The Berean Expositor
Volume 10 - Page 64 of 162
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The Epistles to the Hebrews.
#11. The Inherited Salvation (Heb. 1: 14).
pp. 20 ­ 23
Our last article was headed The Inherited Name, better than Angels. This one is
entitled "The inherited Salvation", as it too is better than the inheritance of angels, for
angels are ministering spirits to these heirs of salvation. Quoting from the previous
article we remind ourselves that
"Angels are sons of God by creation, men become sons of God through faith in Christ.
Christ in resurrection was declared Son of God by inheritance."
This argument is equally true in the present case. All who are saved receive salvation
by faith, but some of the saved will, in addition, receive salvation by inheritance. Christ
suffered and learned obedience by His sufferings, was perfected, and became the Author
of aionian salvation to all them that obey Him. Christ is set before the Hebrews as the
Author and Perfecter of faith, "Who for the joy set before Him endured a cross, despising
the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God." Those who "inherit" salvation also
suffer, endure, run the race set before them, and, like Moses and Abraham, have respect
unto the recompence of the reward. To be an heir presupposes sonship: "If children, then
heirs"; but before salvation no man is a child of God.
Does the word salvation in Hebrews point to something other than salvation from sin?
Let us see. We shall not be at all surprised to find that such a word occurs seven times,
viz.:--
Soteria (Salvation).
Inherited salvation (1: 14).
Neglecting so great salvation (2: 3).
The Captain of salvation (2: 10).
The Author of aionian salvation (5: 9).
Things that accompany salvation (6: 9).
Without sin unto salvation (9: 28).
Unto the salvation of his house (11: 7).
Passing by for the moment the first reference, let us briefly notice the others.
Heb. 2: 3.--This salvation is called the "so great" salvation, which title indeed, we
gladly agree, justly describes the redemption of the sinner. Those who were in danger of
neglecting this so great salvation, however, are those who have had its testimony
confirmed to them, which hardly applies to unbelievers. Much also depends upon the
meaning of the word "neglect", which must be considered in its place. We hope to show
that this salvation does not refer to salvation from sin.