Verse of the Day 11/6

Verse of the Day 11/6

Hebrews 2:1 New Living Translation

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

I began reading through the Bible. every year over 25 years ago at a Promise Keepers event back in 1994.  Each year since then I've looked forward to reading several books of the New Testament; especially the Gospels of Matthew and John and then Romans and Hebrews.  Today's verses are a reminder of why daily Bible reading is so important.

Most of us have probably been to modern waterparks which have a "lazy river".  You get in a tube and simply sit back and relax and the current winds through the park and eventually brings you back to the place where you got in.  Some people expect that to happen in their spiritual lives, they can just sit back and eventually things will bring them back.  They may be drawn back to the faith but the trip will not be one of being carefree with easy meandering.

Reading through the Bible regularly will bring us to favorite books and passages.  It will also force us to read and be reminded of some of the more "sobering"passages that we need to read and take to heart.  Today's passage fits both categories.  We have this reminder of not drifting away and also verse 3 which warns us "not to neglect" such a great salvation.  Drifting is just that, neglecting our salvation.

John Piper writes: "Do you respond to the greatness of your salvation? Or do you treat it the way you treat your last will and testament, or the title to your car, or the deed on your house? You signed it once and it is in a file drawer somewhere, but it is not a really great thing in your mind. You rarely think about it. It has no daily effect on you. Basically, you neglect it.

Only what is it really — this great salvation? What he's really saying is:

Don't neglect being loved by God.

Don't neglect being forgiven and accepted and protected and strengthened and guided by Almighty God.

Don't neglect the sacrifice of Christ's life on the cross.

Don't neglect the free gift of righteousness imputed by faith.

Don't neglect the removal of God's wrath and the reconciled smile of God.

Don't neglect the indwelling Holy Spirit and the fellowship and friendship of the living Christ.

Don't neglect the radiance of God's glory in the face of Jesus.

Don't neglect the free access to the throne of grace.

Don't neglect the inexhaustible treasure of God's promises.

This is a great salvation. Neglecting it is very evil. Don't neglect so great a salvation. Because if you do, you will perish without escape."

Have you been drifting?  Get off of that lazy river and get back into the Word.  Be reminded daily of this "great salvation".

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Hebrews 2:1-4

New King James Version

Do Not Neglect Salvation

2 Therefore we must give [a]the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just [b]reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts[c]

 of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?