Hebrews 2:1

Heb. 2:1. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let (them) slip.

Here in his Blank Bible, Edwards noted the ever-present danger of professed believers lapsing into apostasy:

[ So therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed] i.e., if Christ be so much greater than the angels, we ought to give earnest heed for that not giving heed to the word spoken by them was severely punished as he observes in the next verse. lest at any time we should let them slip] i.e., by not keeping them in practice in the same sense as Christ speaks of keeping his commandment. We should keep it as a jewel committed to our care that were apt to loose or apt to slip from us. He that don't persevere in obedience lets the command slip. The thing which the apostle here warns against is apostasy the same that he is abundant in warning against in other parts of this epistle Hebrews 3:6 Hebrews 3:12-14; chap. Hebrews 4:1-11; chap. 6 throughout; chap. Hebrews 10:23-25 to the end; chap. Hebrews 12:1-4; Hebrews 12:15; Hebrews 12:16; Hebrews 12:17; Hebrews 12:25, to the end; chap. Hebrews 13:1; Hebrews 13:7-9; Hebrews 13:13; Hebrews 13:14; Hebrews 13:20; Hebrews 13:21

This theme was so central in Edwards' preaching we would be surprised if there were not a sermon on the text. The anticipated sermon opens with a reminder that the preceding chapter had revealed God's speaking through his Son. Giving earnest heed is therefore necessary because we are in constant danger of losing these things. The doctrine of this MS sermon preached February 1733/4 is: "When we have heard the word of God we ought to give earnest heed that we don't lose what we have heard."

First, Edwards explains the meaning of this warning. There are many who come to service who pay no attention and could give no more account than if they had stayed home. They are rather losing an opportunity to hear. Others hear and understand but when they leave think no more of it and then lose it. Still others hear and are convicted but lose their convictions by not giving heed. A fourth group have "impressions" and their affections are stirred but lost. Even the godly may experience this. "Thorny ground" hearts give some attention but lose even their resolutions.

The reasons for giving heed are numerous. Ministers speak by divine authority and ought to be earnestly heard especially as they speak in the name of the Lord. God has given earnest heed to communication and it more greatly behooves his hearers to pay attention to what he communicates. This is especially so since we may never hear again and become worse than the lost who never hear.

Not only is the sermon interesting in itself but especially as it is near the time when the first awakening in Northampton is beginning.

Heb. 2:2