Study Notes on Epistle to Hebrews - 1. Greatness of the Messenger of the Salvation

               Part 1. Greatness of the messenger of the salvation (Heb 1:1-2:4)

There is a danger of neglecting salvation if we forget how great the messenger of salvation is.

Heb 2:3 The salvation was first declared by the Lord (not by any man or angels).

That is why the author calls us to look at Jesus or to Consider Jesus (3:1, 12:6,2) in this letter. 

In this first part, author talks about the greatness of Lord Jesus who brought us the message of salvation which makes the salvation so great. 

Heb 1:1-4 

1. Son of God, heir of all things (vs. 2)

Which means, he was equal with God and He himself was God. (John 5:18, Phil 2:6)

2. Through whom God created the world (Heb 1:10, Gen 1:1, John 1:1)

3. Radiance of the glory of God. (John 1:14)

4. The exact imprint of God's nature (John 14:8,9)

5. Upholds the Universe by his powerful word (2 Pet 3:5,7)

6. Made purification for our sins

7. Sat down at the right hand of Majesty on high.

This also shows His equality with God. 

8. Exalted much above angels 

Heb:1:5-14

9. He is God & creator => worthy of worship, whereas angels are His servants (Vs. 6,7,14, John 20:17) 

This puts angels on the creation side and the Christ being the creator (Heb 1:10). Creation is supposed to worship the creator.

10. Enthroned forever => eternal God (Heb 1:8)

11. Never changing God (11,12 Heb 13:8)

This shows that the Lord Jesus is much greater than prophets & angels.

Heb 2:3 This is a great salvation. Because the messenger is so great, the salvation he preached is so great. 

Kings and prophets of old desired to hear or experience this great salvation. (Mt 13:16,17, Ps 18:50)

Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore”. Wherefore (Why)? Because the messenger and salvation are so great,...  We must pay closer attention to God’s word.

If not, we will "drift away" from salvation like a harbored ship drifts away slowly if not anchored. It may not be a noticeable change immediately, but definitely distance can be clearly seen after a period of time. 

Hebrews 2:2 

Message given by angels cannot be neglected. If we neglect the message given by such a great God about great salvation, how can we escape? 

There is a great great loss/penalty/punishment. 

Don't neglect God's word (the message). 

Phil 2:12 work out your salvation with fear & trembling.

Anything neglected will lose value slowly and get destroyed eventually.

Stay tuned for more notes from my study on Epistle to Hebrews...