Hebrews 2:3 (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;”
Reflection
Hebrews asks one of the most serious questions a person can ever face: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” God has provided salvation through Jesus Christ, but He will never force anyone to receive it. A person can hear the Gospel, feel conviction, know that he needs Christ, and still continue putting off the most important decision of his life.
The danger in this verse is found in the word “neglect.” A person does not have to openly curse God or declare that he hates Jesus Christ to remain lost. He can simply keep delaying, ignoring conviction, and telling himself that there will be another opportunity tomorrow. Yet Scripture never promises us tomorrow, and every time conviction is pushed aside, the heart can become a little less sensitive to the voice of God.
God’s warning of judgment does not mean that He does not love us. In fact, the cross is the greatest demonstration of His love. Jesus Christ suffered and died so that sinners could be forgiven and escape the judgment their sins deserve. God has provided the way of salvation, and He continues to call people to come to Christ while there is still time.
However, the same Bible that tells us about the love and mercy of God also warns us that judgment is real. Hell is real, eternity is real, and there will come a time when the opportunity to be saved has passed. When that day comes, money, possessions, religion, good deeds, excuses, and earthly accomplishments will not provide an escape. The only answer for sin is Jesus Christ.
This verse should also bring personal conviction to every one of us. If you are lost, do not neglect the salvation God is offering you today. If you are already saved, ask yourself whether you have become careless about those around you who are still without Christ. We should never become so comfortable with our own salvation that we forget there are people all around us who desperately need to hear the Gospel.
God has provided a great salvation because we had a great need. Jesus Christ has already paid the price, the invitation has been given, and the door of salvation is open today. The question of Hebrews 2:3 still demands an answer: if we neglect what God has provided through His Son, how shall we escape?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing so great a salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Search my heart and show me anything that I have been neglecting or any conviction that I have pushed aside. Help me never take Your grace, mercy, and salvation for granted. Give me a greater burden for those who are lost, and give me courage to tell them the truth about sin, judgment, Hell, and the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. Help me live each day remembering that eternity is real and that today is the day to respond to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Junior Tate Ministries
juniortateministries.com
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