Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:1-4
Great Salvation
Intro.
1. Hebrews 2 begins with a stern warning to prevent drifting away from the gospel of Christ that we have heard, 2:1 (and the salvation we inherit in Him, 1:14).
2. God’s just punishment of past disobedience shows there is no escape if we neglect (careless with) our salvation, 2:2-3.
3. To contrast the importance of caring for our salvation, the inspired author describes it as “so great a salvation”, assuring us it was spoken by the Lord (not angels, 2:2; 1:4, 14) and confirmed by the apostles through miracles from the Holy Spirit, 2:3-4.
a. Great: “So large; so great/important/mighty” (BDAG).
b. The scope, size, grandeur, value of our salvation (inheritance) is superior to everything before it.
3. Our appreciation for the greatness of our salvation encourages our diligent faithfulness. What is SO GREAT about salvation?
I. SO GREAT A SALVATION, Heb. 2:3.
A. The Greatest Savior Achieved Our Salvation, Heb. 7:25-27.
1. Capacity to save: Able to save “to the uttermost”, 7:25; Ac 4:12.
2. Scope of salvation: Uttermost (altogether, totally), 7:25.
3. Means of salvation: By sacrifice of Himself, 7:26-27; 10:11-18.
-Greatness of our Savior compels us not to neglect our salvation.
B. The Greatest Love Underlies Our Salvation.
1. Initiated and carried out the means of our salvation, Jno. 3:16; 1 Jno. 3:16; 4:9; Eph. 2:4.
2. No greater love, Jno. 15:13; Rom. 5:8.
-Knowing the greatness of the love of Christ fills us with the fullness of God and helps us be careful with our salvation, Eph. 3:16-19.
C. The Greatest Rescue Necessitates our Salvation, Mk. 10:45.
1. Christ acted to save his enemies from wrath, Rom. 5:6, 8-9.
2. Rescues the dead, Eph. 2:1; cf. Matt. 14:23-33.
-Knowing it is the Son of God who rescues us focuses our praise, joy and thanksgiving – more incentive to be diligent (not negligent).
D. The Greatest Multitude shall Receive it, Matt. 8:11.
1. The church, Matt. 16:18.
2. The remnant of grace / ransomed of God, Isa. 11:10-12; 35:8-10.
-The greatness of the church enhances our determination to be a faithful member of Christ’s body. Rev. 7:9
E. The Greatest Reward Accompanies our Salvation, Matt. 5:12.
1. Great reward, 2 Tim. 4:8.
2. Great rest, Rev. 14:13.
3. Great victory and fellowship, Rev. 21:3-4, 26-27.
-We eagerly press toward the promised reward; not carelessly.
F. The Greatest Certainties Support our Salvation, 2 Pet. 1:3-4.
1. Certainty of eyewitnesses, 2 Pet. 1:16-18.
2. Certainty of confirming miracles, Heb. 2:3-4.
3. Certainty of inspired Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21.
-Our faith rests upon firm evidence, helping us to be sure and steadfast (Heb. 11:1).
G. The Greatest Hope Stabilizes our Salvation, Heb. 6:17-20.
1. Two unchangeable things (because God cannot lie): His Promise and His Oath, 6:17-18 (13).
2. We have “strong consolation” to flee for refuge from sin (salvation) and to seize the hope He sets before us,
3. Our hope rests upon our faith and anchors our soul, 6:19 (11:1).
-Our hope urges us to give “all the more careful attention” to the word of Christ so we can remain fervent and faithful, Heb. 2:1, 3.
Conclusion
1. How tragic to drift away and neglect so great a salvation! If we do so, we lose our reward and face certain punishment for sin and disobedience, Heb. 2:1-2, 3.
2. Therefore, we must give most earnest heed to God’s word – the gospel of His Son (2:1, 1:2; 12:25).
-Adapted from Pulpit Preview, Mark N. Posey (V:15), Dec. 3, 2013
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: December 30, 2013