be the deciding factor in whether we are saved or lost (Matt. 10:32-33). Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38-39).

This rock-solid dependability of Jesus Christ becomes the unchanging reality on which we can base our lives. It provides a dynamic power from which we can operate. It inspires our hope and energizes our courage.

Don't you wish we were so dependable?

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

MORE RESOURCES:

Arguing Against Gay Marriage, Without Using Religion - New York Times

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Politics, war and religion - how Hollywood learned to do serious - guardian.co.uk

Anne Rice returns to the religion she knew as a child - Kansas City Star

Now Showing: Bill Maher Movie Questioning Organized Religion - The Ledger

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Violence against any religion is unacceptable: Advani - Press Trust of India

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#39;New atheism#39; is gaining its voice - Arizona Republic

Religion briefs - News Chief

Religion Calendar: 10/11/2008 - Traverse City Record Eagle

Major religions’ priorities clash with ordinary life pursuits - Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Exploring Religion, Shaped by the Enlightenment - New York Times

Religion - Google News

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