From Hebrews: Christ as God's Final Word and the Radiance of His Glory
Orientation
The assumption that God's revelation is incomplete or that our standing with Him is uncertain creates instability and robs us of our inheritance.
- God has spoken definitively in His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Christ is the exact image and radiance of God's glory, not a partial revelation.
- Your assurance and identity are founded on this complete revelation, not on your fluctuating understanding.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 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 on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:1-3)
— Hebrews 1:1-3
Clarification
The New Covenant is God's everlasting commitment specifically to Israel, not the Church's rule of life.
- The Mosaic covenant was replaced by the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:7-13).
- The Church are testament heirs with Christ, not parties to Israel's New Covenant.
- Confusing these distinct relationships undermines God's specific promises to Israel and the Church's heavenly calling.
For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: (Hebrews 8:8)
— Hebrews 8:8
Structure
Biblical logic reveals distinct destinies: the Church as a heavenly co-heir with Christ, and Israel with a future earthly inheritance under the New Covenant.
- Christ, as humanity's representative, secured a privileged position for believers as sons and co-heirs (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:17).
- The Church's calling is heavenly, focused on unseen realities (Colossians 3:1-4; Ephesians 2:6).
- Israel's covenantal relationship remains, with promises of a future earthly inheritance (Isaiah 61:7; Romans 9:4-5).
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6)
— Ephesians 2:6
Weight-Bearing Prose
God’s ultimate speaking in Christ establishes the final terms of reality. This is not progressive revelation in the sense of incomplete truth, but the full unveiling of His glory in a Person. The Son is the radiance of that glory and the exact imprint of His nature. Pauline categories are essential here: our salvation is the full package of justification, resulting in sonship and a co-inheritance with Christ. This inheritance is Christ Himself—our righteousness, sanctification, and reward. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) is specifically made with the house of Israel and Judah. The Church does not participate in this covenant. We are testament heirs, receiving our portion through Christ’s death as the testator of the will (Hebrews 9:16-17). Our rule of life is union with Christ in His death and resurrection, not covenant stipulations. Objections that blend Israel and the Church or place the Church under the New Covenant miss the distinct, heavenly ministry of the Body of Christ. Ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:11-12) equip saints for this distinct calling, building unity and stability in the faith, not for an earthly program. Israel’s future restoration and earthly inheritance under the New Covenant remain a literal promise, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His distinct word.
Integration
Your standing is secure because God has spoken finally in Christ. He is your assurance. The full revelation of God’s glory is a person you already know and possess by faith. There is no pressure to advance into a higher tier or to earn a better inheritance. Christ is your inheritance. Your position as a co-heir is settled, not something you mature into. Rest in the completeness of God’s speaking. He is not withholding. The transformative work of God infusing Christ into you is His operation, not your achievement. Let this truth anchor you. Your calling is heavenly, your life is hidden with Christ in God. This is your permanent, stable reality. Look away from effort and simply behold the radiance of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. He is both the source and the satisfaction.