God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke^(A) to our ancestors through the prophets^(B) at many times and in various ways,^{(C) 2} but in these last days^(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,^(E) whom he appointed heir^(F) of all things, and through whom^(G) also he made the universe.^{(H) 3} The Son is the radiance of God’s glory^(I) and the exact representation of his being,^(J) sustaining all things^(K) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(L) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^(M)

¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke^(A) of the grace that was to come to you,^(B) searched intently and with the greatest care,^{(C) 11} trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ^(D) in them was pointing when he predicted^(E) the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you,^(F) when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you^(G) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.^(H) Even angels long to look into these things.

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power,^(A) but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.^{(B) 17} He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”^{[a](C) 18} We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.^(D)

¹⁹ We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable,^(E) and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light^(F) shining in a dark place, until the day dawns^(G) and the morning star^(H) rises in your hearts.^{(I) 20} Above all, you must understand^(J) that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God^(K) as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.^(L)