In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son. He is the One through Whom God created the universe, the One Whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. He shines with the brightness of God's glory; He is the exact likeness of God's own being, and sustains the universe with His powerful word. After He had made men clean from their sins, He sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power. The message given by the angels was shown to be true, and anyone who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment he deserved. How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord Himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard Him proved to us that it is true. At the same time God added His witness to theirs by doing signs of power, wonders, and many kinds of miracles. He also distributed the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His will.
   [The Lord spoke this to Isaiah, the prophet:] "Come near Me and listen to this: 'From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.' And now the Sovereign Lord has sent Me, with His Spirit . . ." [And to Zechariah:] "Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," declares the Lord. "And many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you . . ." May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Taken from Heb. 1, 2, Is. 48, Zec. 2, II Cor. 13, Eph. 1, The New American Standard,
Today's English Version and The New International Version. For free Lifescope book,
write to Box 1575, Carlsbad, NM 88221. Please send $1.00, postage and handling.