The Great Salvation Must Not Be Neglected (Hebrews 2:1-4)
Introduction:
1. As the book of Hebrews begins, Christ is identified as God's spokesman today (1:1-3). 2. The remainder of chapter 1 shows how Christ is superior to the angels. 3. Following this information, a strong warning is given in 2:1. 4. The writer continued in 2:2-4 by showing that there is no escape for those who neglect the "great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord." 5. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that "the great salvation must not be neglected." 6. Let us first consider several . . . Discussion: I. BASIC PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO THE GREAT SALVATION
A. The Bible explains why salvation from sin is so important. 1. The Bible identifies sin as the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). 2. The Bible identifies who is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23). 3. The Bible reveals the effects of sin (Romans 6:23a; Isaiah 59:1-2). B. The "Gospel" [Good News] is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was resurrected so we may be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). C. According to Hebrews 5:8-9, Christ saves those who obey Him. D. These few principles help us understand why: 1. the salvation that Christ provides is "great" 2. the great salvation must not be neglected. E. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. THE LORD'S REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GREAT SALVATION
A. To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is God's Son (John 3:16-17; 8:24). B. To be saved, we must repent (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 3:19). C. To be saved, we must confess that Jesus is God's Son (Romans 10:9-10). D. To be saved, we must be baptized. 1. Matthew 28:18-20 2. Mark 16:15-16 3. Acts 2:37-38; 22:16 III. WE ARE TAUGHT IN ACTS 2:47 THAT THE LORD ADDS THOSE WHO ARE SAVED TO HIS CHURCH Conclusion:
1. We learn from 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 that the Lord will punish those who do not obey the Gospel. 2. Therefore, we must not neglect the great salvation that Jesus provides (Hebrews 2:3).
