Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
‘How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? … What is man, that thou are mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visits him?’ If those who had fewer privileges were punished for every sin, we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished also for each sin. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!
‘Neglect’ [Greek: ameleo] neglect (2:3; 1Tim. 4:14); be negligent (2Pet. 1:12); regard not (Heb. 8:9); and make light of (Matt. 22:5).
‘So great salvation’ – Ten reasons why salvation is great: [1] Its Founder: Christ preached it (2:3). [2] Its price: Death of only begotten Son (John 3:16; Col. 1:20; 1Pet. 2:24). [3] Its scope: (1) Time and eternity (2Cor. 6:2; Isa. 45:17; Heb. 5:9). (2) The Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 1:16). [4] Its benefits: (1) Physical healing (Acts 3:16; 4:9-12; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14). (2) Soul salvation (1Pet. 1:9; 2Cor. 7:10; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-9). (3) Deliverances (Ex. 14:13; 1Sam. 14:45; Isa. 33:2). (4) Joy and peace (Ps. 20:5; 51:12; Isa. 12:3; Rom. 5:1-2). (5) Preservation (Isa. 26:1). (6) Daily benefits (Ps. 68:19). [5] Its infinity: it reaches to the greatest depths and the farthest ends to redeem, exalting the redeemed to the highest heavens (Eph. 3:18; Acts 13:47; Ps. 98:3; Isa. 49:6). [6] Its divine source (Ps. 25:5; 37:39). [7] Its confirmation (Heb. 2:3-4; Mark 16:15-20). [8] Its basic requisites: Grace and faith alone (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 2:11). [9] Its exclusiveness (Acts 4:12). [10] Its utter simplicity of reception (John 3:16; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9).
‘Confirmed unto us by them that heard him.’ Not only was it confirmed then, but it should be likewise confirmed today (Matt. 18:18; 28:20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1Cor. 12:4-11; etc.).
‘Also bearing them witness.’ God also bore witness. He did not leave the confirmation of such great salvation to men alone. He bore witness by: Signs and wonders (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 2:43; 5:16; 10:38; 1Cor. 12:4-31). Various miracles (Acts 2:43; 19:11). Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11, 28-31; Rom. 1:11; Heb. 2:4). These powers are still for Christians today.
Living the Word 