Hebrews 10:26-29 Context and meaning

[Christownsme]

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries.
28 A man that hath set at nought Moses law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses:
29 of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

I have struggled with these verses a lot.

Knowing context is important, just reading verses 26 & 27 isn't sufficient to understand what the writer in Hebrews is talking about. In verse 28 it talks about a person died without compassion if he "set at nought Moses' law". What does that mean to set at nought something? I think it means to not pay any attention to it, not to consider it. The next verse in 29 describes it further and a sorer punishment if he "trods under foot the Son of God, counting the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, despite the grace offered him."

I'll offer what I'm thinking, and again, I'm struggling with these verses too.

Does knowingly sinning in times during your life necessarily mean you've trodden under the foot of Christ and counted the blood unholy? I don't think so. I sure hope not, because I've sinned a lot knowing it's wrong. Usually I'm involved with emotionally trapping sins.

I think 1 John 1:8 explains that "he who says he is without sin is a liar and the truth not in him." Plus, it says "despite the grace offered him". In other words, God offers us time to repent from those types of sins.

Now agreeing with verses 26 and 29, someone who sins (which is inevitable, according to 1 John 1:8) and refuses to go to Jesus Christ for forgiveness because he figures the blood of the covenant isn't for him anymore, and never will be (despite the grace, he counts the blood an unholy thing to be a sacrifice for his sins), they ya, I see the meaning behind all of Hebrews 10:26-29. In that case, since that person has not counted Jesus' blood worthy to cleanse him of his sin, then since there is no other name written under Heaven for men to be saved, then yes, there is no more or no other sacrifice for sin.

I already know how some of you feel about these verses. I'm still learning, always will be. I'd like to hear from some of you on this.

 

[seeingeyes]

Now agreeing with verses 26 and 29, someone who sins (which is inevitable, according to 1 John 1:8) and refuses to go to Jesus Christ for forgiveness because he figures the blood of the covenant isn't for him anymore, and never will be (despite the grace, he counts the blood an unholy thing to be a sacrifice for his sins), they ya, I see the meaning behind all of Hebrews 10:26-29. In that case, since that person has not counted Jesus' blood worthy to cleanse him of his sin, then since there is no other name written under Heaven for men to be saved, then yes, there is no more or no other sacrifice for sin.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."

"But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved."

Chapter 10 sets up Chapter 11. The author contrasts those who get a little bit down the road and then turn back when it gets rocky with the faith of the 'ancients' who were fearless and bold. Trusting God alone for all things.

Then in the beginning of Chapter 12 the crescendo of encouragement hits its high point: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

We walk where Jesus walked because we know there is no one else worth following. We don't walk alone, but with the 'ancients' and with each other. We have received the kingdom of God. Only a fool would hand it back. So keep going. Keep going.

 

[Christownsme]

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."

"But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved."

Chapter 10 sets up Chapter 11. The author contrasts those who get a little bit down the road and then turn back when it gets rocky with the faith of the 'ancients' who were fearless and bold. Trusting God alone for all things.

Then in the beginning of Chapter 12 the crescendo of encouragement hits its high point: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

We walk where Jesus walked because we know there is no one else worth following. We don't walk alone, but with the 'ancients' and with each other. We have received the kingdom of God. Only a fool would hand it back. So keep going. Keep going.

Thank you seeingeyes for your input here. What you say makes good sense.

I am entangled in a sin, seeingeyes. I feel the guilt. I also feel the helplessness. I cry out to God daily for either the strength to stand up for what I believe or deliverance by God. I'm very afraid of this situation. I almost feel taken advantage of. I won't explain in detail what's going on but just for you to know I covet YOUR prayers on this area of my life. Please.

 

[PBA]

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, andhath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
- Note - Esau despised his birth right.
In reading chapter 10, I think this refers to the danger of carelessly allowing sin as an accepted practice in our lives. Being in this state can lead us to no longer holding Christ's sacrificed blood as God's precious provision for our forgiveness of sins. It could also bring us to thinking some other sacrifice we make will please God instead, such as works, self efforts, or reverting back to the blood of bulls and goats. Nothing short of the blood of Christ is acceptable and accompanied with true repentance. True repentance for sin, prayer, the blood of Christ for forgiveness, abiding in Christ, and trusting in His power to keep from sinning should be what is practiced. Christ saves to the uttermost those who call upon Him. We can't save ourselves. He must do it, by living within us.

 

[PBA]

In short - I need to add that we all find ourselves at times struggling with sin. It's dangerous to ignore it when we are there and accept it as a common practice. Calling on Him for deliverance and practicing abiding in Him daily will break the fetters of Satan's chains on us. Keep doing what is needed and trust Him to accomplish it in and through us.

 

[seeingeyes]

Thank you seeingeyes for your input here. What you say makes good sense.

I am entangled in a sin, seeingeyes. I feel the guilt. I also feel the helplessness. I cry out to God daily for either the strength to stand up for what I believe or deliverance by God. I'm very afraid of this situation. I almost feel taken advantage of. I won't explain in detail what's going on but just for you to know I covet YOUR prayers on this area of my life. Please.

"The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Heb 9)

Never doubt the power of your Father's grace, brother. His love is fierce, and it burns down all barriers.

Do you think that our God, who would send his own son to die for those who would happily murder him, and His son, who would joyfully go along with such a plan out of love, could ever forget you or reject you because your sins are just too big for Him to deal with?

Not a chance in hell.

I'm praying for you, brother. Keep going.

 

[Kemosabe]

Christownsme: Does knowingly sinning in times during your life necessarily mean you've trodden under the foot of Christ and counted the blood unholy?

That's exactly what it's saying.
It also says, we face certain judgment and punishment.

Fortunately, it doesn't say that there's no chance of repentance; but again, there will be certain judgment and punishment.

We must overcome sin!

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

We must stop sinning and except the judgment and punishment.

"if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity"

That's what turn the other cheek means, a smite on the cheek was a form of punishment;

"Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head"

We have to get everything squared away between us and God on this side of eternity, it'll be too late on the other side.

Christownsme: I think 1 John 1:8 explains that "he who says he is without sin is a liar and the truth not in him." Plus, it says "despite the grace offered him". In other words, God offers us time to repent from those types of sins.

That scripture refers to those who haven't accepted Christ.

Otherwise, the scripture would be in perpetual contradiction with the next verse and make it a commandment to sin.

"He that committeth sin is of the devil"

We have to stop sinning, end of story.

Christownsme: Now agreeing with verses 26 and 29, someone who sins (which is inevitable, according to 1 John 1:8)

Again, that's false doctrine.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

This scripture guarantees "no condemnation"
1. don't follow flesh
2. do follow Spirit

.

 

[Norah63]

Choices, daily choices. We can overcome, if we choose to.
Resist the devil and he will flee. As the above post says, walk in the spirit and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Avoid a pity trap, it leads downhill.

 

[bottomofsandal]

I already know how some of you feel about these verses. I'm still learning, always will be. I'd like to hear from some of you on this.

Brother, re-read Luke 15, The Prodigal son !

God will NEVER leave us or forsake us ! PERIOD !

Anyone who says otherwise does not understand or know the mercy of God. Many here are obsessed with judgement, wrath, anger, punishment, and condemnation. Why is that ? Is that the message of the cross of Christ ? Most men who emphasize their obedience emphasize what they bring to the party (which is absolutely nothing). Perfect obedience is by Him, through Him, and from Him alone. When we obey it is Christ in us by His Spirit through the grace of God. No way man can make himself godly. If we can make ourselves holy by self-deification, why do we need God ?

 

[Norah63]

Understanding perfectly what you are saying bottomofsandal. And the other half of the walk is the walk we take.
Never left alone, true. Yea though I walk thru the valley... we do the walking. Not out of fear but with faith. Because we know who walks with us. That's joyful news.
To omit judgment from God's plan is an incomplete version. It will happen.
And no, we are not to be 'obsessed' with it, just aware, so we may warn the ungodly and unruly . Done in love it is a precious warning.
Preaching repentance is giving the good news of the gospel, there is a savior to turn to, and sin to turn away from.
He has set before us this day life and death, choose life!

 

[MWood]

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, andhath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
- Note - Esau despised his birth right.
In reading chapter 10, I think this refers to the danger of carelessly allowing sin as an accepted practice in our lives. Being in this state can lead us to no longer holding Christ's sacrificed blood as God's precious provision for our forgiveness of sins. It could also bring us to thinking some other sacrifice we make will please God instead, such as works, self efforts, or reverting back to the blood of bulls and goats. Nothing short of the blood of Christ is acceptable and accompanied with true repentance. True repentance for sin, prayer, the blood of Christ for forgiveness, abiding in Christ, and trusting in His power to keep from sinning should be what is practiced. Christ saves to the uttermost those who call upon Him. We can't save ourselves. He must do it, by living within us.

To understand Hebrews 10:26-29, lets go back to Num. 15:22-36. From here we can get a better understanding of a willful sin. Starting in verse 22 we learn of sins of ignorance and what should be done for the atonement of that sin. All this is good to know for a deeper understanding of the willful sin. Then in verse 30 we find the sin of presumption, which is to say, the soul knew the Law but commited the sin any way. Verses 32-36 gives an example of a presumptous sin.

If we will study Hebrews 10:26-29 in light of Num.15:22-36 the scripture will open up to you. Do the study, let me know what you think.

 

[bottomofsandal]

Understanding perfectly what you are saying bottomofsandal. And the other half of the walk is the walk we take.
Never left alone, true. Yea though I walk thru the valley... we do the walking. Not out of fear but with faith. Because we know who walks with us. That's joyful news.
To omit judgment from God's plan is an incomplete version. It will happen.
And no, we are not to be 'obsessed' with it, just aware, so we may warn the ungodly and unruly . Done in love it is a precious warning.
Preaching repentance is giving the good news of the gospel, there is a savior to turn to, and sin to turn away from.
He has set before us this day life and death, choose life!

We must use Biblical words to speak of Biblical truths (1 Cor 2:13).


How does God speak about His own gospel ?

The Good News, the gospel of peace...what is the message ?

God's word declares God's love, mercy, foregiveness, patience...

Why do some preach wrath, judgement, and condemnation ?


We must avoid the worldly peril of "balance". Balance is not truth.

Neither can truth be balanced. I AM The Truth. Totally 1-sided !

 

[Norah63]

If we have no part in the walk then why should I share bible verses?
It has been done at the cross, that is salvation.
If all life has thereafter been ordered and laid out, then there is nothing else to share on this thread.

 

[Kemosabe]

bottomofsandal:
How does God speak about His own gospel ?

The Good News, the gospel of peace...what is the message ?

God's word declares God's love, mercy, foregiveness, patience...

Your Bible must be different than mine...

"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."

 

[bottomofsandal]

If we have no part in the walk then why should I share bible verses?
It has been done at the cross, that is salvation.
If all life has thereafter been ordered and laid out, then there is nothing else to share on this thread.

Where and who said we have no part in our walk ?

I am specifically addressing what is the message of the gospel of grace.

What saith The Holy Writ ?


John 1:16-17

King James Version (KJV)

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 

[bottomofsandal]

Your Bible must be different than mine...

"But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."

Maybe you have a big pair of scissors ???