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TEXT_130.txt
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Studies In Hebrews #7
--------------------------
Alex Ogden
Willful Sin (10:26-31)
As he has done before (2:1-4; 3:7-19 and 5:11-6:8), the writer sounds
out a warning. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the
knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a
certain fearful expectation of judgement, and a fierceness of fire which
shall devour the adversaries" (10:26). The context of these words suggests
something much more serious than what Paul called being "overtaken in any
trespass" because such a person as that was to be restored (Gal.6:1). He
has already shown that Christ, as our High Priest, can "succor them that
are tempted", sympathize with them in their infirmities and "bear gently
with the ignorant and erring" (2:17f; 4:15f; 5:2). What the writer has in
mind is that "falling away from the living God" he spoke of in 3:12, that
apostasy against which he warned his readers in 6:4-8. If one knows the
truth, and then knowingly and willingly turns and rejects that truth, there
remains no sacrifice for them to appeal to. They are left without a
sacrifice to be benefited from since they rejected the "once for all"
sacrifice of Jesus (10:10,12). All that remains for such an individual is
a "fearful expectation of judgement" (10:27).
Rejecting the Mosaic law resulted in sore punishment. "The soul that
doeth aught with a high hand...the same blasphemeth Jehovah; and that soul
shall be cut off from among his people" (Num.15:30). They were to "stone
them to death with stones" (Deut.17:2-7). They were to die since they had
blasphemed Jehovah in rejecting His laws. Such sinners died "without
compassion" (10:28). The wilful sinner under Christ can expect "much sorer
punishment" since by their sin they had "trodden under foot the Son of
God...counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an
unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace" (10:29; see
again 6:4-6). Those who willingly turn their back on the law of Christ to
engage in sin show contempt for God's only begotten Son, show they regard
"the precious blood of Christ" (1 Pet.1:19) as powerless and insult the
Holy Spirit. "Sorer punishment" surely awaits such sinners. "It is a
fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (10:31;
cf.Matt.10:28).
Verse 26 began with the simple word "for". The word connects what was
before with what follows. Our author had just addressed the custom some
had of forsaking the assembling of the saints together (10:25). He then
says, "for if we sin wilfully..." As we consider 10:26-31 we must not miss
a point he is making--"forsaking our own assembling together" is one
example of sinning wilfully. Such shows contempt for God's Son who died
for us. It is as if your only son died saving your neighbor from a fire
and then that same neighbor skips the funeral to satisfy selfish desires.
Such forsaking shows disrespect and contempt for the one who gave his life
for others.
We can draw near to God with confidence (10:19-22), or we can fall into
His hands terrified (10:26-31).
The Need To Persevere (10:32-39)
As he did with the stern warning of 6:4-8, so the warning of 10:26-31 is
followed with words of encouragement. He knows the strong words he has
been giving could tend to discourage them if left alone. Since this would
defeat his purpose (13:22), he continues with words to reassure and
encourage.
They are first reminded of their endurance and faithfulness in "former
days" (10:32-34). They were made to endure "a great conflict of
sufferings" shortly after they were "enlightened" with the truth of the
gospel (cf.6:4,5). In all likelihood the persecutions of Acts 8:1 are
referred to. Some had endured "being made a gazingstock...by reproaches
and afflictions" while others became "partakers with them that were so
used". Those who had not been made a public spectacle in this persecution
had compassion and offered help to those who were persecuted, even though
such put them in a position where they also could have been "made a
gazingstock". Out of love they had "ministered unto the saints" (6:10).
They also "took joyfully" the spoiling of their physical possessions.
Because of their faith in Christ and their support of those who were made a
gazingstock, they suffered loss of the things of this world. They endured
such losses "joyfully" because they knew a possession was awaiting them
which was both "better" and "abiding" (see also Matt.6:19-21). The words
of Jesus may also have been on their mind, "Blessed are ye, when men shall
hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach
you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in
that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven"
(Lk.6:22,23). Because of their faith in Christ they suffered persecutions.
They are commended for their endurance of such persecutions.
Having commended them for their faithfulness and endurance in "former
days" the Hebrew author now encourages them to maintain their boldness and
develop patience (10:35-39). Earlier in this epistle the author said, "but
Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our
boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end" (3:6). He
encouraged them to maintain boldness to be identified as God's house. Here
he tells them maintaining that boldness will bring "great recompense of
reward". Note again the words of Jesus in Luke 6:23: "Rejoice in that day,
and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven". This
boldness had helped them before to endure persecutions and it would prove
helpful for such in the future.
They needed to be patient to be able to fulfill the will of God and in
the end "receive the promise". Earlier he told them to be "imitators of
them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (6:12). He said
of Abraham, "having patiently endured, he obtained the promise" (6:15).
Abraham, through his descendants, received God's promised rest. The
Hebrews needed to maintain their boldness and develop patience so they
could receive the promised rest yet remaining (cf.4:1). They needed to
understand "the Lord is not slack concerning his promise" (11 Pet.3:9).
Habakkuk 2:3,4 is used to encourage them to be patient: "yet a very little
while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry." In using this
passage the Hebrew writer apparently has in mind the coming of Jesus in
judgment upon the nation of Israel (see 12:25-27; Matt.24; Rev.22:7,20),
which coming occured in 70 A.D. In their patience they are to live by
faith, not turning back to the old ways. He expresses confidence in his
readers when he says, "we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition:
but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul." He expresses
confidence in their living by faith and in so doing encourages them to
continue stedfastly in the life of a Christian.
In closing the chapter he spoke of those who had "faith unto the saving
of the soul." In chapter 11 he gives numerous examples of those who lived
by faith and in so doing illustrates to the Hebrews, and to us, what kind
of faith we must have to save our soul. Such examples will prove very
useful in encouraging the Hebrews to remain faithful unto Christ.
Alex Ogden
CompuServe: 72603.1041
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