Hebrews Chapter 2 : Neglecting Salvation

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

The first four verses of Chapter 2, is a message to those who have heard and considered claims of Christ, but have not yet committed. Here, the portrait in the Greek language is like a ship in the harbor, waiting to moor. Many hear the Gospel, and consider the claims of Christ, but for lack of time or cost, never make a commitment.

Therefore: Hebrews Chapter 1 establishes the source of the message by the “Son of God” verses prophets. Chapter 2 builds on the “since”, the source of the Message, the “Son of God”, therefore we need to take what He said very seriously.

heed: The Greek word for “heed” has a nautical connotation, meaning to moor a ship, bring it to land (prosevcw Prosecho[1] (pros-ekh'-o); ). Since Jesus is the “Son of God”, who delivered the message, we need to dock, or commit to what he said.

Things we have heard: This audience, non-Christian Hebrews who are intellectually convinced.They have heard the Gospel, but have failed to make a commitment to Christ. They are like ships waiting to dock, but in danger of drifting away.

Lest we drift away: The Greek word for drift (pararrevw Pararrhueo[2] (par-ar-hroo-eh'-o); can also be used for a ship waiting to be moored, but drifts away because the sailor inaction. The imagery is tied to (heed) Prosecho as the result of inaction (not docking) the reader is in danger of drifting away. Many people, who hear the Gospel, are like boats that wait to dock, but drift away because of inaction.

Through angels: Contrasting the Old and New Covenants, the Old came by way of Angels (Psalm 68:17, Acts 7:53, Daniel 7:13)

19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:19,24

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, Even thousands of thousands; The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place. Psalm 68:17

If the reader has no less responsibility of being obedient to the Old Covenant, which was steadfast delivered through prophets, how much more responsibility is required for the Gospel delivered by the Son. The Law points to the coming of Messiah, who was its ultimate fulfillment.

Every transgression and disobedience: Every infraction of the Old Covenant had a penalty, the words used transgression is (paravbasiß Parabasis (par-ab'-as-is);, and means to transgress the line, intentionally doing something we know to be wrong. Disobedience (parakohv Parakoe (par-ak-o-ay')) carries the meaning of “Hearing amiss”, not like a deaf man who cannot hear, but one who deliberately shuts his ears to the commands, warnings and invitations of God, the sin of neglect, omission, doing nothing when we should do something. Transgression is active, disobedience is passive but both are sin.

The severity of the Law demonstrates the seriousness of God’s requirements for righteousness.

In Numbers, a man gathering sticks during the Sabbath is stoned outside the camp, for violation of the Law.

30 'But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the Lord, and he shall be cut off from among his people. 31 'Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.' " 32 Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 34 They put him under guard, because it had not been explained what should be done to him. 35 Then the Lord said to Moses, "The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp." 36 So, as the Lord commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died. Numbers 15:30-36

Access and knowledge of the Law made its listener more responsible, those rejected the Law in unbelief and disobedience would suffer a greater punishment, then those without the Law. Scripture teaches degrees of punishment in Hell.

20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 "But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23 "And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 "But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
Matthew 11:20-24

Unbelief in the light of greater revelation, results in a more severe judgment, Jesus was the “great light” (Isaiah 9:2) that arrived in Israel, those who saw the miracles, heard the message and rejected Christ would suffer more then Sodom. Chorazin and Bethsaida’s judgment will be greater then Tyre and Sidon, cities to the North of Israel.

How shall we escape? Is there another road of salvation? Can someone reject Jesus Christ, the “Son of God”, and still be saved? This is the deception of religion, man’s attempt to find God, while Christianity is God finding man. Relativists comfort themselves with universal salvation, all will be saved, there are many paths to God and there is no truth. However, Jesus talked twice as much about Hell as he did Heaven. The scriptures teach truth is exclusive, there is no other way for salvation.

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Neglect: This reader has heard the Gospel; they have considered Jesus, but they resisting making a decision. They have not moored their soul to the dock of Christ. They are in danger of neglect. The Greek word (ajmelevw Ameleo (am-el-eh'-o);) means to take lightly. They do not understand how serious the decision is. The “Son of God” entering the world and dying for the sins of mankind is a great salvation, those who neglect their decision don’t understand the danger of eternity.

1. Spoken by the Lord: Salvation was preached by the Son of God, God Himself, who became man, to redeem us from our sins. (Phil 2:6)

2. Those who heard: The Apostles were eyewitnesses to the events that took place in Jerusalem, thirty years before this epistle. They killed James, the brother of the Lord, in A.D. 62, and many who had witnessed the events in Christ earthly ministry were still alive. The Gospels and many of the Epistles would have been in circulation at this time, further testifying about the events that took place.

3. Signs and wonders: In addition to the words being spoke by the Lord, and being confirmed by eyewitnesses, God Himself testified about Christ with signs and wonders. People were raised from the dead,(Matthew 9:24, John 11:39), the blind were healed (Matthew 9:27, Matthew 20:30), the lame walked (Matthew 15:30). The Holy Spirit gave gifts to those believed; prophecy, healing, tongues, etc...

The miracles of scripture, also testifies about Him, telling of his death and rejection by his people. (Isaiah 52:12-53:13), The exact time of his death (Daniel 9:24-27 Daniel’s 70 weeks), about his return (Zechariah 12:10).

5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.

6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him?

7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands.

8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

The world to come: The “World to come” referrs to the inhabitable earth. The word used for world is, (oijkoumevnh Oikoumene (oy-kou-men'-ay); meaning the inhabitable earth. This Greek word is only used here in scripture. Oikoumene refers to a future dispensation, in a world “To Come”, ruled by men, not angels. In this “World to come” called the regeneration, the apostles will rule over the 12 tribes of Israel, on a physical earth.

28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28

The saints rewarded for faithful service, during their time on the earth, will rule with Christ for 1000 years. (Daniel 7:27) This is the underlying meaning in the parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-26)

16 "Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.' 17 "And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' Luke 19:16-17

This period is known as the Millennium (Revelation 20:4-5), a one thousand year period of time, where Israel is restored to the position as chief of among the nations as promised, if she was obedient. (Deuteronomy 28:1) Nature, which is corrupted because of man’s fall, will be restored and placed under man’s subjection. (Romans 8:19-23).

6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. Isaiah 11:6-8

Man, not angels, will placed as stewards of this world to come. Man is restored, to his position, which Adam lost at the fall. (Genesis 3:16-17)

The passage quoted in the verse 6-8 comes from the Psalm 8:4-6, a Davidic psalm. Here David through the Holy Spirit marvels at the position of man, that he is placed in a position of ruling over God’s creation. He is amazed at God’s love for man, who is lower in rank then angels, but will be placed in charge of God’s creation.

What is man: Man and “Son of Man” make the same point. In other words, mankind and the descendents of man. Man unlike the angles was not created at once. The spirit of man is created at conception, and the body is formed in the womb. (Zechariah 12:1). All the angels were created at once, in one creative act. The term Son of Man is the used by Jesus more then any other title in the New Testament. The title is from Daniel 7:13, where the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of days, meaning the Messiah would be of Human descent.

The writer of Hebrews is amazed that God, who inhabits the Heavens would choose to be incarnated and take man’s nature. God did not choose an angel, but man. So the question is asked “What is man?”.

You made him lower then the angels: The rank of man is now lower then the angels. But one day man will be equal to the angles in rank. Some manuscripts read, “For a little while you have made him lower then the angles:”

35 "But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 "nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.Luke 20:35-36

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2

Crowned: The Greek word for crown used here is Stephanoo, meaning a victors crown. The redeemed descendents of Adam will recover the victors crown through Christ. (Revelation 2:10, 4:4)

We do not see all things put under him: Presently creation groans under the fall of man. However, in the “World to Come” this will change.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21

Our understanding of this future existence is only available to us, from the Holy Spirit. Understanding God’s plan for our future is beyond Human comprehension.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. I Corinthians 2:9-10

But we see Jesus, We don’t yet see our final position in God’s creation, but we do see Jesus. He has recovered what man has lost. Jesus became man, to recover what man lost. Adam in the garden was placed over God’s creation, when Adam sinned, Satan became ruler in his place. (2 Corinthians 4;4) Jesus became sin for us.

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.I Corinthians 5:21

made a little lower than the angels, Jesus took on the nature of man, who is “lower then the angels”.

6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-7

suffering of death taste death for everyone. Christ death, allows those who accept the gift of salvation to be in Christ. We become joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17).

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin Romans 6:5-6

13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider. Isaiah 52:13-15

9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."
Revelation 5:9-10

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." 13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me." 14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

For it was fitting for Him: Jesus alone could accomplish the task at hand. God had already looked throughout all humanity to find someone who was capable of redeeming man from his sin and there was nobody.

16 He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him. Isaiah 59:16

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Revelation 5:3-4

For whom are all thing: Everything that exists in creation is for Christ. (Colossians 1:16,17, Revelation 4:11, I Corinthians 8:6)

By whom are all things: Jesus Christ, God who became man is the source of all that exists. (Hebrews 1:2, John 1:3, Ephesians 3:9, Isaiah 45:12,18)

sons to glory: The who are saved, have a place in Heaven, they are a son/child of Glory. (I Thes 4:17, Philippians 1:23, Revelation 7:14-17, 2 Corinthians 5:8, John 14:3) The saints will resemble their Lord in glory. (I John 3:2)

Captain of their Salvation: The Greek word, ajrchgovß Archegos (ar-khay-gos'); is used as author in Hebrews 12:2, literally means “Pioneer” or leader. It is used of a man who founds a city in which others come to live. Christ came and set an example for us, he was our “Pioneer”.
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Perfect through suffering: By suffering, Jesus is became the “Intercessor” (Isaiah 59:16) who is able to understand our suffering, and become our substitute with His suffering.

those who are being sanctified: Our faith in Jesus Christ sanctifies us. The Greek word for sanctify is aJgiavzw Hagiazo (hag-ee-ad'-zo); means to make separate, to make hallow. The believer is a saint, “Hagios” not because of their own righteousness but because of Christ righteousness. When we accept the “Gift of Salvation”, we receive the “Holy Spirit”, God Himself comes to dwell inside our earthly bodies making us holy, Our body becomes the Temple of the Lord, we are separated, (Hagiazo).

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. I Corinthians 6:19-20

He is not ashamed to call them brethren: The result of our “Sanctification” is that Jesus is now our brother, all the saved are brothers and sisters in the Lord. The Greek word for brother, ajdelfovß Adelphos (ad-el-fos'); is used by Jesus to refer the disciples, following his resurrection. Prior to the resurrection the disciples were not referred to as brothers.

17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' " John 20:17

"I will declare Your name to My brethren” This future fellowship of man with God, through the Messiah is foretold in the Old Testament. (Psalm 22:22). This Psalm also foretells the sufferings of Messiah, who would die for the sins of His brethren.

partaken of flesh and blood, Christ partook of our nature, flesh and blood, that we might take on his nature.

by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

power of death: The fear of death, not knowing what happens one minute after you die is a tool Satan has used to destroy life. People afraid of death, are willing to do just about anything to stay alive. Jesus removed this power of Satan at the cross. Saved people do not have to fear death, our destination is Heaven.

54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:54-57

the devil: When Adam fell, Satan gained a victory over man. But his defeat was foretold in Genesis 3:15, the “seed of the women” would crush his head. Satan used the fear of death to tempt Christ on the mount of Temptation. He appealed to his human nature. (Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11).

through fear of death: Those who are apart from Christ are under the power of death. They have reason to fear death. Saved people have no reason to fear death.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7

lifetime subject to bondage: Through Christ we have a relationship with the Father, as opposed to those who are under sin.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." Romans 8;17

seed of Abraham: This epistle is written to the physical descendents of Abraham’s seed the Jews. Gentiles have been grafted into the covenant blessings of Abraham’s seed, as a result of Israel rejection of the Messiah. Israel will be restored to their position when they come to Christ. (Zechariah 12:10) (Romans 11:17, Luke 14:15-24, Matthew 21:33-46)

He had to be made like His brethren, The priest served to represent his people to God. In Aaron’s role of the priesthood, he represented Israel before the Lord, he made intercession, he offered sacrifice for their sins. Aaron Priesthood was a type that pointed to a greater High Priest, fulfilled in Christ.

And Moses said to Aaron, "Go to the altar, offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself and for the people. Offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them, as the Lord commanded." Leviticus 9:7

propitiation for the sins of the people. Christ is our sacrifice, his death reconciled our sins. The curtain in the Temple ripped from top to bottom at the death of Christ. The curtain in the Temple symbolized the wall of separation between man and God. Christ brought down the wall of separation with his death.

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, Ephesians 2:11-15

Himself has suffered, Jesus has suffered the agony of humanity (Isaiah 52:12-53:13, Psalm 22). He understands our humanity, he is able to (intercede) represents on our behalf before God’s throne. In 1 John he is called “Advocate”, meaning one who pleads the case in our behalf. His humanity allows him to be our High Priest. (Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:24,25; 9:24)

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1

24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them Hebrews 7:24-25

[1] to bring to, bring near

to bring a ship to land, and simply to touch at, put in

[2] to glide by: lest we be carried by, pass by lest the salvation which these things heard show us how to obtain, slip away from us