Hebrews 2:3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Neglect can be a terrible and costly thing. I am sure you've seen an abandoned or foreclosed house and notice how quickly it falls into disrepair. The yard becomes overgrown, paint shows wear and perhaps vandals may do damage knowing that there is no one home to stop them. The longer it goes unattended the more costly the repair will be.
Many other things can be neglected with significant consequences. Neglect our bodies through lack of exercise and not watching our diet and it will soon be evident. Neglect schoolwork, studying for exams or turning in assignments and there will be consequences.
So it is or at least can be with our faith. It can be neglected and our spiritual lives will fall into disrepair, quite often with evidence that can be seen and felt by those around us. Neglect our faith and there will be consequences.
- This verse speaks of neglecting "this" salvation that has been offered to us. Think about your salvation and what it means to you. John Piper writes that what he is 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 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 gift of righteousness (right standing with God) imputed by faith
- Don't neglect the removal of God's wrath and reconciled smile of God.Don't neglect the free access to the throne of grace.
- Don't neglect the inexhaustible treasure of God's promises.
When you think of all of these things, how foolish would it be to neglect so great a salvation? As The Message points out in verse 1 below, "it's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off" - into neglect.
Hebrews 2:1-4
The Message (MSG)
2 1-4 It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off. If the old message delivered by the angels was valid and nobody got away with anything, do you think we can risk neglecting this latest message, this magnificent salvation? First of all, it was delivered in person by the Master, then accurately passed on to us by those who heard it from him. All the while God was validating it with gifts through the Holy Spirit, all sorts of signs and miracles, as he saw fit.
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