Chapter Two
Warning: Do Not Neglect the Message of Salvation
2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
There are two great mysteries of life, one begs the question of how can God love sinful human beings enough to send His Son to die on our behalf, and the second is how can mankind reject God’s offer of salvation? The first question of why does God love us is a good question, since as sinners no one can say they have done or will ever do anything that deserves that love, all we do know is that He does love us (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 John 3:1; 4:9-10). The second mystery is equally inexplicable, however, knowing the nature of pride, ego, etc., it is easy to see how man can easily reject God and create an effective intellectual barrier to the truth of the gospel message.
The author breaks from their expository on the superiority of the Son of God to offer a solemn warning to both unbelievers and those that might be called casual or luke-warm Christians. He says that as humans we need to pay close attention (Greek ‘prosechein’,[1] a nautical term to hold a ship in one direction, always used figuratively in the NT, typically to devote oneself to one thing) to the gospel message that was heard. Why? “Lest we drift away from it.” If the message is not seriously considered or only partially acknowledged, it can be thought as being unimportant or unnecessary and eventually ignored entirely.
Since the message declared by angels came true and was proven to be reliable, and that every transgression or disobedience has received appropriate retribution, is it wise to think that someone can be saved without accepting God’s plan for salvation? But what message was declared by angels? Even though the Bible records several angelic proclamations regarding Jesus (for example see Matthew 28:2-7; Mark 16:5-7; Luke 2:8-14; 24:4-8; John 20:11-13; Revelation 14:6) the Bible does not offer a single concise proclamation from the angels that states the entire gospel message (essentially one that would include that we are sinners condemned for eternity and since we cannot change that condition, God sent His Son to obtain that salvation for us). But from what we can read elsewhere in the Bible the message is clear, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), no exceptions. And since, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a, see also Proverbs 16:25), is it feasible, logical, or rational to think one could escape the penalties of sin? In other words, no one should neglect God’s plan for salvation. Here in Hebrews chapter two we are essentially being asked “What makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation?”
The author notes that God’s plan for our salvation is reliable as it was first declared by Jesus, the greatest source of truth (see Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 19:10; John 11:25; 14:6). The stories of His signs and wonders, His miracles, and His resurrection were all verified by those that watched first-hand (see Mark 16:20; Luke 1:2; Acts 5:32) which were later preached and taught.
Jesus demonstrated His ability to follow-up and keep His promises through those signs and wonders, as He proved that He was who He said He was (see also Acts 2:22, 43). These facts provide strong evidence that God is able to keep His promise of salvation, and they also show the reliability that He will indeed keep His promises in the future.
Jesus, the Founder of Salvation
2:5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Commentators through the years have developed a number of ways to interpret verse five. Many ask what does the author mean by ‘subjected’ (Greek ‘hypetaxen’,[2] to place in order) as well as, question what is the “world to come?” Since the word that is translated as ‘world’ is not the typical word used to denote the physical world, but instead refers to land that is inhabited (Greek ‘oikoumenēn’,[3] the inhabited earth, it can also refer to an occupied nation), many have disregarded it as being a reference to heaven. Therefore, it is often believed that it’s a reference to an earthly kingdom.[4]
Before proceeding, let’s go back and review the basic premise of the Bible. It could be briefly summarized as a story about how man disobeyed God and was then condemned to death, followed by God offering an alternative to condemnation. In order to fulfill His requirements, this offer required God’s Son to live a sinless life, suffer, die and raise back to life again. Even though this present world may be ruled by a fallen angel (see John 12:31; 14:30; Ephesians 6:12), that was not the purpose for which the world was created, nor will it be its ultimate destiny.
Using one of the psalms written by David, Psalm 8:4-6, the author points out that God had given the earth and everything in it to be under the dominion of man (see Genesis 1:26-31). In the Psalm, David ponders a question regarding God that undoubtedly has been asked many times by many people through the years, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Where does the human race fit in God’s plan? The Bible clearly teaches that man is very important to God and that the plan of salvation is for humans only. To put it bluntly, Jesus died for mankind, not the angels.
So, what does it mean by being made “lower than the angels?” Pastor, teacher and commentator John MacArthur explains it this way:
When God created man, He made him in one way lower than angels. It is not that he is lower than angels spiritually, or is less loved by God. Nor is he lower than angels in importance to God. Man is lower than angels only in that he is physical and they are spiritual. What does this mean? Just this: angels are heavenly creatures, while man is earthbound. Obviously this is a limiting and major difference, and man is therefore now of a lower rank. But there is a time limit for this inferiority. The present chain of command is temporary. God has a destiny for man that will elevate him to king, when he will be on at least an equal basis with angels.[5]
However, the second half of verse eight presents a major problem, even though man originally had dominion over all things created the author notes that “At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.” In other words, due to Adam’s sin, mankind lost the kingdom and the crown (the ability to rule) and so far, does not have total dominion. But verse nine introduces the solution, note that due to some translations the wording can be confusing as the pronoun in verse nine now refers to Jesus, not mankind. Because of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, everyone has an opportunity to experience the grace of God. Jesus ‘tasted’ death for the sake of offering salvation to all people, the death was real in every sense of the word, but He only ‘tasted’ death as He did not remain dead.
2:10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
Still referring to Jesus, being the creator of all things that exist (see Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2), the author points out that it is appropriate that He is also the founder of salvation for those created, bringing many ‘sons’ to glory. A salvation made perfect (Greek ‘teleiōsai’,[6] to complete, made perfect by reaching the intended goal) through suffering. The author adds that those saved were also sanctified (Greek ‘hagiazō’,[7] to make holy). In summary, humans were created, salvation offered, and those that accept the offer of salvation are made righteous and holy by Jesus. Everyone that is holy was made holy by the same source, Jesus. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers (Greek ‘adelphois’,[8] members of same family, can be both brothers and sisters). Since He took away the sin from those that believe, there is no more sin to be ashamed of! When someone has done something wrong or inappropriate, that person and those associated with them would rightfully be ashamed of that act. If, however, someone else resolved the issue, there would no longer be any need to be ashamed. Jesus, the Creator and Redeemer has removed our sin and now calls us His brothers (see Considerations below).
In verse twelve the author quotes Psalm 22:22, a segment of the prophetic psalm that accurately describes the crucifixion of Jesus. Written by David, this psalm has God the Son, Jesus, calling out to His God, the Father (the only time Jesus calls His Father “My God,” see Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). In verse 22 He is acknowledging that He will make known His Father among His brothers, who He has now identified as those that believe in Him and have been made holy because of that belief.
2:13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
To emphasize that humans can be children of God, the author cites two more Old Testament passages, the first from Isaiah 8:17 LXX (also found in Isaiah 12:2 LXX), and the second from Isaiah 8:18). It may be impossible for a human being to fully comprehend the meaning of being children of God and that as children of God being joint heirs with Jesus, but it is true for Christians nonetheless.[9]
2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Since Jesus is both God and human, He has a human body, sharing the same type of flesh and blood, the same as every other human being. Being human includes experiencing all the human-related feelings such as pain, hunger, fatigue, etc. The author informs his readers that due to Jesus’ humanity; He also died a human death (in other words, Jesus did in fact experience the full gamut of human existence, not just a few selected pains, issues, or feelings). Why? So that He would be qualified to conquer death by dying Himself (see Considerations below), thus destroying the one who has the power of death, the devil. In addition, He would be able to deliver those who were slaves to the fear of death.
How are death and Satan connected? Doesn’t God reign over death? Yes, but the only way to destroy Satan was to render his weapons, death, and the fear of death, powerless. Satan knew that God required death as punishment for sin and if they served him and not God, they would ultimately die and leave God’s presence forever.
This plan of God’s for salvation does not provide salvation for angels, it is for humans only, those that are considered the offspring of Abraham. The apostle Paul identified that offspring as those that shared his beliefs, “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all” (Romans 4:16, see also Isaiah 41:8-9).
Therefore, as a sinless man, fully human in every sense of the word, Jesus has become a merciful and faithful high priest. As the high priest, who will never die again (no need for annual or other sacrifices),[10] Jesus provides eternal salvation. In His role as the high priest, He provides Himself for propitiation (Greek ‘hilaskesthai’,[11] to be gracious, making reconciliation, to appease). Since He suffered when He was tempted, He can help anyone that is being tempted.
Considerations
The gap between God and man before Jesus conquered death on the cross was, and still is, unbridgeable through human effort alone.[12] Those that accepted the promise of salvation through Jesus have gone from being completely unacceptable before God to that of not only being made holy, but also being adopted as children of God. It is only after Jesus arose from the dead when He called His disciples and believers as brothers. Because of what Jesus did, Christians are co-heirs with Christ! (See Romans 8:15-17).
There are several intellectual and spiritual barriers that often prevent belief in Jesus, many of which become a thought-provoking mental burden that is all too often dismissed as being unprovable, improbable, or unknowable. One of those enigmas is the humanity of Jesus. The question of how He can be both God and man, is only one of many similar questions that defy human logic. Because there is no way to fully understand or answer that from the information we have been given, people use this inability to justify their lack of agreement or acceptance. The answer falls into the category that the creation (human beings) cannot fully understand the process of creation or the Creator. That is why Christians replace doubt with faith, the need to trust that God is telling us the truth through His Word. And the fact that Jesus is both God and man is what the Bible clearly teaches.
The author of Hebrews is telling us that Jesus needed to ‘qualify’ as being human, but why? Since God is omniscient, He would have known that mankind would disobey and subsequently be disqualified to enjoy fellowship with Him and ultimately be required to die for their sins before He created the first human being. Plus, mankind would be incapable to redeem themselves as it is revealed in the law requiring atonement of innocent blood for the forgiveness of sins (see Leviticus 17:11).[13] But whose blood? In order for God to provide a permanent solution there had to be a sinless human. But none exist! Or is there One? That would be Jesus.
For Jesus to qualify as humanity’s Savior, He had to have flesh and blood. But since no one is saved from Him being born, salvation was only available after He lived a sinless life, suffered, died, and rose again to life. But unlike the animal sacrifices, He conquered death by dying once for all (see Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:27). Another difficult aspect to understand is the fact that Jesus was not some last-minute scheme to provide salvation, His role as Savior was always the plan.
⇐Previous Chapter (Introduction/Index) Next Chapter⇒
[1] Strong’s Greek 4337.
[2] Strong’s Greek 5293.
[3] Strong’s Greek 3625.
[4] Perhaps during the Millennium, see Considerations under Genesis 49:27 regarding Prophecy Revisited.
[5] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1983). Hebrews (p. 54). Chicago: Moody Press.
[6] Strong’s Greek 5048.
[7] Strong’s Greek 37.
[8] Strong’s Greek 80.
[9] See commentary under Genesis 6:1.
[10] See commentary under Genesis 14:17-18.
[11] Strong’s Greek 2433.
[12] See commentary under Leviticus 10:1-2 and the Considerations under Deuteronomy 27:1-8 under the heading of Uncut Stones.
[13] See also the commentary under Genesis 49:11, the Law and Gospel section to the Brief Introduction to God’s Law and the commentary under Leviticus 1:1-2.