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I. THE NATURE OF CHRISTIANITY'S CLAMS.

1. Their imperativeness.

2. Their personal character.

II. THE IRRETRIEVABLE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECTING THE CLAIMS OF CHRISTIANITY.

1. These consequences are suggested analogically.

2. These consequences are based on the intrinsic excellence of Christianity.

3. The character of the sin on account of which these consequences will be inevitably inflicted.

4. That such a sin as neglect must inevitably be followed by serious consequences is very obvious from the laws of our nature.

(1)  That of relation between moral appreciation and moral advantage.

(2)  That of free agency.

5. That these consequences will follow this sin is seen from the veracity of God.Lessons:

1. We learn that there are two sides to salvation.

(1)  The Divine side, viz., the providing salvation for a lost world.

(2)  The human side, viz., the personal acceptance by faith of the salvation thus divinely provided.

2. We learn that, for all practical purposes, the human side is as important as the Divine.

3. We learn that, infinitely great and glorious as salvation is, there is no manifestation of the goodness of lied more easily sacrificed.

4. We learn the unspeakable importance of giving practical heed to the voice of God's Spirit as He speaks in His Word.

(1) Because neglect is followed by such sad and irretrievable consequences.

(2) Because of the law of habit.

(a)  Birds which build their nests in a belfry become habituated to the loudest and longest clangour.

(b)  Those who live ill the vicinity or Niagara and cataracts of the Nile become so habituated to the roar of their waters that they do not mind it at all.

(c)  Alas! is not this the explanation of the heedlessness to the gospel of thousands in Christendom — they have become too familiar with its sound.

(3) Because of this life being our probationary sphere.

(a)  If we die in a state of unbelief we cannot hope for another opportunity.

(b)  As we are liable to die any hour, to neglect salvation is of all follies the greatest.

(D. C. Hughes, M. A.)

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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;

WEB: how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard;