Ἑκουσίως , wilfully ) For after the truth has been acknowledged , the excuse of ignorance is taken away.— ἁμαρτανόντων , if we sin ) To sin here means entire revolt or apostasy from GOD, Hebrews 10:29 , ch. Better and Lasting Possessions (Hebrews 10:32-34) Hebrews 10:35-36. It’s about renouncing Christ after knowing him and following him and then decisively turning your back on him. We know this because… 1. If Jesus isn’t enough for you, then nothing your old life offers will satisfy and there is no other way your sins can be forgiven. 10:26-27. First of all there is no ‘if’ in the passage; it is stated as an actual case, not a supposed one. This is the only unforgivable sin and it’s impossible for a Christian to commit it. Apostates are those who move toward Christ, right … Suppose he joins a Christian church, endures the opposition, faces the ridicule, knows that his family despises him but continues to grow in grace. John Grisham’s Advice to Aspiring Writers, Subscribe to Pastor Ray’s blog by email », Frequently Asked Questions (about the Bible and life). The thought that there is a sin one can commit that results in God’s fiery judgment as a punishment worse than death is The source of the enlightenment is , the result is repentance and faith, Hebrews 6:1. But suppose that a Muslim becomes a Christ-follower and not only follows Jesus but begins to grow, to learn, to deepen his faith. The passage, together with Hebrews 10:26-29, Matthew 12:32, 1John 5:16 (see the Notes), occupied an important place in early controversies, as those of the Montanists and Novatians, who refused absolution to those who, after baptism—or, in the language of the early Church, after “illumination” (Hebrews 6:4)—fell into heinous sin. Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation? Hesed חֶ֫סֶד in the Hebrew Bible, Survey of Literature and Summary. What does it mean to work out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)? Lots of issues here, and I begin by acknowledging the fierce debate surrounding the proper interpretation of the “warning passages” in Hebrews. Hebrews 10:26-29 warns against the sin of apostasy. Hebrews 10 is not talking about normal Christian growth and the struggles we all face. When Hebrews 10:26 says “no sacrifice for sins is left,” it means “If you reject Christ after claiming to know him, there is no place else for you to go.” If you turn your back on Jesus, going back to the synagogue (the situation faced by the first-century readers of Hebrews) or the mosque (as in my example) will not help you. To receive the knowledge of the truth does not mean they are saved. is used in this absolute way in Hebrews 10:32 where a comparison with Hebrews 10:26 indicates that it is equivalent to . Though the author of Hebrews is unknown (many suspect it was Paul), the writer obviously had an exhaustive knowledge of the Old Testament since a great many Old Testament themes and citations are used. Do you have any thoughts or questions about this post? When persecution and fear put pressure on believers, our response should be to "hold fast" to the truth. Cf. For our purposes, let’s focus on Hebrews 10:26, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.» Context here is all-important. Hebrews 3:12 , 2 Kings 21:16 ; and the violation, not of the law, Hebrews 10:28 , but of the whole economy of the New Testament, Hebrews 10:29 . What is the sin spoken of in Hebrews 10:26? Does Hebrews 10:26 mean that a believer can lose salvation? What is the purpose of the warning passages in Scripture. The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation by Bruce Demarest. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! We know how hard it is for a Muslim to give up Islam and become a Christ-follower. J. PAUL TANNER Research Professor, BEE World Tyler, Texas Hebrews 10:26-31 stands as one of the most difficult passages to in-terpret in the entire NT. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." The book of Hebrews is meant to encourage Christians not to give up on their faith. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the “pioneer” of our faith. One day he begins to think, “Maybe I was wrong about Jesus.” One day the price seems too high for him. We’ve already believed and been reborn, birth is final. The word "willfully" is from the Greek word hekousios, it means: "voluntary, of one's own accord." v. 23), the author was concerned here, as throughout the epistle, with the danger of defection from the faith. Hebrews 10:26. "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries" (10:26). Such a person faces ostracism, opposition, ridicule, and maybe even death. Hebrews 10:26 can only be understood in its near context (and in the context of the book of Hebrews). By James T. Bartsch. The whole idea of “deliberate” sin doesn’t involve things like saying a swear word or skipping church or being in a bad mood or missing an appointment. He is the one who blazed the trail. with a true heart--without hypocrisy; "in truth, and with a perfect heart"; a heart thoroughly imbued with "the truth" ( Hebrews 10:26). But one day he begins to have doubts. ( Hebrews 4:16, 7:19.) If you have a Facebook account, you may comment below: Keep Believing Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. It is often translated mercy, kindness, or lovingkindness. A. Let’s further suppose that he becomes a pastor and preaches the Word of God. No one knows when that time will come. This is an attribute of Yahweh. Hebrews 10:26-31 The Message (MSG) 26-31 If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! Hebrews 10:26 (NKJV) For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, The "if" here is a third class condition meaning: "maybe yes, maybe no." Hebrews 10:26 envisions something much more serious–a deliberate, premeditated rejection of Christ. The author of Hebrews is speaking to a group of Christians who know the Mosaic Covenant and have placed their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. As the context shows (cf. Hebrews 10:26-29 New International Version (NIV). The book of Hebrews was, of course, written to the Hebrew people. He frames his entire point around the nation of Israel’s experience in the wilderness as i… The one and only sin mentioned in the first ten chapters of Hebrews is unbelief. So he gives in, gives up his pastorate, leaves the church, “de-converts” and returns to Islam and makes a big show of it. Therefore, when the writer said in Hebrews 10:26, “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” he is talking about those who had received the knowledge of the truth but were rejecting it–not that they were saved and lost their salvation. Then the emphasis is on ‘wilfully ‘and on continuance in sin. Hebrews 10:26 doesn’t say Christ’s sacrifice isn’t sufficient for you (or anyone else). The Hebrew word hesed חֶ֫סֶד is found 249 times in 239 verses in the Hebrew Bible. Here’s a relevant example. No Other Sacrifice for Sin is Left Only Judgment (Hebrews 10:26-27) Hebrews 10:28-31. Can a Christian lose their salvation? He bases his request on “your lovingkindness” (חֶ֫סֶד hesed). So he starts to read and think and lets his mind wander. 3. For if we sin wilfully; rather, are wilfully continuing in sin. You might call such a person a Prodigal Son in reverse. Maybe he misses his family. That sort of thing does happen from time to time. He repeatedly quotes the Psalms and the Prophets in areas regarding the history of the Hebrews as if they know them. What does it mean to 'fall from grace' (Galatians 5:4)? By David J. Stewart 22. The author of Hebrews says that the Israelites perished in the desert when after receiving the law of Moses, they disobeyed it. Hebrews 10:26, NASB: "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins," Hebrews 10:26, NLT : "Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins." It's a heart issue. We know this because of the title, but also because so much of the book is explained by the understanding that the readers were Jewish. Hebrews 10:29 NASB A person who continues in conduct, thoughts, and words that by their nature deny Christ, reject grace, spurn redemption, and push away the Holy Spirit is certainly flirting with spiritual disaster of the most severe kind. That is, if we fail to draw near, hold fast, and consider one another–things that we KNOW we should do–the Hebrew writer considers this failure to be sinning … We must understand that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers. The KJV translation here, “if we sin willfully,” is superior to NIV’s if we deliberately keep on sinning, as the words “keep on” overplay the Greek tense. Maybe he is just tired of the pressure. In my judgment it’s not talking about what we call “backsliding” into sin. He is the one who made the way into the Holy of Holies so that the rest of us could follow into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19–20). Thus, by "the house of God," over which Jesus is, heaven is included in meaning, as well as the Church, whose home it is. Hebrews 10:26 “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,” Explanation and Commentary of Hebrews 10:26. Paul's essential purpose in writing this book is to pull Jewish believers away from continuing in the temple ritual now that that ritual had been fulfilled in the incarnation, life, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Apostasy is an intentional falling away or defection. It is a word which needs to be noted. FOR WHOM DOES HEBREWS 10:26-31 TEACH A “PUNISHMENT WORSE THAN DEATH”? 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. It says that animal sacrifices won’t help if believers count Christ’s blood as insufficient. First, I would not separate Hebrews 4:13 from Hebrews 4:12. Maybe he misses the daily calls to prayer. When Hebrews 10:26 says “no sacrifice for sins is left,” it means “If you reject Christ after claiming to know him, there is no place else for you to go.” If you turn your back on Jesus, going back to the synagogue (the situation faced by the first-century readers of Hebrews) or the mosque (as in my example) will not help you. And the mosque starts looking good to him. Now, the Hebrew writer turns in verse 26 to what will happen if we do not heed his exhortation. An Examination of Hebrews 10:26-31 and its Larger Context. All contributions are tax-deductible. What Does Hebrews 10:26,27 Mean? See Strong's #2617. —Hebrews 10:26,27. He references the Levitical priesthood and its details regarding atonement as if they understand what he’s talking about. Hebrews 10:26 can be read by believers fearlessly. If you continue on sinning willfully, there IS a point in which God will turn you over to a reprobate mind - Romans 1:28. Apostasy is an intentional falling away or defection. Hebrews 10:26-29 warns against the sin of apostasy. Barnes's Hebrews 10:26 Bible Commentary For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth - If after we are converted and become true Christians we should apostatize, it would be impossible to be recovered again, for there would be no other sacrifice for sin; no way by which we could be saved. 2. Does Hebrews 6:4-6 mean we can lose our salvation? Only God does. 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. also 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 1:18. It is a Dreadful Thing to Fall into The Hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:28-31) Hebrews 10:32-34. I believe that is what the gospels point out. The Purpose of the Book of Hebrews. Apostates are those who move toward Christ, right up to the edge of saving belief, who hear and understand the Gospel, and are on the verge of saving faith, but then reject what they have learned and turn away. Hebrews 10:26. This is not blind faith—on the contrary, most of the content of this letter is evidence supporting the fact that Jesus Christ is, in fact, God's ultimate plan for our salvation. Is final we all face Hebrews 10:26 Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free ``,. 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