Hebrews chapter two opens with a cautionary message that is directed toward anyone who might neglect God’s Word and their relationship with Christ…
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).
The word “therefore” (or “for this reason” [CSB]) alerts us to the need to pay close attention whenever we see it within the Scriptures. You see, this word signals a transition from an earlier teaching or idea to an associated action or behavior. Therefore, this word should prompt us to listen carefully whenever it appears within the Biblical record.
The connecting link between these chapters is the doctrinal teaching concerning Jesus and His supremacy over angelic beings in chapter one and the practical need to avoid drifting away from the salvation He offers in chapter two. For instance, Hebrews chapter one provides us with several important truths regarding Jesus and these members of the angelic realm…
- Jesus is greater than any angel due to His relationship with the Father (1:5)
- The angels are commanded to worship Him (1:6)
- Jesus, the Son, is God (1:8-9).
- Christ is eternal (1:10-12).
- The Son holds a place of honor that is greater than that of any angel (1:13).
- Angelic beings differ from the Son in essence and responsibility (1:14).
Thus, Hebrews 2:1 draws our attention to these Biblical truths and the influence they should exert upon our opinions and beliefs regarding Christ.
This passage also echoes an important message contained within the Biblical book of James…
“Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. If someone listens to God’s word but doesn’t do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. However, the person who continues to study God’s perfect laws that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don’t merely listen and forget; they actually do what God’s laws say” (James 1:22-25 GW).
The author of Hebrews will go on to issue other, similar warnings periodically throughout the rest of this epistle. For now, we can say that Hebrews 2:1 serves to remind us that we are responsible to live in accord with our knowledge of God’s Word. We’ll examine some potential consequences that may result from a failure to put that knowledge into practice over the next few studies.