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Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20). "Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them" (Hebrews 13:7-9). So the great Mission of Jesus is to send us into all nations in order to make disciples, baptising them and teaching them to observe the Word of God. And Jesus promises to be with us until the end of this age, which will end with His Return. As He sent the apostles, so He sends the leaders to announce the Word of God and to watch over the souls who are entrusted to them. We are therefore called to consider their conduct and imitate their faith so that the leaders can exercise their calling with joy (Hebrew 13:17). Their task is difficult because various doctrines alien to the renewed Covenant come to pollute the teachings of Jesus. During the first Covenant it was necessary to offer sacrifices regularly in the Temple at Jerusalem; since the Reformation (Hebrew 9:10) it is no longer necessary for Jesus has become the High Priest forever (Hebrew 6:20). And because He lives eternally (forever), this priestly function is not transferable (Hebrew 7:24). We have therefore, by means of the blood of Jesus, an assured access into the Sanctuary, the Holy Place, by this completely new way (Hebrew 10:19). We have therefore received an unshakeable Kingdom and we hold on to this grace by offering God an acceptable service (Hebrew 12:28). Let us know therefore how to reject the doctrines, which cause us move out of grace. Let us go out to meet Jesus outside the camp of those who teach false doctrines, even if some reject us. Let us look for the heavenly City, that is to say the Kingdom of God for Jesus is the same: what He established yesterday at the time of His sacrifice on the cross is of value today and eternally (forever). There is nothing to add or to cut away for everything is accomplished. Through Him therefore we have an altar where we can offer the sacrifices of praise to God (Hebrew 13:15). |