Neglecting Your Salvation?

September 22nd, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Hebrews 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

All doctrinal teaching demands a response. There is no purpose in teaching biblical doctrine unless there is a life application to draw from such information. So, after a clear exposition in the first chapter of Hebrews regarding the superiority of Christ over all things to include angels, the author draws a conclusion, signified by “for this reason” in 2:1. The application the author is seeking in reference to Christ’s superiority, throughout this ancient letter, is faithful obedience to Jesus Christ because there is no one who rivals Him. He is God. No one and nothing is better.

The specific obedience the author seeks in v. 1 is, “we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” Of course the information the audience had was that Jesus was the Messiah, the long awaited Prophet in the likeness of Moses (Deut. 18:15), the Son of David (2 Sam. 7:14; Heb. 1:5). That kind of information was important. It must not be ignored in favor of angels or any other idea that might trivialize Christ’s existence. But the danger of not paying closer attention was the danger of drifting from the truth.

The two phrases in v. 1, “pay much closer attention” (Gr. prosechō) and “drift away” (Gr. pararreō) are both one word in Greek and both have seafaring nuances. Prosechō is used in relation to tying a boat to a dock to secure it. Likewise, pararreō is used for a ship that coasted by a harbor. Together these two terms warn all to be mindful of the gospel of their salvation. Believers neglecting their salvation through apathy are in danger of shipwrecking their faith (cf. 1 Tim. 1:19), or apostatizing—falling away. Also, unbelievers can reject Christ only so long until they eventually sail past the point of no return—their own untimely death. Their indifference to the doctrines of grace, if not dealt with, will eventually shipwreck their lives (cf. 6:19). This makes the conclusion in 2:1 applicable to both believers and unbelievers.

Since there are parables in the NT illustrating apostasy (Mark 4:1-20; cf. Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43), along with other passages and contexts that speak of professed believers drifting from their faith (Heb. 6:4-8; 10:25-26; 1 John 2:19), many conclude that one’s salvation can be lost. The issue, however, is not that a person can lose their salvation, for salvation is a gift from God, eternally secure (John 10:28; Eph 1:13-14; Jude 1). There is nothing a Christian can do to lose his or her salvation. So the question is not Can one lose their salvation? Rather, the question is Who truly has salvation? For not all who call Christ “Lord” are truly saved (Matt. 7:21-23). The writer of Hebrews wrote primarily to a Jewish audience who professed faith in Christ (10:32-34), but he also included those who had intellectually believed in Christ who had not committed their lives to Him (6:1-8). And yet the author had a third group in mind: those who simply did not believe at all (9:11-13). Thus, Hebrews 2:1 is for all, exhorting no one to neglect salvation.

Food For Thought
Many professed Christians have a casual and indifferent attitude towards sin and Christ. Far too often folks just say, “I’m only human, and humans make mistakes.” This attitude was in Adam, who, prior to his rebellion, decided that eating that which was forbidden was his right. He apparently thought that God would understand. This shows how little mankind has changed! We tend to forget the price that had to be paid in order to forgive our sins, and when we do, we just take God for granted and keep on sinning. But true faith in Jesus Christ manifests itself through a maturing faith (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5-10)—progressive sanctification. A maturing faith grows deeper as time passes, never drifting far from the truth, always striving for the truth. So, since a growing faith guards against drifting, let us pursue it daily through Bible study, prayer, and worship.