The article "How Shall We Escape?" by Don Fortner addresses the theological doctrine of salvation as articulated in Hebrews 2:2-4. The author argues that the gravity of neglecting the gospel is highlighted by the consequences for those who disregarded the Law given through angels—pointing out that if neglecting the previous revelation led to judgment, then neglecting the greater revelation of Christ's gospel bears even more severe consequences. Fortner utilizes Scripture references such as Romans 3:24-26, 1 Timothy 1:15, and 1 Peter 1:18-20, asserting that Christ’s atoning work demonstrates God’s justice and mercy, both fulfilling the requirements of the Law and providing salvation for sinners. The doctrinal significance of the article emphasizes that salvation is inherently great due to its divine origin and the high price paid by Christ, thus imploring believers to honor and respond to such a significant gift.
Key Quotes
“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.”
“Only by the obedience of Christ as our Substitute... is it possible for God to be just and the justifier.”
“Since we have been bought with the price of Christ's own blood we belong to him exclusively.”
“In light of all this how shall we escape the judgment and wrath of God if we are indifferent to this gospel.”
For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 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; 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? gifts...: Or, distributions - Hebrews 2:2-4“How shall we escape?”
If those who heard and neglected the law of God, given by Moses through the mediation of mere angels, perished under the wrath of God, how much more surely shall they perish who neglect, take lightly the gospel of Christ, which is the proclamation of “so great salvation?”
The salvation we preach is here called “so great salvation” with good reason. The Lord Jesus Christ is the great Author of it, “the author and finisher of our faith.” “Being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation.”
Salvation by Christ is great because it reveals the great wisdom of God. Only by the obedience of Christ as our Substitute, only by blood atonement, by which justice is satisfied and righteousness established, is it possible for God to be just and the justifier (Rom. 3:24-26). In infinite wisdom, God found a way to be both “a just God and a Savior.”
The objects of God’s saving mercy and grace in Christ display the greatness of his salvation. It is called “so great salvation” because it is salvation for great sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).
The Apostle Peter declares the greatness of God’s salvation (1 Pet. 1:18-20), when he asserts the great cost of it. The price of our redemption is “the precious blood of Christ.” Let us often meditate upon this fact and remember that, since we have been bought with the price of Christ’s own blood, we belong to him exclusively. We are not our own. Let us therefore glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits, which are God’s.
The Holy Spirit describes God’s salvation as “so great salvation” because of the great power by which he performs it. The gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace, flowing to helpless, needy sinners through the merits of the crucified Son of God, is “the power (dynamite) of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16-17).
This gospel was spoken and preached by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. It was confirmed by the apostles who gave us the Epistles of the New Testament. Their authority as God’s messengers was established and endorsed by God the Father who gave them great, supernatural gifts and marvelous manifestations of the Holy Spirit. These were credentials that they spoke for God and spoke the truth. They spoke in other languages, healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead (Mark 16:17, 18).
In light of all this, how shall we escape the judgment and wrath of God if we are indifferent to this gospel? The answer is as clear as the noon day sun -- We shall not (Matt. 10:20; Heb. 10:38-39; 12:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:1-3).
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