Great Salvation Series

Hebrews 2:1-4 GREAT SALVATION

Introduction:

The book of Hebrews is trying to make us understand that Christ is above all things, all persons and all glories. Nothing else and no one can replace Jesus Christ on earth and in heavenly places. The author of the Hebrews writes the greatness of Jesus Christ comparing with many personalities and events. When he started to pen down on the great revelation of Jesus Christ, he shows how Jesus Christ was greater than Angels, greater than Moses, Greater than Joshua and Greater than the High Priests in Judaism (Hebrews 5:1-10).

The text for our meditation is taken from the book of Hebrews 2:1-4. The theme is “Great Salvation”. This passage conveys three important messages:

- to pay greater attention to what we have heard (v. 1)

- not to ignore the great Salvation of the Lord (v. 3) and

- to think of great signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit (v. 4)

The whole of Hebrews is going to prove the superiority of Christ and the importance of the New covenant.

1. First, let us meditate on the first point.

Pay Greater Attention.

Of course, it’s a warning to the Hebrew Christians and to the readers of the day. It warns us to take stock of our walk and talk, our doctrine and divinity, our conversation and conclusions on the importance Salvation we had obtained from Jesus Christ.

It is good to define salvation:

The meaning of Salvation differs from person to person. For some, it’s a rescue from risk; for some, it’s a release from stress; for some, it’s having provision during the periods of famine as we read in Genesis 45:7, Joseph declared to his brothers. During the period of Judges, as we read in Judges 15:13, ‘the victory over battles were seen as Salvation’. But now, for all of us, it’s a redemption from the grave sinful situations.

The writer’s warning is on the possibility of drifting away from the great Salvation offered to humanity through many wonders and signs.

According to Mathew Henry, ‘drifting away’ is possible for a leaky vessel to hold which is poured in it. The leaky vessel is nothing but our own mind. The drifting comes out of temptations, worldly cares and pleasures. There is a possibility for us to ‘neglect salvation’ as mentioned in Hebrews 2:3, and to ‘part away from God’ as mentioned in Hebrews 3:12-14, and to ‘fall away from the grace’ as mentioned in Hebrews 6:4-6.

Drifting can happen because of familiarity with the truth, non-appreciation of the grace and lethargic attitude towards matters related to God. Our great salvation is associated with a person. He is none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2. Let’s move on to the second point.

Not to ignore the great Salvation.

Salvation was first announced by God the Almighty, at the Garden of Eden right after the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15). Confirmed by those who heard him audibly at various seasons, times through prophets and servants of God. Finally, through the utterances of Jesus Christ. He had declared in John 10:9 that he is the “gate and door for Salvation and life”. So, the call is to pay attention to this Jesus and to the personal relationship we enjoy with him.

It is "great salvation" because it offers forgiveness of sins, the transformation of character by providing power over sin, assurance of God's fatherly presence, a clear and peaceful conscience and glorious hope of eternity. We read in Deuteronomy 32:15 ‘God is the rock of Salvation’ and it is attested by 2 Samuel 22:47 and Psalm 3:8.

Jesus was introduced by Angel Gabriel to Joseph as a Saviour who will save his people from their sins. So, Salvation is not only the relief, release, rescue of the worldly circumstances but from the eternal fire, hell and permanent separation from God. In John 3:17 Jesus expressed to Nicodemus about the Salvation of the whole world.

This Great Salvation was expressed by Prophets at many times by various ways and means as per Hebrews 1:1. The Jewish community was expecting a great saviour than Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon. The so-called great personalities of the Bible were born, lived and died. People have heard the powerful messages of Prophets like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha and many other personalities, yet they were looking for a great leader and saviour who will live forever and ever. They were looking for an eternal saviour and a leader who will conquer all battles of life and finally death and will establish an unshakable Kingdom. Salvation is absolutely from God (Psalm 33:16-19). He established it through signs and wonders

3. Let’s move on to the third point

To think of great signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit for this great Salvation (v. 4).