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) 4} So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.^(N)

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word,^(A) and the Word was with God,^(B) and the Word was God.^{(C) 2} He was with God in the beginning.^{(D) 3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.^{(E) 4} In him was life,^(F) and that life was the light^(G) of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness,^(H) and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.^(I)

¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father,^(A) who has qualified you^[a] to share in the inheritance^(B) of his holy people in the kingdom of light.^{(C) 13} For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness^(D) and brought us into the kingdom^(E) of the Son he loves,^{(F) 14} in whom we have redemption,^(G) the forgiveness of sins.^(H)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(I) of the invisible God,^(J) the firstborn^(K) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(L) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(M) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(N) 17} He is before all things,^(O) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head^(P) of the body, the church;^(Q) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(R) from among the dead,^(S) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(T) to have all his fullness^(U) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(V) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(W) by making peace^(X) through his blood,^(Y) shed on the cross.