October 4 – Hebrews 2:1-4

October 4 – Hebrews 2:1-4

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

One of the things you can do while reading scripture is to pay attention to what type of literature form or genre is in front of you.  While you read Hebrews, you actually encounter several forms.  The first chapter was exposition – the author is simply telling you about the Son.  He isn’t asking you do to anything or inviting you to participate, it is informational.

He moves back and forth between that and exhortation, which is found in these four verses. Now he is telling you to do something for your own good.

Pay attention so you don’t drift away.  How will we escape punishment if we ignore such a great salvation?

He will move back into expository writing quickly, but it is interesting to watch this occur.

This great salvation should not be ignored.  In fact, as the author points out, it seems impossible to have ignored it.

He reminds the reader that there were those who heard the Lord and they confirmed the salvation.  If you know people who knew the Lord and you trust that they are telling the truth, then you can put your confidence in that.

But, beyond that … God offered signs, wonders and miracles and the Holy Spirit distributed gifts.

We can be assured of the salvation that we inherit.

It’s exciting to watch the work of a good writer in progress.  We are being set up for a climax.

The author doesn’t tell us many details about salvation – he just assures us that it is great, it was announced by the Lord, it was confirmed by those who heard him, testified to by God with signs, wonders and miracles and by gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit.

You can read ahead for more about the author of our salvation … or I will be back tomorrow to continue this exciting story!