“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”
– Hebrews 2:1
Main Thought: The message which the writer of Hebrews was speaking of to not “drift away from” was the message of the Gospel, the message of Christ’s sacrifice for sin which was prophesied in the Old Testament. The Hebrews knew what happened to their predecessors from centuries earlier when they drifted away from the warnings of God that came through Moses to the Israelite people, which they ignored and suffered great judgment from God. However, what does it mean to drift away from this message? To drift away from this message means to reject the revelation of God’s Son, through whom God the Father delivered the message of salvation, which is based upon the shed blood of Christ. Jesus said in John 5:26 “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” To drift away means to reject the only way, the only payment for sin to God the Father, who is the Son, and the message that came directly from His only begotten Son. When the Jews of Jesus’ day cried out “crucify him, crucify him” to Pontius Pilate, they were rejecting the only way of salvation (Matt. 27:16-26; Mark 15:7-15; Luke 23:18-25; John 18:40). Later on in Hebrews 2:3, the writer asks the rhetorical question “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” The reality is that if we drift away from and neglect such a great salvation, it means sure and certain judgment from God for rejecting His Son, His grace, and His mercy. There is only one sure way of escaping the judgment of God, and that is to listen to God’s message of salvation which is through Jesus Christ. Have you drifted away from and neglected such a great salvation, or have you paid heed to God’s message of salvation in Christ alone? If you have not, then call upon him and do not turn away from this eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, the only Lord and Savior.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Isaiah 41:17-18
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18