“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world…For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 1:1-2 / 2:1-2

Jesus Christ has left us heaven’s final word; in 2000 years God hasn’t added or taken away from it. Man has added to, deleted from and twisted God’s word, but God’s word is settled in heaven forever, and we have His final word in the Bible. Christ’s final word is divided into three parts: authorization, invitation and expectation.

The church of God has been authorized to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Certainly, Jesus has called evangelists, preachers and teachers to go and spread the gospel; they are under direct orders to faithfully preach the good news. But the factory worker, the office worker, the teacher, the housewife—we have all been authorized and empowered to tell others the good news from heaven: God’s final word: Jesus Saves!

Heaven’s final word is not a message of condemnation, nor is it a threat of hellfire and damnation. It is an invitation to Come. Come to the cross of Jesus Christ. It is there only that the sinner will see the awfulness of his sins; it is there he will see the judgment his sins deserve; it is there he will see his lost estate and destruction.

But coming to the cross, he sees Jesus Christ crucified. He beholds the love of God for sinners that placed His Son on the tree. He sees the love of Christ for sinners that passes all understanding. Coming to the cross, the sinner sees the precious blood that washes away all his sins; he sees Jesus taking his place in judgment.

The invitation to come extends to the empty tomb to see that Christ rose from the dead. Come and see that for forty days He showed Himself alive to His apostles and followers. Come to the mountain and see Jesus ascend into heaven where God made Him LORD over all in heaven and on earth. And most importantly, God’s final word: Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe in Him!

Heaven’s final word is one of expectation. Jesus’ death on the cross took away all our sin. Jesus being seated in heaven as LORD, fills us with His Holy Spirit, and gives us eternal life. But the final word from heaven for all who believe in Jesus is this: He is preparing a home for us, and He is coming to gather us to Himself, both those who are alive and those who have died. There is a new world coming, and we shall rule and reign with our Lord Jesus in it. Heaven’s final word.

Brother Bill Oldham

<bboldham@sbcglobal.net>