Warnings Because Jesus is Superior to the Angels

The book of Hebrews was written about 60 AD to Jews who converted to Christianity at a time when they were being persecuted. All the mirrors, types, and shadows came together in Jesus, fulfilled. The full revelation came with Jesus. He is the radiance of the glory of God . . .  In chapter one, we saw seven reasons why Jesus is much superior to the angels.

Chapter 2 starts with the word ‘Therefore’ and goes on to give warnings to pay heed to, because Jesus is superior to angels.

We need to pay close attention 1. BECAUSE OF WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY HEARD: If Jesus is truly the Son of God, we need to pay full attention to Him. If Jesus is so much more superior to angels, then His message is far superior too, and we need to cherish and obey it. 2. LEST WE SLIP: If we do not do this, there is the danger of drifting away. So we must not be careless and neglect the word. The nature of Adam’s sin was a failing to hear and pay heed, and being careless with God’s word. The word of God should have first priority in our lives. The easier route of leaving Christ is a temptation. Complacency is a temptation, and those who are complacent drift away. The author is calling us to give the word of God the attention it needs. 3. BECAUSE THE MESSAGE OF ANGELS IS RELIABLE: The angels brought the revelation, the law, from God to the people. Stephen said that the law had been received from the angels and they had not obeyed it. EVERY sin received the just penalty. But now we have something better, the revelation is Christ. The author wants the readers to think about the immensity of this, by saying, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation.” People who choose to reject the pardon will therefore perish. They refuse to be saved.

The author is warning the converted Jews not to take their salvation lightly, because the message is given to them by someone who is so much superior than the angels who brought the law, and so the punishment will also be so much greater. 4. BECAUSE OF SUCH A GREAT SALVATION: This great salvation is our great escape. It is given to us freely. It is the best news we have ever heard, and we must not take it lightly. (a)It was introduced by the Lord Himself. The prophets foretold it but it was brought near and fulfilled by Jesus. “Today these words (by Isaiah) are fulfilled” (b)It was faithfully conveyed to us by those who saw the miracles and heard it first hand. (c)God bore witness by signs and wonders. These were signs to the converts. The signs were known to the converts. The Jews needed to know that these witnesses were God’s authoritative agents to proclaim the great salvation. Today that age is passed, and we do not have these gifts anymore, but we have the written word. All of us are in danger of slipping away if we do not read the word. When we treat God’s word carelessly, we will miss the way, and the penalty we receive will be just. Let us pay the closer attention lest we drift away.