Why do we think we can avoid consequences? The author emphasizes the serious danger of rejecting Christ and his salvation. There is no escape from punishment for those who turn away, and the punishment will be very severe (see Hebrews 6:4–12; 10:26–31; 12:29; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:16).
Salvation means God's actions to help his people. For example, God saved his people when he brought them out of Egypt in the exodus (Deuteronomy 26:5–9). In the New Testament, salvation generally refers to Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. This action saved people from the consequences of sin and gave them new life (Hebrews 5:9–10). Jesus first announced this salvation himself (for example, Matthew 4:17; 9:35; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:1–5). He then confirmed the message through those who heard him speak (for example, Mark 6:12; Acts 2:38; 3:19–20).