Hebrews 2:3—“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.”
This solemn warning follows the exhortation to “give the more earnest heed” to God’s Word (Hebrews 2:1). The writer argues from the lesser to the greater: if those who disobeyed the law given through angels were judged, how much more serious is the neglect of the salvation proclaimed by the Son of God Himself?
Notice that the danger mentioned is not merely rejecting salvation but neglecting it. Many perish not because they openly hate Christ, but because they treat the Gospel lightly. Spiritual neglect hardens the heart gradually. A soul may become occupied with earthly cares, pleasures, ambitions, and distractions while ignoring the eternal condition of the soul.
The salvation spoken of here is called “so great salvation” because of its glorious Author, wondrous accomplishment, and eternal blessings. It was “spoken by the Lord”, the very Son of God, who proclaimed it during His earthly ministry. The apostles, “them that heard him”, then confirmed this message faithfully to the church.
This salvation is great because it rescues sinners from divine wrath, reconciles them to God, forgives their sins, and grants eternal life through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection.
Every hearer must give himself to serious self-examination. Have we merely heard the Gospel repeatedly while neglecting its claims upon our hearts? Eternal realities cannot safely be ignored. Today is the day to repent, believe, and cleave wholeheartedly to Christ, for there is no escape apart from Him.
