1521. Christ and the Great Salvation

Christ and the Great Salvation

"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" (Heb_2:3).

The 2nd chapter of Hebrews, like the 1st chapter, has definite reference to "the things to come." There are three statements under which we will sum up the teachings of the chapter.

1. The great salvation. The word "salvation," in the Book of Hebrews, has to do with salvation in its future aspect. It is not the salvation from sin's penalty, which we obtain at the Cross; nor is it the salvation from sin's power, which we obtain from a risen and seated Christ.

Salvation, in Hebrews, is a salvation of which saints are heirs (see Heb_1:14). It is a salvation which Christ will bring with Him; for, "unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Heb_9:28).

It is this salvation–a salvation which is future; a salvation which includes glorification and transfiguration; to which we should give the more earnest heed.

2. The world to come. In Heb_1:5, we read, "For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak." The word "world" in this passage, is the same as the word "world" in Heb_1:6. In the 1st chapter Christ is being brought again into the "inhabited earth;" in the 2nd chapter, the "inhabited earth is described as put in subjection to Christ. This subjection is future.

The Lord Jesus Christ was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death; He was crowned with glory and honor; He was placed in authority, over all the works of His hands, "But," says Heb_2:8, "now we see not yet all things put under Him." We now see Jesus, "crowned with glory and honour." We shall see Him reigning–"For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet" (1Co_15:25).

3. Bringing many sons unto glory. The mission of Christ according to the Book of Hebrews is to bring "many sons unto glory." This is to be done: (1) Through suffering and death; (2) through ascension and seating at the Father's right hand; and (3) through subjecting the inhabited earth and taking His throne.

Christ seems to say unto us, I became poor, that ye through My poverty might be made rich (see 2Co_8:9). Then, He says the glory which the Father hath given Me, I have given you (see Joh_17:22).

His aim as "captain of our salvation," is not to achieve for Himself, alone, the ages to come; but to achieve it, that He may share it with others.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR