Hebrews Chapter 2 Warning: Do Not Drift Away
Hebrews 2:1-4 “Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken through angels proved to be so firm that every violation or disobedience received its just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him, while God confirmed their witness with signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
Who is the author addressing?
Knowing if the author is addressing believers or non-believers is a significant issue to understanding the context of this verse. Based on a cursory look at commentary that considers both options as possibilities, it seems most reasonable that the author is addressing either believers in general or to the members of a particular church, a few of whom might be unsaved or whom might be very immature in their faith. It is possible that there may be an unbeliever who ore in the group, but by and large, the recipients of the letter are believers. SEE reasons for supporting this conclusion. |
Life Application Notes: (Assuming the author was addressing believers) is calling his readers to pay attention to the truth they had heard so that they wouldn't drift away into false teachings. (So how do you identify false teachings? You pay attention (devote your time and understanding) to the truth.
I think it is also possible that the author is addressing Jewish believers that are either being persecuted for not following their Jewish traditions or have found it easy to slip back into comfortable practices. This aligns most with the idea of "drifting" rather than "rejecting" which would be more abrupt. Some have speculated that the congregation was a mixture of Jews and Jewish Christians worshiping in a synagogue. The people may have been hanging on to Judaism and slow in their response to God’s leadership to grow as Christians. Throughout the book, the writer gave warnings about disobedience. We conclude that the purpose was to encourage a Christian congregation, probably in Rome, to move ahead in Christian maturity rather than lagging behind in attachment to Jewish heritage and worship. |
The danger of drifting
“Therefore” looks back to chapter 1. The author is tying this exhortation to what he has just said: “Therefore, since God has spoken finally and fully in His Son, who is vastly superior to any other being, we should listen most carefully to what He has said.” There are two reasons why this message is particularly valid and important for us to pay attention. First, the author shows the severe consequences for Israelites who disregarded the requirements of the Law of Moses. And then the author reasons that neglecting the later and fuller revelation of God in Christ is even more dangerous. First: In comparing to the law of Moses, it is stating that the original law had validity and those to whom it was given found that it was absolutely true in experience. The confirmation of this was the testimony of Israel’s history. Here is a race of people, the Jews, to whom the law was specifically given. There is not people on the face of the earth who show a more consistent pattern of cause and effect than this people. Wherever they have gone in obedience there has been blessing in disobedience there has been cursing. If the law (spoken by angels [see also Deut 33:2; Acts 7:38, 53; Galatians 3:19) had that effect , how much more should we value the words that come by the Son? Second, this message has been spoken by the Lord. What Jesus Christ has to say is the most authoritative word the world has ever heard. This message did not originate with the apostles, it did not come to us by means of prophets, it came through the Lord Himself. He spoke it. (R.Stedman) Also, greater revelation imposes greater responsibility. If the Jews under the Law were punished for their disobedience, how much more will we come under God's judgment if we associate as God's people, but turn our backs on the great salvation that is offered through the death of God's own Son? (S. Cole) Furthermore, the message was confirmed by
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The value of listening well!
The problem is not a new one. How many Old Testament saints failed to finish well, falling to one kind of evil or another? I believe that when the author of Hebrews warns us of the danger of “drifting,” he is speaking of the same problem. This is a danger that every Christian faces, and thus we would do well – as our text exhorts us – to listen more carefully to the message that God has for us in the person and work of His Son. As our text urges us, let us listen well to the Word of God, lest we drift into dangerous waters. (Bible Org B.D.) Luke 8:17-18 "For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be known and illuminated. Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." What does it mean to "drift away"?
Considering the initial exhortation, “Therefore, we must pay more careful attention (pointing back to chapter 1); the problem that the author calls “drifting away” must be associated with not paying sufficient attention to God’s Word, and also with “neglecting so great a salvation”. The Greek word used here is Pararreó (G3901) and it denotes gradually and slowly drifting past a destination, pushed along by a current. This word only occurs Heb 2:1 where it refers to going spiritually adrift – "sinning by slipping away" (from God's anchor) and how believers can move away from our moorings in Christ. If we aren’t careful to pay attention to Christ and His word, we are being warned that there is a powerful current that is actively working to pull us away from Him. So, the danger is that Christians may drift from their dependence upon the nourishment of His Word, and by this neglect, put themselves in danger. |
What does it mean "to neglect such a great salvation"?
In context, this seems to be referring to neglecting the message of salvation offered. To neglect means to have careless disregard. The Greek word used means to be "without concern, unaffected. Viewing something as being without significance or perceived value". This seems to be pertaining to someone who has heard the gospel but is not affected by the message. There is no change in their lives because they either have total disregarded for the message that they have heard or they have not submitted their life to the message of the cross. Sinning against the gospel is neglect of this great salvation; it shows contempt (intentional or unintentional] of the saving grace of God in Christ, making light of it, not caring for it. (Matthew Henry) [When we do not fearfully desire to seek what it is that we are to be obedient to; it seems that we, at best, take for granted the grace provided to us and, at worst, do not see the need to desire to know that which pleases God.] The author does not specify here what we would face if we neglect this salvation. This point must be held in tension as we read further throughout the letter (ie 10:28 states "if we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left". One of the mistaken ideas that the author confronts is what we could call "the myth of the carnal Christian". But one problem is that it gives false assurance to the person who says "I believe in Jesus as my Savior, so I am going to heaven. But I am not submitting to Him as my Lord.". According to the author, either you are holding fast to your confession of faith in Christ and are striving against sin, or you are drifting spiritually and are in danger of frightening judgment. True believers may drift and may get entangled in sin; but when they are confronted with the truth, they will turn from their sin and pursue holiness. If they do not turn from it, they have no basis for assurance of salvation. The longer they continue in sin, the more reasons they have to question whether their profession of faith was genuine. [What is critical is not whether we can say that they weren't really saved to begin with but at that pivotal point when they are confronted with their sin....do they repent knowing that God is faithful to forgive or allow their heart to become hardened and justify their choices and behaviors]. But no one has the option of saying, "I'm just a carnal Christian. I'm living for this world now, but when I die I'll go to heaven." That option does not exist. (S. Cole). [What about having a disregard for God's word? Is ignorance an excuse? How can it be when Christ gave His life for our salvation and the Apostles gave their lives to ensure that the good news of the gospel was proclaimed. And what about the many who gave their lives also simply for ensuring that the Gospel was recorded correctly and put into the hands of the common people? How contemptuous to take something, that cost so many their lives, for granted simply because we cannot find or take the time to prayerfully read and meditate upon the truths revealed through Christ.] |
Why is this referred to as such a “great” salvation?
The salvation offered by Christ is indescribably great. (S. Cole) So what just are the consequences of neglecting this salvation? Some commentators suggest that this means the loss of salvation. While others disagree that salvation could not be lost and that the author must be speaking of something else. The fact is, the author does not explain the consequences so, as readers, we must hold this in tension and consider the warning in context with other scriptures. Regardless, we know that the consequences are serious and must be taken seriously for even Moses was kept from entering the promised land because of his disobedience and irreverence. Ray Stedmen had this to say: To the Christian, the writer is saying it is not enough that we know Jesus Christ. We must use the resources we have in Him. We can lose so much, even knowing Him, unless there is a day-by-day walk with Him. We lose peace and freedom and joy and achievement. We are subjected to temptation, frustration, bewilderment without Him. And if we do not go on as Christians, if we do not grow, a serious question is raised: Have we ever really begun the Christian life? Or is this but a self-deceptive fraud, attempted in order to meet outward standards but without any inward change in the heart. Personal Story: I can remember a time in my life when I lived very comfortably as a Christian. I was content to just go to church on Sunday mornings believing that I had done my duty as a Christian feeling sorry for those poor heathens that didn't chose to attend. During the work week, I relied on my hard work ethics to show that "I worked for the Lord." However, the only people that I spoke to about my faith were other believers. I wonder why no one else was interested? Yes, I felt very comfortable in my status as a Christian because I had suffered no convictions chiseling at my heart, shining light on my sins and offenses against Christ. I could talk a good talk but my life had no fruit....nothing that differentiated me from other "good people". It was no wonder I had no convictions because I would go months without being in the Word. I was certainly at risk and I believe I was drifting along in a powerful current. Fortunately, I believe the Spirit continued to work on me and the times that I did spend in His Word were used by the Spirit to grab my attention. I thought what a coincidence that I would come across a verse that was applicable to decisions that I was weighing in the wind be tossed about by my feelings. But it would grab my attention and cut me to the chase. At some point, I took inventory of my life and realized that being a Christian for a long time does not guarantee maturing spiritually. I came across a Scripture at one point that read "Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3 NLT) And I remember thinking, I do love God but I didn't have the faintest idea beyond the Ten Commandments what I needed to do to be obedient to Him. No clue! I didn't even know where to start. Perhaps there was an index of all the "to do's" carefully outlined somewhere. In frustration, I attempted to be more faithful to reading His Word. That was a start and I think God honored that effort but I soon realized that I didn't have the necessary discipline and understanding needed to dedicate time to reading, studying, understanding and applying. But I knew somewhere, the Bible said that the Holy Spirit would help me with grace and power to do what He commanded us to do. So I prayed that I would have a hunger and thirst for His Word. And He honored that prayer. So much so, that I remember thinking how unnatural that desire was and I actually kept that a secret lest anyone think that I was strange for wanting to spend so much time reading and studying His Word. I was so surprised that I actually thought that it was a phase and that I would sadly loose interest. I kept waiting for that moment to happen. It has been over 12 years since I prayed that prayer. This is the longest "phase" that I have ever experienced in my life. Thank You Lord! |
Hebrews 2:5-9 "It is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified:
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet."
In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone."
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet."
In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone."
What do angels think about?
1 Peter 1:12 indicates that angels long to watch the unfolding of the gospel to man. I wonder what heavenly conversations take place? I wonder if they wonder about us as much as we have wondered about them. As honored and mysterious as angels have been esteemed, Hebrews 2:16 declares: "For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham's descendants." The world was never subjected to their authority. I don't know when angels were created but I know they were in existence long before man. Angels have been in the direct presence of God and so compelled by His Presence that they cry out Holy! Could the psalmist (Psalm 8:4-5) have been reflecting on that which was spoken originally by angels asking after being a witness to the creation of man "What is man that you are mindful of Him?" |
Isaiah 6:3 "And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
1 Peter 1:12 "It was revealed to them [the prophets] that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things." The NLT puts it this way "It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen." |
Who is the son of man?
As the psalmist reflects on the glory of the Lord, his mind turns to the greatness of God's creation. "Son of man" as was initially referenced in this psalm may have been a reference to Adam as the head of the human race. Genesis 1:26 - 28 says that God gave mankind the authority to rule over the created world. Adam, being created with a human body and given this authority, was made a "little lower" than the angels, yet he was crowned with glory and honor because he was made in the image of God. Psalm 8:5 became, in affect, a prophecy about Jesus Christ. When the writer of Hebrews quoted Psalm 8:5, the "son of man" is identified as Jesus Christ in this passage. By referring to Jesus as "son of man", this stresses the humanity of Jesus and sets Him apart as the greatest example of man. Jesus Christ has come to deal directly with what Adam brought upon mankind and could never defeat, namely death. 1 Corinthians 15:45 "Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being, the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.'" Jesus is the Second Adam - the Son of Man - who came to deliver mankind from death, through the cross, burial and empty tomb. Christ will subject all things to Himself as the Second Adam. What the first Adam and his descendants failed to accomplish because of our sin, the last Adam will accomplish and the curse will be reversed (Isaiah 65:17-25). Without Jesus becoming "a little lower" than God and the angels, there would be no redemption for any of us. Praise the Lord that He humbled Himself to come to us and seek and save the lost (Luke 19:18). |
The Humbling of the Incarnation
Jesus was briefly humbled when made "a little lower than the angels" because of the suffering of His death. By taking upon Himself sinless flesh in the incarnation, Consider the following when considering that Jesus was made "a little lower than the heavenly beings" .......
Being made a "little lower than the angels" and taking on a body eternally did not in any way diminish the deity of Christ. Jesus never ceased to be God. He simply showed the meekness and condescension of God.
As a result of His atoning work on the cross, Jesus was crowned with glory and honor and He is now seated at the right hand of His heavenly Father (Colossians 3:1). The author of Hebrews points out that Jesus' humble state who but temporary "for a little while". He was made lower than the angels. Jesus is exalted above all angels and same day every knee will bow at His name and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). |
Hebrews 2:10 "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
How was Jesus made perfect through suffering?
It was through God's grace and mercy that we were delivered and saved from the penalty of death. Jesus did not come into the world to gain status or political power, but to suffer and die so that we could have eternal life. This is what it means "bringing many sons to glory". Jesus suffering made Him a perfect leader and pioneer of our salvation because He did not need to suffer for His own salvation. He was perfect and sinless. His perfect obedience which led Him to joyfully suffer on our behalf, demonstrates that He was the complete, perfect sacrifice for us. Through suffering, Jesus completed the work necessary for our own salvation. Because Jesus obeyed perfectly (He sought the Father's will and not the will of His flesh), He can help us obey through the working of the Holy Spirit. Our suffering can make us more sensitive servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with compassion to others who hurt. |
How do we allow Christ to help us and be an example?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. |
Hebrews 2:11 "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers, in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." And again, "I will put my trust in Him". And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
A Blended Family
When we accept Christ's suffering on our behalf and accept His righteousness in exchange for our sins, we become joined together in the same family and are able to call God, Father. We are united as a family with the One who makes us holy. We are made holy because the blood of Christ sanctified us, setting us apart for His service. |
He is not ashamed!
This cuts me to the core! Years ago, I was one of many who had received a mass-email sent out asking who among the recipients could say at the end of the day that could proudly say that they were not ashamed of Christ. I know the intentions were good....and we should live our life not ashamed of our faith in Christ but the emphasis hit me wrong. Yes, it is true....I want to live each and every day so that my words and actions show that I am not ashamed to declare my faith in Christ. BUT I want to do this so that Christ is not ashamed of me in declaring me His family. I desire to be included when Jesus says "Here am I, and the children God has given me." |
Hebrews 2:14 - 18 "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason He had to be made like His brothers, in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
Why did Christ have to become human to bring salvation?
Since those He came to save "have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil. Jesus became like one of us. He walked this earth like one of us. He faced hardships and temptation like us. He became like us so that we could trust Him to take on our sin...to take on the penalty of death to satisfy both the justice and grace of God. And then after dying for us, He rose from the dead to show that death no longer has any power and those that believe on Him and accept by faith what He did at the cross, no longer have to be held in slavery and bondage to their fear of death. Why? Because Christ gives us eternal life and we don't have to face the fear of a spiritual death and eternal separation from God. |
What does it mean that Jesus became "a merciful and faithful high priest"?
In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and His people. His job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according the law and to intercede with God for forgiveness for the people's sins. Jesus Christ is now our high priest. He came to earth as a human being; therefore, He understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us. He has once and for all paid the penalty for our sins by His own sacrificial death and He can be depended on to restore our broken relationship with God. He is now our intercessor: Hebrews 7:25 "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." We are released from sin's domination over us when we commit ourselves fully to Christ, trusting completely in what He has done for us. |