Danger of neglecting so Great Salvation, first spoken by Christ—To whom, not to Angels, the New Dispensation was subjected
“The exhortation to give good heed to the Gospel. Two points are noted for the enforcing of this duty; one is the danger; intimated in the word, “Lest we should let them slip.” The other, the vengeance, which is certain to follow on the neglect of the Gospel. The vengeance is hinted in the question. “How shall we escape”? The despisers of God were summarily dealt with under the law; therefore, those who shut their ears to the Gospel, which is so much more excellent, are, without doubt, treasuring up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath (Rom. 2:4, 5).” Pink Arthur W. “Thus, in the light of the whole context four reasons may be mentioned why we should give the more earnest heed to the things which God has spoken unto us: First, because of the glory and majesty of the One by whom He has communicated His mind and will, the Son. Second, because the message of Christianity is final. Third, because of the infinite preciousness of the Gospel. Fourth, because of the hopeless perdition and terrible tortures awaiting those who reject or let slip the testimony of God’s wondrous grace.” Barnes, A;bert, Frew, Robert.
- For the word spoken by angels. Deut. 32:2, Ps. 68:17. “The opening “for” indicates that what follows gives a reason for persuading the Hebrews. The “if” has the force of “since,” as in John 8:46; 14:3; Colossians 3:1, etc. The “word spoken by angels” seems to refer to the Mosaic law, compare Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19. Because the word spoken, ministerially, by angels was the Word of the Lord, it was “steadfast”—firm, inviolable, not to be gainsaid. It determined what crime was, and it was firm in its punishment.” Pink Arthur w
- and every transgression ch. 10:28, Ex. 32:27, 28, Lev. 10:1, 2; 24:14–16, Num. 11:33; 14:28–37; 16:31–35, 49; 20:11, 12; 21:6; 25:9, 1Cor. 10:5–12, Jude 5. Proof of this is furnished in the “and every transgression,” etc. The distinction between “transgression” and “disobedience” is not easy to define. The one refers more to the outward act of violating God’s law; the other, perhaps, to the state of heart which produced it.
- a just recompence of reward ch. 10:35; 11:6, 26. “The words “receive a just recompense of reward” signify that every violation of God’s law was punished according to its demerits. Punishment for the breaking of God’s law is not always administered in this life but is none the less sure: see Romans 2:3–9. That every transgression and disobedience shall receive “a just recompense of reward.” In brief, we may say that punishment will be graded according to light and opportunity (Matt. 11:20–24; Luke 12:47, 48), according to the nature of the sins committed (John 19:11; Mark 12:38–40; Heb. 10:29), according to the number of the sins committed (Rom. 2:6, etc.).” Pink Arthur W.
- 3 How shall we. ch. 4:1, 11; 10:28, 29; 12:25, Eze. 17:15, 18, Matt. 23:33, Rom. 2:3, 1Pet. 4:17, 18, Ac. 4:12, 1Tim. 1:15, Tit. 2:11. How shall we escape. How shall we escape the just recompense due to transgressors? What way is there of being saved from punishment, if we suffer the great salvation to be neglected, and do not embrace its offers? The sense is, that there is no other way of salvation, and the neglect of this will be followed by certain destruction
