How can we "escape" if we neglect the salvation described in Hebrews 2:3? The Weight of the Question “how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3) What “Salvation” Encompasses • Rescue from God’s righteous wrath against sin (Romans 5:9) • Forgiveness and cleansing through Christ’s blood (1 John 1:7) • New life and adoption as God’s children (John 1:12) • An eternal inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4) Why Neglect Is So Dangerous • Neglect is not open rebellion; it is passive drift—yet still deadly (Hebrews 2:1). • The same word group describes ignoring a doctor’s cure; the disease of sin remains untreated. • Every lesser word from angels was enforced (Hebrews 2:2); how much more the gospel announced by the Lord Himself (v. 3) and confirmed by the Spirit’s miracles (v. 4). • God has provided no alternate route; “there is no other name under heaven…by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Certainty of Judgment • “Escape” assumes a coming reckoning (Hebrews 9:27). • Persistent sin after receiving the truth brings “a fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:26-27). • Those who refuse Christ “remain under condemnation” (John 3:18). • Hell is real, eternal, and inescapable apart from Christ (Matthew 25:46). The Sufficiency of Christ’s Work • Jesus tasted death “for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9) and broke the devil’s power (v. 14). • His sacrifice was once for all, perfecting forever those who are sanctified (Hebrews 10:10-14). • God’s justice is satisfied; no further payment is needed or possible (Romans 3:24-26). Escaping by Embracing the Offered Salvation 1. Hear—give earnest heed to the message (Hebrews 2:1). 2. Believe—trust the finished work of Christ alone (John 3:16). 3. Confess—publicly identify with Him (Romans 10:9-10). 4. Repent—turn from sin and self-rule (Acts 17:30). 5. Persevere—hold fast with confidence to the end (Hebrews 3:14). Encouragement for Believers • God “is able to save completely those who draw near through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). • Assurance grows as we “pay much closer attention” to His Word (Hebrews 2:1) and “consider Him” daily (Hebrews 12:3). • Salvation neglected is salvation forfeited; salvation embraced is salvation secured. |
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