We all have heard at some point or another phrases like these: “Do not take it lightly”, “Make the most of it”, “Do not take it for granted” when referring to a vacation, a marriage, the job, a career, a relationship, a new opportunity or an experience.
But what do we hear in these verses? “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Or “ How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:1, 3).
During my recent birthday I was meditating on these statements and the context where they are found. As I did that I was filled with gratitude and worship toward God. Something about recognizing that God created me not only to experience the universe He has made, but within that He wants me to experience salvation! He made me so that I could know Him and be enthralled with every aspect of who He is.
But I did paused for a moment and asked myself, “Why the exhortation to not neglect this great salvation?” Here is what I found. This great salvation has been presented by the Trinity—God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are involved in this great salvation.
The Son proclaimed the message to human beings and that message, we are told, has been attested by those who heard it (2:3b)
The Father bore witness through signs, wonders, and miracles (2:4a).
The Holy Spirit made distributions of gifts and supernatural manifestations according to His will (2:4b).
We can’t ignore the fact that this salvation we have experienced by grace is a big deal. It is glorious in nature. Everyone in the Trinity has participated to make a point: salvation is the work of God!
To seal this reality, we are given a sobering reference point to consider. Read if for yourself and take a moment to think about it:
“For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:2-3).
The punch line: if the message given by angels was “reliable,” how much more will the message given by Jesus in the flesh and substantiated and confirmed by the Father and the Holy Spirit demand our whole hearted attention and devotion? The stakes will be higher for us who have received this great salvation by the administration of the Holy Spirit.
Because God’s salvation is magnificent and glorious, we should consider any ounce of neglect on our part the most absurd choice we could ever make.
Lent is a season to marvel at this reality. If you need more pointers, I encourage you to read the rest of the book.
—Diego Cuartas
*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.