The Greatness of Our Salvation: A Call to Witness

 

Summary

In our gathering tonight, we reflect on the profound privilege and responsibility of sharing the gospel, a message that is both evangelistic and edifying. The essence of our faith is encapsulated in the greatness of our salvation, as described in the opening verses of Hebrews chapter 2. This salvation is not just a doctrine but a living reality that should invigorate our lives and witness. The author of Hebrews exhorts us to pay earnest heed to the truths we have received, lest we drift away like a ship unmoored. This call to vigilance is rooted in the magnificence of the salvation we possess, a salvation that is authored by the triune God and confirmed through signs and wonders.

The gospel is a message of deliverance, not merely a protest against societal ills. It is a healing message that liberates captives and brings health to the spiritually sick. Yet, many outside the church perceive Christianity as a negative force, largely because we, as believers, have failed to convey the joy and freedom found in Christ. Our task is to demonstrate the greatness of this salvation, which is not only about what we are saved from—eternal separation from God—but also what we are saved to—a life of reconciliation, adoption into God's family, and an eternal inheritance.

The greatness of our salvation is further highlighted by its authorship. It originates from the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine authorship underscores the gospel's authority and power, contrasting sharply with the transient and often misguided wisdom of the world. The gospel saves us from the greatest calamity imaginable: eternal separation from God. It offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life, transforming us into children of God and heirs of His kingdom.

As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded of the drama of redemption, where the eternal Son of God humbled Himself, taking on human form, suffering death, and rising again in glory. This narrative should fill us with awe and compel us to live lives that reflect the greatness of our salvation. Our lives should be a testament to the world of the joy and hope found in Christ, drawing others to Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The gospel is both evangelistic and edifying, calling us to remain vigilant and anchored in the truths we have received. This vigilance prevents us from drifting away and ensures that our lives reflect the greatness of our salvation. [05:42]

- Our salvation is authored by the triune God, giving it unparalleled authority and power. This divine origin sets it apart from human wisdom and underscores its transformative potential. [19:56]

- The gospel saves us from the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God. It offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life, transforming us into children of God and heirs of His kingdom. [27:00]

- The drama of redemption, where Christ humbled Himself and rose in glory, should fill us with awe and compel us to live lives that reflect the greatness of our salvation. This narrative is the ultimate expression of God's love and power. [51:21]

- Our lives should be a testament to the world of the joy and hope found in Christ. By living out the greatness of our salvation, we draw others to Him and fulfill our calling as His witnesses. [53:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction and Acknowledgments
- [01:23] - Bridging Past and Future
- [02:36] - The Dual Nature of Preaching
- [03:42] - Exhortation from Hebrews
- [05:42] - The Danger of Drifting
- [07:35] - The Message of Salvation
- [09:13] - The Greatness of Salvation
- [11:27] - Expressions of Greatness
- [13:30] - Art and Architecture
- [15:23] - The Challenge to Christians
- [19:25] - The Divine Authorship
- [27:00] - Salvation from Calamity
- [36:19] - Salvation for Glory
- [46:37] - The Drama of Redemption
- [53:12] - Living Out Our Salvation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 2:1-4

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does the author of Hebrews warn against in Hebrews 2:1-4, and what imagery is used to describe this warning? [05:26]
2. According to the sermon, what is the dual nature of the gospel message? [02:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the perception of Christianity by those outside the church, and what is the reason for this perception? [08:30]
4. What are the key elements of the "drama of redemption" as described in the sermon? [51:21]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the divine authorship of our salvation, as described in Hebrews 2:1-4, impact its authority and power compared to human wisdom? [19:56]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the greatness of our salvation should influence our daily lives and witness? [53:12]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being saved "from" and "to" something, and what implications does this have for a believer's life? [27:00]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the role of signs and wonders in confirming the message of salvation? [04:19]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually adrift. What steps can you take to ensure you remain anchored in the truths of your faith? [05:42]
2. How can you actively demonstrate the joy and freedom found in Christ to those who may view Christianity as a negative force? [08:56]
3. Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect the greatness of your salvation. What practical steps can you take this week to improve in that area? [53:12]
4. Consider the narrative of redemption where Christ humbled Himself. How does this story inspire you to live a life of humility and service? [51:21]
5. What are some ways you can remind yourself daily of the divine authorship and authority of your salvation? [19:56]
6. How can you use your personal testimony to draw others to Christ, emphasizing both what you have been saved from and what you have been saved to? [27:00]
7. In what ways can you be a testament to the world of the joy and hope found in Christ, especially in challenging situations? [53:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Vigilance in Faith
The gospel calls us to remain vigilant and anchored in the truths we have received. This vigilance is crucial to prevent us from drifting away from our faith, much like a ship unmoored from its anchor. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of paying earnest heed to the truths of our salvation, which is not just a doctrine but a living reality. This salvation, authored by the triune God, is magnificent and should invigorate our lives and witness. By staying vigilant, we ensure that our lives reflect the greatness of our salvation and draw others to Christ. [05:42]

Hebrews 2:1-3 (ESV): "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?"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually adrift? How can you anchor yourself more firmly in the truths of the gospel today?


Day 2: Divine Authorship of Salvation
Our salvation is authored by the triune God, giving it unparalleled authority and power. This divine origin sets it apart from human wisdom and underscores its transformative potential. The gospel is not a product of human invention but a divine revelation that offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life. It saves us from the greatest calamity imaginable: eternal separation from God. As believers, we are called to recognize the divine authorship of our salvation and live in a way that reflects its authority and power. [19:56]

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"

Reflection: How does recognizing the divine authorship of your salvation change the way you view your faith? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with this truth?


Day 3: Salvation from Calamity
The gospel saves us from the greatest calamity—eternal separation from God. It offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life, transforming us into children of God and heirs of His kingdom. This salvation is not just about what we are saved from but also what we are saved to—a life of reconciliation, adoption into God's family, and an eternal inheritance. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this salvation, demonstrating its greatness to the world around us. [27:00]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What does it mean to you to be saved from eternal separation from God? How can you live today in a way that reflects the reality of your salvation?


Day 4: The Drama of Redemption
The drama of redemption, where Christ humbled Himself and rose in glory, should fill us with awe and compel us to live lives that reflect the greatness of our salvation. This narrative is the ultimate expression of God's love and power, demonstrating the lengths to which He went to redeem us. As we reflect on the humility and glory of Christ, we are called to live in a way that honors His sacrifice and draws others to Him. Our lives should be a testament to the world of the joy and hope found in Christ. [51:21]

Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: How does the story of Christ's humility and glory inspire you to live differently? What specific actions can you take to reflect His love and power in your daily life?


Day 5: Living Out Our Salvation
Our lives should be a testament to the world of the joy and hope found in Christ. By living out the greatness of our salvation, we draw others to Him and fulfill our calling as His witnesses. This involves demonstrating the joy and freedom found in Christ, which stands in contrast to the negative perceptions many have of Christianity. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same joy and hope we have found in Christ. [53:12]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: In what ways can your life be a more effective testament to the joy and hope found in Christ? How can you actively share this joy with those around you today?

Quotes



The gospel is a message of deliverance, not merely a protest against societal ills. It is a healing message that liberates captives and brings health to the spiritually sick. Yet, many outside the church perceive Christianity as a negative force, largely because we, as believers, have failed to convey the joy and freedom found in Christ. [00:08:05]

Christianity is a salvation. Our message is a message of deliverance, of setting captives free, of giving health to those who are sick. But what I want to concentrate on is this adjective that is added to it: it's so great a Salvation. Now let's look at this together this evening because I believe that here we have a word that we all need at the present time. [00:09:00]

The greatness of our salvation is further highlighted by its authorship. It originates from the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine authorship underscores the gospel's authority and power, contrasting sharply with the transient and often misguided wisdom of the world. [00:19:25]

The gospel saves us from the greatest calamity imaginable: eternal separation from God. It offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life, transforming us into children of God and heirs of His kingdom. This is the only thing that can save any one of us from it. [00:27:00]

Our lives should be a testament to the world of the joy and hope found in Christ. By living out the greatness of our salvation, we draw others to Him and fulfill our calling as His witnesses. This is the challenge that comes to us as Christian people and as church members at the present time. [00:53:12]

The drama of redemption, where Christ humbled Himself and rose in glory, should fill us with awe and compel us to live lives that reflect the greatness of our salvation. This narrative is the ultimate expression of God's love and power. [00:51:21]

The gospel is both evangelistic and edifying, calling us to remain vigilant and anchored in the truths we have received. This vigilance prevents us from drifting away and ensures that our lives reflect the greatness of our salvation. [00:05:42]

The gospel is not just something that gives me a nice comfortable feeling or makes me feel a bit happier or belittles me from this or that sin. Not at all. The gospel primarily delivers me from the wrath of God against all sin. [00:35:00]

The gospel gives us the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation to God. Is there anything in this universe that is comparable to the forgiveness of sin? The wealth of the universe can't purchase forgiveness of sin. The ways of the universe can't purchase peace of conscience. [00:36:19]

The gospel is great in its authorship, great in what it saves us from, great in what it saves us to. The real greatness of it is to be seen when you look at it like this: how has it been prepared for us? How was it made possible? [00:46:37]

The world to come, of which we speak, is not prepared for the Angels; it's prepared for us. This is how you see the greatness of this so great salvation: great in its authorship, great in what it saves us from, great in what it saves us to. [00:46:37]

The Christian should be a daily rebuke to sin and a daily attraction to the Lord Jesus Christ. My dear friend, we do then go, don't we, for so great a salvation. There's nothing like it in the whole universe. It is God's greatest act. [00:53:12]

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Transcript
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