So Great a Salvation

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Monday, July 12, 2010

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
- Hebrews 2:3–4

The Hope Diamond, described as the most perfect blue diamond in the world, is one of the most highly prized gems on the planet, with an estimated value of $250 million dollars. It has an amazing history, having been originally in the possession of King Louis XIV. Catherine the Great had it for a time, as well as King George IV. Despite the diamond's enormous value, one of its more eccentric owners often strapped it to her dog's collar. Eventually the jewel came into the possession of diamond merchant Harry Winston, who donated it to the Smithsonian Institution. Amazingly, Winston sent the diamond to the Smithsonian through the U.S. mail, wrapped in a brown paper bag. (Can you imagine being the person who opened the mail that day?) Today the Hope Diamond sits on display behind bullet-proof glass at the National Museum of Natural History.

Something more valuable than the Hope Diamond also goes unappreciated sometimes. I am speaking of our personal salvation, the incredible gift that God gives to every person who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ. It is the greatest thing God has given to each of us, yet we often take it for granted.

When the disciples were empowered by God to do miracles and cast out demons, they were excited over the fact that demons came out at their command. But Jesus told them, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). In effect, Jesus was telling them to get the big picture, to realize there is nothing more important than salvation.

That is why the Bible describes it as "so great a great salvation" (Hebrews 2:3). And it becomes ours when we believe in Christ.