“HOW shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation” (Heb. 2:33How 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; (Hebrews 2:3)). This is a pointed and a very solemn question that God has caused to be written in His Word, and it behooves all to give it their earnest consideration. Dear reader, we have heard recently of brave men risking their lives to save others from a burning building, and no doubt you would be one of those that would do all in your power to save any one from such torture; but if suffering for a short time is considered so dreadful, what will it be to suffer eternally in the lake of fire? Suppose you were present at a fire, and you saw one of the fire escapes placed in position that those in danger might escape, you would no doubt consider them very foolish if they did not avail themselves of it, especially if there was no other means of escaping; yet it may be that you are neglecting God’s way — the only way of escape from eternal torment, which will be the portion of all those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 20 and 21:27).
Another solemn question we read in Isaiah 33:14: “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” We know that many seek to evade the full force of the scriptures that speak of the suffering to be endured by those who reject the gracious call of Him who “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)). But far better face the question fairly now than to leave it until too late. The door of mercy is now open that whosoever will may enter, but “when once the Master of the house has risen up and hath shut to the door” (Luke 13:2525When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (Luke 13:25)), there will be no way of escape from the damnation of hell. There is a way now to keep out of hell, but no way to get out of hell. “Between us and you
there is a great gulf fixed:
A. L. J.