1. Hebrews begins by stating that Jesus is God's spokesman today. 2. Near the end of Hebrews (13:8) we learn that Jesus is unchangeable -- He is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." 3. We need to remember this characteristic of the Lord as we endeavor to grow in our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18). 4. In our lesson we are pointing out a number of subjects in connection with the Lord that are everlasting and unchangeable. 5. Let us begin by showing that . . . Discussion:
I. THE WORDS OF THE UNCHANGEABLE CHRIST ARE EVERLASTING
A. Jesus made this point in Matthew 24:35. B. He stated in John 14:23 that He will bless those who keep His words. C. He also gave a strong warning against rejecting His words (John 12:48). D. We learn from Revelation 22:18-19 that the Lord's words must not be altered. II. THE COVENANT OF THE UNCHANGEABLE CHRIST IS EVERLASTING
A. This point is made in Hebrews 13:20-21. B. Much is said in Hebrews about the Lord's covenant. 1. Jesus is "the mediator of the new covenant" (Hebrews 12:24). 2. According to Hebrews 8:6-13, His covenant fulfilled a prophecy made in Jeremiah 31:31-34. 3. Jesus died and shed His blood so His covenant could go into effect. 4. Severe punishment is in store for those who treat the Lord's covenant as unholy (Hebrews 10:26-31). III. THE KINGDOM OF THE UNCHANGEABLE CHRIST IS EVERLASTING
A. This point is made in 2 Peter 1:11. B. Years earlier, Daniel prophesied about God's kingdom that would "never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44). C. In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus said He would build His church that He identified as "the kingdom of heaven." D. Jesus showed how the kingdom is entered in John 3:3, 5. E. When we are born again we are translated into the kingdom (Colossians 1:13). IV. THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE UNCHANGEABLE CHRIST IS UNCHANGEABLE
A. This point is made in Hebrews 7:23-24. B. The writer continued by describing Jesus as our High Priest (Hebrews 7:25-27). C. As High Priest, Jesus offers help to His followers (Hebrews 4:14-16). Conclusion:
1. We learn from Hebrews 13:8 that Christ is faithful and dependable -- He is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." 2. His words, His covenant, and His kingdom are everlasting, and His priesthood is unchangeable. 3. In closing, let us consider how the salvation of the unchangeable Christ is eternal (Hebrews 5:7-9). 4. Have you obeyed Him?
