MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
May 15, 2024
The Law of God and the Cross of Christ Series – Part 11
THE “EIGHTH” WAY OF ESCAPE: DUE DILIGENCE, NOT SINFUL NEGLIGENCE
“Therefore we must give the MORE EARNEST HEED to the things which we have HEARD lest AT ANY TIME we should let them SLIP. For if the word spoken by angels were steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward: HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION; which at 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 diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)—according to His will?” Heb. 2: 3, 4, K.J. V. (All emphasis mine). What is the definitive and more nuanced meaning of salvation?
“Christ declares Himself to be ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ [John 14:6]. The way to heaven is represented as a narrow path, cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. But truth [never error or compromise] illuminates this path at every step. . . . SALVATION means to us COMPLETE SURRENDER OF SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT.
Because of the unruly elements of our nature our passions often gain the mastery. THE ONLY HOPE of the sinner is to CEASE FROM SIN. Thus his will [power of choice as a free moral agent] will be in HARMONY with the will of Christ. His soul will be brought into FELLOWSHIP with God.” -E.G. White, Manuscript 73, May 11, 1899 (all emphasis and bracketed words mine).
In his must-read book, The Book of Hebrews, Review & Herald, 1948, M. L. Andresen wrote:
“The more earnest heed.’ Christ never preached for the sole purpose of imparting information. Wonderful as are the truths He revealed, His preaching had a deeper purpose than that of enriching the mind. He wanted to move men into action; He wanted them to give heed to what He said; He wanted them to be ‘DOERS and not forgetful hearers of the Word.’ [James 1:22].
This is also the intent of the apostle [Paul, writer of Hebrews]. He warns the CHURCH to give more earnest heed to what they have heard [as in, ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.’]. He intimates that they are not entirely heedless; but he desires them to give MORE earnest heed to ‘the things which belonged to their peace’ [Luke 19: 42]. They had already the knowledge they needed. They knew what to do. But they were NOT living up to the light they had. They must be STIRRED into action.” pp. 80, 81.
More than we realize, there will be so much less reason, occasion, stress, anxiety, and desperation to seek “a way of escape” from many a sticky situation if only we judiciously avoid getting entangled at the outset.
This “way of escape” is preemptive, thus preventive. Then, not only “avoid”but run away from the deadly sin of presumption, the counterfeit of faith, like the plague!
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.