Truth Matters: Making Much of Christ part 4 – How shall we escape?
By Ken Askew
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2
Making much of Christ seemed to be the intent of the writer of Hebrews, especially in the early chapters. In the first installment on the subject I mentioned that too often even our churches err in making much of men instead of making much of Christ. By exalting somebody, putting them on a pedestal if you will, instead of Christ. But the writer of Hebrews makes no such error. Hebrews is focused clearly on God the Son. And while it is right to esteem highly those who devote themselves to the ministry of God’s word, no man is worthy of esteem rightly due Jesus Christ.
In part two, I mentioned John Flavel, one of my favorite Puritans, who maintained that the greatest expression of the love of God ever, past, present or future, was the incarnation; Jesus Christ in bodily form here on this earth. Isaiah had said his name would be called Immanuel, which means God with us, and that is literally what happened. It is incredible that God ever chose to speak with us—even through the prophets. But now He has spoken to us through His Son. How incredible is that?!
In part 3 some comparison was made between Christ and angels. Angels are soldiers for the living God; servants for the King. Their mere presence strikes fear into the most calloused men. And yet they are inferior to Christ in every way. Angels have never been credited with creation. Angels are not heir to all things. Angels have not been placed in positions of sovereign authority. Angels are not the exact imprint of the nature of God the Father, yet Christ occupies all these positions. There is none other like Christ.
Finally then, I’d like to draw your attention to a dire warning found in Hebrews 2:1-3: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation..?” How shall we escape…
Here’s the truth of the matter. There is no escape for those who ignore salvation through Jesus Christ. There is no way to sugar coat it. To reject Jesus Christ in this lifetime ensures separation from God in the hereafter. To reject so great a salvation, so great an act of love on God’s part, in this life ensures you’ll endure His wrath hereafter.
In His public ministry, Jesus put it this way: “…the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) The message and call hasn’t changed.
Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville. Truth Matters articles are available online at www.truthmatters.us. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@me.com.
