The word “Salvation” is used in two senses in the New Testament. It refers to deliverance from the power and effects of past sins (Mark 16:16; Luke 24:46, 47), and it refers to eternal salvation in heaven (1 Peter 1:5; Philippians 2:12). We may neglect salvation from sin, or we may show a lack of concern about our eternal salvation. The word “neglect” refers to a lack of sufficient attention. It is not rebellion, but indifference. As such, it is evident that there are more people who are indifferent about their salvation than there are those who purposely rebel against God and His Word. In this article, we want to give some thought to what it means to neglect salvation.

SALVATION HAS BEEN SPOKEN – HEBREWS 2:3 – One must learn from the Lord what he is to do to be saved by Him. The reason for this is simple:

The Lord has the “words of eternal life” – John 6:68.
We must hear and learn – John 6:44, 45.
We must know the truth – John 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4.
We must receive God’s word – James 1:21.

The message of salvation, which was first spoken by the Lord, has been confirmed (Hebrews 2:4). The Lord, Himself, confirmed the message of the Great Commission (Mark 16:15, 16, 20).
The whole plan of salvation is included in the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). From study of the New Testament we see that the message of salvation does not come from:

The Old Testament
John the Baptist
Dreams, visions, or “still small voices.”
A contemporary “prophet.”

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF NEGLECT – HEBREWS 2:3 – First, there is the danger of being hardened by sin (Hebrews 3:12, 13). One’s heart can become so hard that he cannot be renewed unto repentance (Hebrews 6:4). This is not because God does not desire his repentance (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9), but because he has allowed himself to become so hardened that he refuses to do so. The Apostle Paul wrote of the Gentiles who were “past feeling” (Ephesians 4:19). What a tragic condition that would be! He, further, mentioned how that the conscience can be seared “as with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2).

Secondly, there is the danger of the coming judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is much in the New Testament concerning the judgment:

Paul reasoned with Felix about coming judgment – Acts 24:25.
God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world – Acts 17:30, 31.
Jesus shall be the judge on that day – John 12:48; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Men shall be given one of two destinies – Matthew 25:46.

Thirdly, there is the danger of being subjected to the wrath of God (Hebrews 10:26-31). Paul wrote of God’s goodness, longsuffering, forbearance, and wrath (Romans 2:1-11). Hell will be worse than death without mercy (Hebrews 10:28, 29). The deceitful nature of sin, and the pleasure of sin blinds the mind to the consequences (Hebrews 3:12). There is no doubt that sin is pleasurable (Hebrews 11: 24, 25). However, the pleasure associated with sin is short-lived, and the consequences are tragic (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Fourthly, there are those who are burdened with “cares” (responsibilities: professions, jobs, recreation, community affairs, etc.), and they do not believe they have time for concern about their salvation (Luke 14:16-20). Some reason that God will make an exception in their case, but that is simply not true (Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34, 35).

Neglect is sin! (James 4: 17). Life is a short “summer” with it being pictured as a flower (2 Peter 1:24, 25). Today is the “day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow is, at most, a possibility. Now is the time! Do not neglect salvation.

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