The Urgent Call of the Gospel
In a world filled with distractions, the gospel of Jesus Christ demands our undivided attention. It’s not enough to glance at it casually or discuss it occasionally. We must give it earnest heed, as the book of Hebrews warns us.
A Lesson from Lydia
In Acts 16, we meet Lydia, a woman who embodied this principle. When the apostle Paul preached the gospel, “the Lord opened her heart” to pay attention to his words (Acts 16:14). She didn’t just sit and listen; she studied and considered the message, recognizing its vital importance.
Drifting Away
The author of Hebrews cautions us against drifting away from the gospel, like a ship carried away by the tide, missing the harbor of salvation. This is a tragic fate, as some people come close to embracing the gospel but ultimately fail to commit themselves. Our Lord’s parable of the sower illustrates this danger, where the seed of the gospel is sown but fails to take root due to neglect or distraction.
Neglecting Salvation
The author of Hebrews asks, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). Many people know about the gospel but neglect it, absorbed in other things. They propose to deal with it someday, but that day often never comes.
A Warning to Us All
Throughout the book of Hebrews, the author repeatedly warns against these dangers: drifting away, neglecting salvation, and failing to give the gospel earnest heed. The Bible exhorts us to avoid these fatal possibilities and instead listen to the gospel with undivided attention.
A Call to Action
In a world that increasingly ignores the gospel, we must respond to its urgent call. Let us prioritize the gospel, giving it the attention and consideration it deserves. Our souls depend on it.
About the Author
This article is adapted from A Merciful and Faithful High Priest: Studies in the Book of Hebrews by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a renowned preacher and minister of Westminster Chapel in London.
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