Hebrews chapter 13 is the final chapter and section of the epistle; it focusses on the Christian’s life, conduct and ethic in light of what Jesus Christ has done for us in the Gospel. Amid issuing these final instructions, the author of Hebrews inserts this stunning exultation in verse 8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Such a declaration is pregnant with meaning. In this single sentence, we can support profound truths and vivid theology about the nature and work of Jesus Christ.
It is vital that Jesus Christ be the same yesterday because yesterday is when the Messiah was prophesied of. If we could not look back into the types and shadows of the Old Testament (as the author of Hebrews does) we would have no basis upon which to understand who the Son of God is. It is crucial that Jesus Christ be the same today because today is where we live and move and have our being. If Jesus Christ changed along with the culture, we would have no base upon which to build our lives. It is essential that Jesus Christ be the same tomorrow because all our hope for everlasting life hangs on Him.
Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
