Christ’s Position Is Established
Hebrews Chapter 2
Our conclusion from Chapter 1 is that there is no genuine conflict between the Bible and science. A serious scientist would never dismiss the Bible on scientific grounds. Science, by definition, studies measurable matter, whereas theological topics, focused on non-material aspects, lie beyond scientific investigation. The perception that the Bible is outdated stems from a misunderstanding of this distinction. According to Scripture, the human mind opposes God. Rejecting the Bible because of science is merely wishful thinking.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7
The science issue has been addressed, one of the two questions that challenge belief in God. As we proceed, Hebrews comprehensively addresses the question of evil, its source and how it will be completely removed from this world. This is the pattern for the rest of Hebrews.
Christ’s Position Is Established
Arguing is pointless if Christ created and sustains everything. Hebrews 2 then quickly focuses on the central issue, instructing us to consider the facts. The original teaching now becomes the focus, and we need absolute clarity on what it was. The first of a series of warnings follows; this time it is subtle: do not let the words slip.
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1
What Did They Hear: The Gospel Christ Actually Taught
The text does not specify what was heard. This ambiguity is intentional, prompting readers to decide what these “things” are on their own. Misunderstanding results in a warning, and that indicates serious consequences. If they interpret correctly, the rest of Hebrews aligns perfectly.
What would the original audience have understood from this reference? It depends entirely on what Christ genuinely taught. What was His gospel?
If you examine Christ’s ministry carefully, you will notice something that contradicts all common assumptions. He spent His entire time preaching “the gospel of the kingdom of God,” not a gospel about His sacrificial death. The disciples had no comprehension that Christ was going to die. Yes, Christ made references to His coming death, but these statements never registered with the disciples. When it happened, they were shocked, devastated and confused. Peter, at the last moment, declared he would defend Christ with his life. It is crucial to understand this. There was never any discussion that penetrated their understanding of Jesus dying for humanity. The gospel He taught personally, and commanded His disciples to spread far and wide, then and into the future, was not a message about Christ dying for us and all our sins being forgiven. Note that when asked how we should pray, the guidelines He gave were “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven.”
Throughout the years of close association, there was no teaching about dying for humanity to be saved or grace replacing law. That is a gospel people today want to hear, which explains its popularity. But it categorically was not the gospel Christ taught or instructed His disciples to teach.
How could the disciples have been teaching a gospel about Jesus dying to save mankind when the concept had not entered their minds? They taught what Christ taught: the gospel of the kingdom of God.
Christ’s message focused on a coming kingdom where He would rule over the earth. He would establish a New Covenant. The world would be peaceful, with no crime, no wars, children playing safely in the streets. Food would become abundantly plentiful. Weather patterns would change, turning former deserts into gardens. Natural disasters and rampant disease would no longer occur. Even animal behavior would change. His words were more uplifting and inspiring than anything anyone had ever heard before, touching the audience deeply. They brought hope where hope was scarce during their subjugation under the Romans. The miracles He performed amplified the significance of His words, sometimes involving thousands of people. He cured incurable diseases. Crowds faint from hunger were fed, cripples were healed, the dead were brought back to life. Only someone directly representing God could achieve such feats. His messages carried conviction and authority like never before. The crowds eagerly gathered to hear this message of a new future. Many people traveled on foot from neighboring countries just to hear Him.
To reinforce His gospel and ensure every point was well understood, immediately after the resurrection Christ organized what can only be described as an intensive training session: forty days of instruction in the hills of Galilee. Over five hundred disciples gathered to hear the risen Messiah deliver His last instructions about the kingdom of God. This was not a celebration or reunion. It was a boot camp, preparing them for a mission that would seem humanly impossible.
During this training, “some doubted.” But what exactly did they doubt? They were not questioning the resurrection; Christ was standing before them alive. They were not questioning His identity as the Messiah; they worshiped Him. The doubt centered on what He was asking them to do. The task He described was dangerous and completely impossible by human standards. Would God really empower them to achieve it?
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Matthew 28:18
During those forty days, He explained the meaning of the “kingdom” in relation to His resurrection and their role in bringing it about. His instruction was for them to proclaim that the kingdom would be realized through the New Covenant, and that the Kingdom, the New Covenant, and the “everlasting covenant” (Hebrews 13:20) are essentially identical. The kingdom will initiate the New Covenant, and the New Covenant cannot exist without the Kingdom.
While it may appear straightforward at first glance, simply informing people about the New Covenant will not bring it into reality. People must change first and be willing to accept it, along with all its conditions. Telling people to repent and change their ways often meets very stiff resistance.
Christ set an extremely high standard, which caused many to hesitate or give up before even beginning. In just a few days, Pentecost would be celebrated in Jerusalem. Christ instructed them to stay there and wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, as He had previously explained would occur. They had already received the Holy Spirit when Christ “breathed on them”:
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: John 20:22
But what they were about to receive was different: empowerment with miraculous abilities.
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts 1:4
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
However, as stated, “many doubted.” Despite being commanded to be in Jerusalem, of the five hundred, only one hundred and twenty followed through.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,). Acts 1:15
To be certain in our minds that it was the kingdom the disciples and Christ had been discussing, and what was foremost on their minds, as Christ departed from them they asked the obvious question: “Are you going to install that kingdom now?” Their question was not if, but clearly when.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. Acts 1:6-7
The kingdom of God has not arrived yet. It will come when He returns. His return will inaugurate the New Covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31, bringing universal peace and writing the law of God directly on human hearts. Until that day, His followers will face persecution: “They will hate you; some of you they will even kill.”
Testing the Claims: Has the New Covenant Arrived?
If the Kingdom and New Covenant had already arrived, the evidence would be all around us. We would not even ask such a question. Do we have universal peace and prosperity? A world blissfully unaware of crime, illness, and natural disasters? Children filling streets with carefree play? The entire world displaying the spirit of cooperation that comes from God?
The answer is obvious. These conditions do not exist. Therefore, the New Covenant is not in existence.
Traditional Christianity, as we know it, has not fulfilled and does not fulfill the function of being the Church as defined by Scripture. Instead of securing peace for the world and establishing “the kingdom of God here on earth,” Christian denominations have waged war against other Christian denominations. This historical reality presents one of the most significant stumbling blocks for those seeking God: the warfare and division that have resulted from the Christian religion itself.
Defining True Discipleship
How can we define a faithful Christian? One clear definition comes from Christ Himself:
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35
There is not the slightest possibility that a true disciple of Christ could go to war against another disciple. Any Church involved in such conflict is not a Church of God. This alone disqualifies virtually all the main denominational churches throughout history. By this measure, not a single loyal disciple of Christ has been operating within those institutional structures. World Wars I and II saw Christian nations slaughtering other Christian nations. This is a total contradiction and conclusively demonstrates they are not true Christians as the Bible defines them.
The Mark of God’s True Servants
A more revealing and pertinent definition for our times, for those who genuinely serve the living God, comes from Hebrews itself:
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. Hebrews 2:4
God made it plain who He was working through in the first century, and He will do so again in the last days.
The critical phrase is “according to His will.” Only if we act specifically according to His will can we expect to perform signs and wonders. This raises the next essential question: What is His will?
The end-time Saints will perform miracles, the “greater works” that Christ promised. Christ challenged the religious leaders of His day with a penetrating question: “If you are the spiritual leaders of Israel, how is it that you do not understand any of the things necessary to lead them?” (John 3:10)
Today’s churches struggle to guide people back to God because mainstream Christianity itself does not truly follow God. If they claim they represent God, they would need to answer these questions:
Why would there be a need for Christ to return and sort the world out?
Why would there be a need for a unique book in the New Testament (Hebrews) containing specific instructions on how to act on behalf of God if they were already serving Him correctly?
What would be the need for an Elijah to prepare the way for the return of Christ and to “restore all things”?
If traditional Christianity was serving God correctly, how is it that the Christian nations are altogether spiritually bankrupt?
So Great Salvation: A Specific Calling
Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Heb 2:1
Before examining what “must not slip,” notice something crucial in Hebrews 2:3:
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? Hebrews 2:3-4
It is easy to read past “so great salvation” with little thought. But that phrase distinguishes a particular salvation, something specific, not salvation as generally taught.
If Christ “first began to speak about it,” this cannot refer to the resurrection per se. The concept of a future resurrection had been well understood for hundreds of years (except by the Sadducees). David knew about a resurrection. Daniel was told to wait for his. Ezekiel saw the vision of dry bones coming together with flesh. The resurrection as a concept was by no means new.
So what did Christ “begin speaking about” that required confirmation “by those who heard him”? What was so different it needed verification by eyewitnesses?
The answer appears in His own words:
Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28
This is not about individual resurrection to eternal life. This is about governmental authority, sitting on thrones, exercising judgment, ruling alongside Christ.
Revelation confirms this pattern:
And hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on [over]the earth. Revelation 5:9-10
Notice the corporate language: kings and priests who reign over the earth. Not isolated individuals experiencing personal salvation, but a unified governing body exercising authority in the coming kingdom.
It is the “so great salvation,” which includes the Melchizedek Order, the “rest,” and ruling with Christ. This is what Christ first began to speak about, what the apostles confirmed through signs and wonders, and what the Holy Spirit empowered when giving instructions “according to his own will” to those who are fully committed.
The first resurrection, this special salvation, demands everything. It offers rulership over nations in exchange for complete dedication and fulfillment of duty during the preparation period. Most who hear about it will not commit to it. The reduction from five hundred to one hundred and twenty stalwarts is a pattern that appears several times in the Bible and demonstrates the case here. But for those who do commit, the promise is extraordinary: to become part of the governmental system that will administer the New Covenant when Christ returns.
Throughout this book, these terms are used interchangeably: “so great salvation,” “entering the rest,” the Melchizedek Order, the first resurrection, being “partakers of Christ.” All refer to the same reality: participation in the governmental structure that will administer the New Covenant when Christ returns. Remember this equivalence; it will be essential for understanding the warnings and encouragements that follow.
The Destiny of Humanity: All Things Under Subjection
But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Hebrews 2:6, quoting Psalm 8
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.But now we see not yet all things put under him.But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:8-9
“All things,” meaning everything that constitutes the matter of the entire universe, will eventually be placed under human control. But not yet. The will of the Father involves this future transformation, which has been determined and decreed. Upon successfully completing the duty performed by the end-time Saints, this plan will be secured and finalized. What we see now is Christ as an interim stage waiting for further measures to unfold.
The connection to Revelation 12 demonstrates that this is still future:
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:10-11
Christ and His Brethren: United as One
The theological heart of the chapter reveals the intimate unity between Christ and the Saints:
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. Hebrews 2:10-11
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Hebrews 2:12-13
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17
Note carefully: This is the first explicit mention of Christ as High Priest in the book of Hebrews. It was subtly inferred in chapter 1, verse 4: “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” In chapter 2, He is directly identified as the High Priest, and this theme will be constantly expanded throughout the book of Hebrews.
The progression is deliberate:
Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection. Hebrews 6:1
That “perfection” involves entering into the Melchizedek Order by fulfilling the required actions.
Core Theological Framework
Several critical points emerge from this chapter:
The scope of human destiny: When Scripture says “all things” will be placed under humanity’s feet, it means literally all things, the entire creation. This is the ultimate destiny of redeemed humanity. By warning that we “could let it slip” (verse 1), the text indicates this outcome is not yet finalised or secured. It rests entirely on the shoulders of the Saints.
The purpose of the creation: Why was humanity created in the first place? Why did the eternal Son of God subject Himself to becoming human? One answer is found in Hebrews chapter 10. Christ was also subject, voluntarily, to the will of the Father. The Father wanted an expanded ‘family’ of beings, “created in his image.” There is one overriding condition: they must, of their own free will, prove they want to be there. No magic wands.
The meaning of sanctification: The full application of being “sanctified” is provided in Hebrews 10: those who are doing the will of the Father. Sanctification is not merely being set apart, but being set apart for a specific purpose and mission. In Revelation 12, it states, “they overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb.” Christ’s blood, His sacrifice, enabled them to work directly for the Father and Christ since they were then “sanctified” for the purpose.
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 2:11
Christ’s priesthood and its completion: Christ came to serve as the High Priest of the Melchizedek Order. When this order becomes fully operative, complete with the Order itself (the firstfruits who compose it), the plan of giving eternal life to all people will be finalized. Humanity’s role will follow this in the greater universe itself.
Sons unto glory: This phrase refers to the resurrection, specifically entrance into the Melchizedek Order through the “better resurrection” mentioned in Hebrews 11:35.
Victory over death: The statement “that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” explicitly refers to resurrection: Christ’s victory over death and the Saints’ participation in that victory.
The Identity of the Recipients
Who are the “we” being addressed in verse 3?
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? Hebrews 2:3
These are disciples destined for the “better resurrection,” with access to the power of the Holy Spirit, but only when operating according to the will of the Father. This describes a completely dedicated, particular group of believers.
The context aligns perfectly with Christ’s high priestly prayer in John 17. These disciples are directly connected to both Christ and the Father, united in purpose and mission: “he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one.” This does not describe Christians in general. It describes the Saints, those sanctified to complete the will of the Father in turning people back to God in preparation for Christ’s return and the New Covenant.
The world’s future hangs in the balance, and the disciples, the Saints, are the deciding factor in whether that future arrives.
The end time work has not yet begun
However, it is important to recognize that since no group currently promotes the New Covenant and performs miracles greater than those of Christ, this work has not yet begun. Chapter 3 introduces a detailed list of specifics that continues through several chapters. These will identify who will “serve the living God.”
Speaking In Parables: Why the Mystery?
The Book of Hebrews has largely remained a mystery since it was written. If the Bible is seen as a message from God to humanity, one would expect God to communicate His message clearly and understandably to everyone. Hebrews specifically addresses what are called the mysteries of God in the New Testament, topics only comprehensible with the help of the Spirit of God. The link between the gospel of the kingdom and the New Covenant, something I see as one and the same, has been noted several times. Why is this connection not obvious? Why hide this message beneath layers of secrecy?
The simple answer is that the most significant work the people of God have ever done is saved for the end times. It must make the greatest possible impact to fulfill its purpose, and it will be the final opportunity for the world to turn around. (See Malachi 4). If the entire Bible were understood without any surprises left in store, the end-time Saints would lack the ammunition to achieve the needed result. As we progress through Hebrews, the New Covenant will be seen clearly as the focal point.
The disciples were very aware of this apparent paradox.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Matthew 13:10-11
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Luke 8:10
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
This verse reflects the long-term plan of God.
The Predictable Response
If these churches face correction, as Christ corrected the religious establishment of His time, expect hostility rather than gratitude. If it becomes clear to governments that they will be replaced by this coming kingdom, do not expect assistance. The pattern is consistent throughout history.
The reduction from five hundred in Galilee to one hundred and twenty in Jerusalem highlights a recurring pattern. This pattern appears multiple times in the Bible. Gideon initially assembled thirty-two thousand troops, but only those who drank water in a specific way, remaining standing while scooping water with their hands, were selected, resulting in only three hundred soldiers suitable for battle (Judges 7:4). Similarly, Abraham, just one man, from whom the nations of Israel descend. Noah and his family of eight to restart humanity. At the fulfillment of Christ’s mission, there were only twelve disciples.
Most people who hear about the “so great salvation” will not commit to what it requires. They want the result without the duty, the glory without the cost.
But for those who respond to the calling, refuse to harden their hearts despite the difficulty, and hold their confidence firm to the end, the promise remains: entrance into the ‘rest’, participation in the first resurrection, and membership in the Melchizedek Order that will govern the earth when Christ returns.
The window called “today” will not remain open indefinitely. When the call arrives, there will be a timeframe. The mission has a deadline. The question facing each person who hears is simple but profound: Will you harden your heart, or will you trust God with the seemingly impossible task He is calling you to accomplish?
No One Is Saved Yet
As this book progresses, it will become clear that no one is saved yet. Christ died so that people could be saved. Salvation is not yet accomplished. It rests on the final end-time saints to complete the relay that has been in progress all this time. You have not won the race until the team crosses the finish line. Why is there a need for an Elijah work to “restore all things” at the end time if the Church had been preaching the right message all along?
The manifestation of the Holy Spirit with power, which was present in the early church, was removed. Revelation addresses this directly when Christ tells the church at Ephesus, “You have lost your first love.” The power was withdrawn. At the end time, prior to Christ’s return, the end-time saints will have this power restored. The degree to which the Holy Spirit is given depends on obedience and faithfulness to the will of the Father. Does it make any sense that God would give favor to anyone who was not obedient?
The next chapter continues this theme, but the warning intensifies. Obviously the stakes must be very high.