Sermon Tone Analysis

*THE UNANSWERABLE QUESTION (1 OF 4)* \\ \\

 

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how 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 2:1-3)

 

It is a recognized fact that one of the best methods of teaching is by the use of carefully prepared questions.

This serves the double purpose of discovering the pupil's ignorance or knowledge of the subject, and of imparting to him the information necessary to his education.

This was the method employed by Socrates: the great Grecian philosopher who lived over two thousand years ago.

God's word, the Bible, contains a great number of questions and answers and much can be learned from them, for many of them are of importance to humanity.

For instance, when Job inquired: 'How then can man be justified (or declared righteous) with God?" the answer comes both clear and definite: "Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."(Job

25:4; Rom.

3:24) When Nicodemus asked: "How can a man be born again?" our Lord left him in no doubt as to the answer: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

(John 3:1-16) In response to the query: "If a man die, shall he live again?"

our Lord answered: "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me though he were dead, yet shall he live."

(Job 14:14; John 11:25) When Solomon asked: "Will God indeed dwell on the earth?" the affirmative answer was given when the angel proclaimed to the shepherds: "Unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord."

(1 Kings 8:27; Luke 2:7-11)

 

Some years ago a friend of mine saw a piece of paper lying on the street.

On it, printed in large letters were the words: "Twenty five thousand dollars reward!" Attracted by the munificent offer, he picked up the paper and read these words: "Twenty five thousand dollars will be given to the person who can correctly answer the following question: 'How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?' " Needless to say, the reward is still unclaimed, for this is one of the unanswerable questions of the Bible.

As such it deserves our closest attention and we shall do well to give it our most earnest consideration.

Let us think of three things regarding this unanswerable question.

First, we shall consider the great salvation.

Second, we shall think of the tragic possibility.

Third, we shall concern ourselves with the dreadful result of neglecting this great salvation.

[To be concluded]