'We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.' (Hebrews 2.1-4, NIV.)
We have received a great salvation through Christ, so we must be careful not to drift away. Only through faith in Christ are we saved: He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The message of Christ was first preached by those who witnessed the miracles, but like the original readers of Hebrews, we base our belief on eyewitness accounts.
In the book of Acts, Peter says, 'Jesus was approved of God, by miracles and wonders, and signs.' God verified the message by the miracles people witnessed. When we see the gifts of God demonstrated, we know God is present. We should thank God for them, and use these gifts within the church.
“You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:8-9, NKJV.)
God put Jesus in charge of everything, and Jesus revealed Himself to us. We do not yet see Jesus reigning on earth, but we can picture Him in His heavenly glory. When you are confused by present events and anxious about the future, remember Jesus’ true position and authority. He is Lord of all, and one day will rule on earth; and until that day, we pray, ‘Let Your Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.’ This truth can give stability to our daily decisions.
Jesus did not come to the world to gain status, wealth or political power, but to suffer and die, so that we can have eternal life (and bring many sons to glory, v10).
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” (Hebrews 2:11-13, NKJV.)
We who have been set apart for God’s service, cleansed, and made holy (sanctified) by Jesus, now have the same Father He has, so He has made us His brothers and sisters. We’ve been adopted into God’s family, ‘accepted in the beloved’ (Ephesians 1:6).
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15, NKJV.)
Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death, because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead it is the doorway to new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings.