An exposition of Hebrews 1:1-4, by Bill Rhetts

Today I began an expositional teaching and preaching through the book of Hebrews. Whereas I gave a brief introduction, and then the first four verses.

In Hebrews 1:1-4 he said, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; ³ who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

It says in vs 2 “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Many of us are former continuationists that adhered to the doctrine of continuationism. We used to believe that the spiritual gifts i.e., miracles, signs, wonders, healing, and tongues could still be practiced by some men or women today.

But as the Lord changed (reformed) us, we Reformers became cessationists, and now adhere to the doctrine of cessationism, which correctly teaches that the aforementioned gifts have ceased, and are no longer practiced by man today. And we no longer have apostles or prophets today.

As Matthew Henry said, “God spake to his ancient people at sundry times, through successive generations, and in divers manners, as he thought proper; sometimes by personal directions, sometimes by dreams, sometimes by visions, sometimes by Divine influences on the minds of the prophets. The gospel revelation is excellent above the former; in that it is a revelation which God has made by his Son.”

So, when a professing Christian tells you that they have a “revelation by God,” or “a vision” or a direct “Word from the Lord,” be ready to correct (or rebuke) him (or her), possibly even as a false prophet. If I have a “word from the Lord” it’s only because I am reading His Word from the pages of this Bible, or perhaps I am reciting His Scripture from memory.

But rather, it says in vs 2 that today God speaks to us thru His Son Jesus (or thru His sufficient Word).

Or another Reformed Baptist pastor once said, “If you wanna hear God speak to you, read the Bible. If you wanna hear God speak to you audibly, read it out loud!”

Below is the video, and underneath the video is the mp3 audio.