Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord… I. THE GOSPEL SALVATION IS GREAT. 1. The deliverance of Noah from the general destruction brought upon the old world was wonderful; but the deliverance of our souls from the deluge of God's wrath, by the gospel, is greater. The preservation of Lot from the destruction of Sodom was great; but the salvation we obtain by the gospel, from the vengeance of eternal fire, is greater. 2. The Author of this salvation (Isaiah 9:6), God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 59:16). 3. The means (Romans 8:3; Isaiah 53:8; Hebrews 9:22). 4. The salvation itself, or the benefits that accrue to believers through Jesus Christ. (1) We are saved from the guilt of all our sins (Romans 8:1; Acts 13:39). (2) Believers are saved from the power of sin (Romans 6:6, 14). (3) Believers are saved from the contagion of sin (1 John 3:9; Ezekiel 36:25, 29). (4) They that are delivered from the body of sin and death, are saved, likewise, from fear; from all fear that hath torment (1 John 4:18; 1 Corinthians 15:55; Isaiah 12:1). (5) Believers are saved from the power of the grave (1 Corinthians 15:53; Philippians 3:21). (6) The saints shall be saved from hell and all misery (Revelation 7:17; Psalm 16:11). II. WHO ARE THEY THAT NEGLECT IT? 1. Those who live in any known sin. 2. Those who trust in their own righteousness (Romans 10:3.) 3. Those who do not seek this salvation more than other objects. III. THOSE WHO PERSIST IN THE NEGLECT OF THIS SALVATION CANNOT ESCAPE PUNISHMENT. 1. In this life conscience condemns them; therefore are they like the troubled sea (Isaiah 57:20, 21). There is a curse on them, and on whatsoever they do. 2. At judgment justice will seize upon them (Revelation 6:15, 16; Romans 14:12; Proverbs 2:22). 3. In hell the vengeance of God will still pursue them (Psalm 9:17; Psalm 11:6; Revelation 21:8). Application: 1. How glorious is the gospel-scheme of salvation, how far superior to all those wonderful deliverances which God wrought in old times! Christ is our only refuge (Isaiah 32:2). 2. It is easy to see how heinous a thing sin is in the sight of God; how infinite and inconceivable the love of God is towards sinners (John 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18). 3. Consider the great, the glorious salvation, which is offered to you by the gospel. Seek it while it may be found (Isaiah 55:7; Hebrews 3:7, 8; 2 Corinthians 6:2). 4. Remember how it shall happen to all those who forget God (Romans 2:8, 9; Psalm 50:22). Speedily give up all for Christ (Philippians 3:8). 5. Though you may have neglected this great salvation to the present moment, God is willing and ready to pardon. Great salvation for great sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; John 6:37). 6. Never rest till you lest in Christ. (J. Hannam.) Parallel Verses KJV: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; |
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