October 17, 2025 - Hebrews 2:3 - "So Great Salvation"

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;"

"How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?"  Salvation is the greatest subject in all the world. It is a matter of life or death, heaven or hell, eternity with Christ or everlasting destruction. It is "so great salvation" because it comes from a great God, through a great Savior, by a great Sacrifice, and brings to sinners a great deliverance.

First, This salvation is great in its planning. It was no afterthought. Before Adam was formed of the dust, before sin entered the world, before time began, there was a covenant of grace ordered in all things and sure. Christ was the Lamb slain from (since) the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-6). It was purposed by the Father, purchased by the Son, and revealed by the Spirit. Salvation is not the result of man’s decision, not something arranged by chance, but a work conceived in the heart of God's eternal Love in Christ. It is according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9).

Second, this salvation is great in its purchase. It is not cheap. The price was the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). He Who is God the Son took on a sinless human nature, lived under the law, fulfilled all righteousness, and purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). It cost Him His life, His suffering, His obedience unto death. "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin" (1 John 1:7). And yet it is free. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). Christ paid the full price so that His people might receive His salvation without cost. The debt is canceled, the ransom paid, justice satisfied, and peace made through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20-22).

Third, this salvation is great in its accomplishment. It is not an offer waiting to be completed by the sinner; it is a finished work. "He shall not fail nor be discouraged" (Isaiah 42:4). "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11). Christ fulfilled every demand of the law, magnified it, and made it honorable (Isaiah 42:21). He cried from the cross, "It is finished."  There is nothing left for man to add, nothing for us to improve. He "by His own blood entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12). The covenant is fulfilled, righteousness is established, and every believer stands complete in Him. Salvation is performed by the Captain of our salvation Who was made perfect through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10). God "performeth all things for me" (Psalm 57:2). What He purposed He performed; what He promised He accomplished.

Fourth, this salvation is great in its power. It is not a weak attempt or an uncertain call. The Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16). Man cannot save himself. The will of the flesh, the effort of religion, the works of the law—all fail. But Christ "hath power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as the Father hath given Him" (John 17:2). The same power that raised Christ from the dead quickens those who were dead in trespasses and sins. He opens blind eyes, unstops deaf ears, softens hard hearts, and gives faith to believe. His Word is living and powerful; His Spirit effectually calls; His grace cannot fail. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

Fifth, this salvation is great in its purpose. The end of it all is the glory of God. "That no flesh should glory in His presence… But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). Salvation is designed to magnify Christ, to exalt His name, to display His mercy, and to bring everlasting praise to the riches of His grace. From beginning to end, it is of the LORD.

How shall we escape if we neglect this? There is no other way, no other name, no other refuge. To neglect so great salvation is to despise the only Savior, to turn away from the only Hope. But those who look to Christ, who rest in His finished work, are safe forever. God's eternal purpose to save sinners by the death of His Son cannot fail; the purchase cannot be undone; the power cannot be broken; the purpose cannot change.

Salvation is great because Christ is great. All glory to Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).