Jesus: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
by Richard Sims
One of our readers recently wrote a letter defending the use of instrumental music in worship. The letter was in response to an article that appeared in the February, 1992 issue of this paper. The letter argued that since instrumental music was used in the Old Testament worship, it can be used today. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever." What is the meaning of this passage? Before we give an explanation of what it means, let's notice a few things it cannot mean.
Hebrews 13:8 cannot mean that God's laws for man have never changed. Before the Law of Moses was given, religion was patriarchal. There was no organized religion, no church. God dealt with men through the patriarchs, or heads of the families, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Law was added -a change- because of sin and would stand until the seed (Christ) should come (Gal 3:19). Later, God promised a new covenant -another change (Jer 31:31-34). This passage is quoted as being fulfilled in the new and better covenant we have through Jesus Christ (Heb 8:8-12). The old covenant, the Old Testament, was obsolete, decaying, and ready to vanish away (Heb 8:13). Jesus fulfilled it (Matt 5:17). It was then abolished (Eph 2:15) and nailed to the cross (Col 2:14). Therefore, Heb 13:8 cannot mean that God's laws for man have never changed.
Hebrews 13:8 cannot mean that God's way of revealing His will to man has never changed. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us, "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son." Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the Apostles into all truth, and bring to their remembrance everything He had taught them (John 14:26; 16:13). Their message was confirmed by the Holy Spirit (Heb 2:4) and written down for us to read (Eph 3:3-6). The miraculous revelation and confirmation then ceased (1 Cor 13:8). Notice all the changes in how God revealed His will, from many portions and many ways -yesterday- to the Son -today; from the Apostles directly -yesterday - to the word written for us -today.
The above mentioned changes are not the result of God's being indecisive and changeable. These were changes that God had built-in to His Eternal Purpose or plan to save man (Eph 3:11). That plan was made before the foundations of the world (Eph 1:4; Matt 25:34).
Hebrews 13:8 means that God's plan for worship, service, and salvation, as revealed by Jesus Christ through His Apostles has not changed. To understand any passage of Scripture, we must consider its context. Verse 7 says, "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith." The leaders of the Hebrew Christians had taught them the truth. What they lived and taught saved them and pleased God. Therefore, the Hebrew Christians were to imitate their faith. Christ's message of salvation had not changed and will not change (Heb 13:8). It saved them yesterday, it will save you today, and forever, it will save people who obey it.
Hebrews 13:9 warns against being carried away by varied and strange teachings. Take the time to look up the following verses to see the danger in not holding to what was revealed by the Apostles - Gal 1:8; Phil 4:9; 2 Thes 2:15; 2 Tim 1:13; 2 Pet 3:14-18; 2 Jn 9-10; Rev 22:18-19.
Heb. 13:8 is sometimes used to authorize instrumental music in worship today. It is also quoted by many to deny that the miracles of the New Testament have ceased. However, the verse is not talking about miracles or instrumental music. It is talking about the word of God as delivered by the Son, through the Apostles and New Testament prophets. This, as written down in the books of the New Testament, has not changed and will not change.
Heb. 13:8 does not authorize instrumental music in worship. It condemns it and anything else that is not a part of that which was spoken by the apostles. It was not a part of what they taught and the message has not changed. Therefore, instrumental music is a "varied and strange teaching" that has carried many away.
Reprinted with permission from "Think On These Things." Vol 5, No. 5. Published by the Downtown Church of Christ, Gatesville, TX, 76528.
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