(1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (2) For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; (3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (4) God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The opening of this Chapter; is an inference from the close of the former. The Apostle having said such blessed thing, in shewing the vast superiority of the Gospel dispensation, to all revelations which went before; reminds the Church, how important it must be, to have these things always in remembrance. And, as our memories are so treacherous, to be the more earnest to seek for grace, that we might not forget them. Reader! here is one of the sweet offices of God the Holy Ghost, particularly endeared to us. You, and I, are forgetful of divine things. Jesus saith, that the Holy Ghost shall bring all things to our remembrance, whatsoever he himself hath said unto us, John 14:26. And shall not you and I look up to that gracious, and loving Teacher, and say, Lord! be thou the Remembrancer of Christ Jesus; that none of his precious words, and the glorious things belonging to his Almighty Person, and offices, may at any time slip from our minds?
Paul adds a striking argument for this attention. If the law given by the ministry of angels formed a subject of such high concern, that the least breach of it produced punishment; what must the neglect of such great salvation bring forth, which, the Son of God himself hath brought? The manner in which the question is here put, proves that it is impossible to escape. And indeed, when we consider, not only the greatness of the salvation itself, but the Almightiness of Him by whom it is wrought; everyone who hears of it, must stand convicted in his own conscience, that the neglect of it cannot fail to produce the inevitable consequences of everlasting condemnation. It is impossible to escape. Reader! pause one moment over the solemn consideration. The love, wisdom, and power, of all the Persons of the Godhead, have been manifested, in the contrivance of this salvation. The mysterious nature of that Almighty Being, who hath brought it; the greatness of his labor, sufferings, agonies, blood-shedding, and death, by means of which alone it could be accomplished: the infinite preciousness of the thing itself, and the everlasting consequences involved in it; all carry the fullest conviction with them, how impossible it must be, in any to escape, who slight, or despise such great salvation!