HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE?

 

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

 

HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE?

 

Heb 2:1-3

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

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 warning to believers, for the writer uses the word “we”, is full of meaning in the original Greek. Words have meaning and the original begs a closer investigation into those meanings.

 

          The word “slip” in verse one is the Greek word pararrhueo and means “to carelessly pass or to miss.” This is a tragic failure to take seriously one’s condition or to apply the known remedy. In simple terms, it is a warning to not handle such an offer as Jesus purchased thoughtlessly.

 

          The WORD which was given to the angels before recorded time was stedfast, which is the Greek word bebaios which means “stable; firm of force; sure,” What God says he means. We might add an example that is easier to view, that of the fall of man for neglecting to heed the warning to avoid one particular fruit in Eden. The command was uncomplicated, and the results were unthinkable.

 

          Now we see the word neglect in verse three and we wonder more precisely what it means. It is the Greek word ameleo and it means “to neglect; to make light of; to be careless.” The warning is to carefully consider one’s redemption and its cost. The writer urges his readers to escape ekphuego or to flee out or away from the results of such neglect. Does that mean we may lose our salvation? No, more likely, it means that we will avoid many troubles caused by neglect.

 

Jude 24-25

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

 

Lord, let this benediction be my anchor for today. AMEN