Origin of This Great Salvation
The text sets forth the origin of this great salvation along with God’s method for its preservation and propagation. It reinforces our need to pay close attention to it by contrasting its author (Christ) and His ministry to that of angels.
- Word Spoken by Angels
Undoubtedly this phrase refers to the ministry of angels during Old Testament times, specifically during the law. the law was ordained by angels (Galatians 3:19) or given by the disposition of angels to Moses (Acts 7:38, 53). Anytime God sent an angel with His word, or on a mission, every transgression and disobedience received a just reward (Hebrews 2:2). God often used angels as His messengers to announce blessings as well as judgement; their words always came to pass (Genesis 19:1-26; Judges 13:2-25). - Word Spoken by the Lord
God has spoken to humans in many ways in the past, but in these last days he has spoken by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3). Jesus Christ is Go manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16), the express image of God’s person (Hebrews 1:3), and the Word made flesh (John 1:1-14). He is superior to angels. Since He is superior, if what angels spoke was steadfast, how much more should we give heed to what Christ spoke?
New Testament salvation from sin is not a philosophy of modern people or a product of history; it was begun by Jesus Christ. It was the Lord who taught that being born again was a necessity (John 3:1-8). He taught water baptism and Spirit baptism while on earth (Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Acts 1:1-8). He gave commandments to His apostles to be carried our after his ascension (Acts 1:1-13; Luke 24:46-49; Matthew 28:19-20). After His ascension He sent back the Comforter, or Holy Ghost, just as he promised (Acts 2:1-4, 38; 10:44-48).
Neglecting this salvation and Christ’s teachings will put us in an inescapable position. We must never allow this saving doctrine to slip from our life and our church. - Word spoken by Apostles
Salvational truths first taught by Christ were confirmed, taught, establishes, and made sure by those who heard Him. God bore witness to this confirmation and continuation of the salvation message with signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Peter, who had the keys to the kingdom of heaven, used them in Acts 2. His baptismal formula in Acts 2:38 does not contradict Christ’s in Matthew 28:19; it is a fulfillment and explanation of Christ’s baptismal formula.
New Testament writers have preserved with precision Christ’s teaching, thus confirming the salvation message began by the Lord. Paul, who received it by revelation, wrote of and propagated identical truths (Galatians 1:6-12).
Though viciously attacked, especially during the Dark Ages, God’s Word has been preserved and handed down to us. Neglecting this salvation or simply letting it slip away from us has eternal consequence.