If We Neglect so Great a Salvation
Book of Hebrews | Cross Eyed • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsWhat hope do we have, if we neglect the salvation that is afforded to us through Christ.
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Introduction
There is a growing need within the church that was prophesied to happen some two millennia ago, a falling away. Many in the church are being deceived by false doctrines, false teachings, and all delivered by false teachers. They are being taught and believing in a false gospel, not the true Gospel. They would rather have ears tickled than hearts pricked. Paul warns about this in his letter to young Timothy. The author of Hebrews warns the original recipients of this issue that seems to be a cancer amon them, a drifting away from the true Gospel to a false gospel. Let this not be our testimony.
Focus Passage: Hebrews 2:1-4
1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.
Outline
Are you drifting (v.1)
A warning not to drift away from the Gospel - ‘…so that we do not drift away from it...’
We are not to drift because of the assurance of the message we’ve heard - ‘…For this reasons...’
For this reason, reminds the readers of this letter to look back to the preceeding paragraphs. Throughout the first chapter of Hebrews, the author declares the power and assurance of the Old Testament prophecy.
And the fulfillment of that prophecy through the birth, life, and passion of Christ.
He reminds them of the definitive importance of Jesus, and the factual evidence that God spoke through Jesus, His very own Son.
We keep from drifting by holding on to and seeking the truth of God’s sure word - ‘…pay much closer attention to what we have heard...’
The Scripture calls us to desire the sincere milk of the Word of God
2 and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
Message of Great Importance (vv.2-3)
2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,
The message of the angels was firm - ‘…the word spoken through angels proved unalterable...’
The message brought forth by the angels was the law
19 Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made.
It was in the Law that we find a promised judgment of sin whether you live by the law or not - ‘…every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment...’
30 But the person who does wrong defiantly, whether he is a native or a stranger, that one is blaspheming the Lord; and that person shall be cut off from among his people.
The Law being out school master showed us our need for salvation
24 Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.
The message of Jesus is greater - ‘…so great a salvation...’
Outside of the hope of the Gospel there is no escape from damnation - ‘…how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation...’
To Truly see what the author of Hebrews is saying, you must know the meaning of neglect
In the Greek, the word neglect, means ‘to be careless of’ or ‘to make lite of’
There is hope in Jesus. There is peace in Jesus. There is salvation in Jesus and Jesus alone.
The message of Jesus is verifiable
The message of Jesus was verifiable through Jesus’ testimony - ‘…it was at first spoken through the Lord...’
The message of Jesus was verifiable through the disciples and other witnesses - ‘…confirmed unto us by them that heard him...’
God testifies to the greatness of Jesus’ message (v.4)
The gospel message in its entirety was powerful enough to believe, but God has put his stamp of approval on its authenticity and did so through various ways.
God revealed the authenticity of the Gospel - ‘…God also testifying with them...’
God bears witness through visual means - ‘…by signs and wonders, and various miracles...’
We find that early church was inundated by various signs
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
These signs, wonders, and various miracles all had a purpose and still have a purpose. In fact, they have a two fold purpose
Two-fold purpose of the signs and wonders, and various miracles
The purpose of leading people to faith in Christ
11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.
The purpose of bringing glory and honor to God
God bears witness through the gifts of the Holy Spirit - ‘…by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will...’
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Conclusion
In Jesus, and Jesus alone, one finds the true Gospel. The gospel that saves, sanctifies, and justifies. The gospel that brings victory from defeat, and life from death. As Paul stated, if I, or angel from Heaven preach to you another gospel, let us be accursed. For there is but one gospel. The gospel is simple and yet profound.
Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life. Was crucified on the cross for the sins of man, for He was perfect. Was buried and on the third day rose from the grave. And after being seen by many witnesses, including the disciples, the Mary and Martha, and 500 men and women of renown, ascended to the Father and is at His right hand this very moment making intercession for you and I.
That is the gospel in a nutshell. Do you believe? Have you accepted? Do not leave here, this day, without knowing for certain you know Jesus as Lord and Savior. There is no other way to Heaven. He is the door, the lock, and the key. He is not a way, but the way.