The Just Live By Faith

Hebrews 10:26–31
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The solemn exhortation found in Hebrews 10:26-31 is the fourth of five warnings found in Hebrews. It is one of the most controversial passages in all of Scripture and is debated by great theologians around the world. The big question is: Were these people saved or unsaved? There … More

Salvation

I personally believe this passage was written to believers and follows in the sequence with the other four warnings. Dr. Warren Wiersbe, in his commentary on Hebrews, suggests the following outline: The believer who begins to drift from the Word (Heb. 2:1-4) will soon start to doubt the word (Heb. 3:7-4:13). Next he will become dull toward the Word (Heb. 5:11-6:20) and become lazy in his spiritual life. This will result in despising the Word, which is the theme of this exhortation and is evidence of willful sinning.

Also I believe that the context in which this is written is further proof that these verses are definitely addressed and refer to born-again believers (Heb. 10:19-25), they refer to “brethren” (v. 19), who are admonished to “hold fast to their profession” (v. 23). There is no break in the line of reasoning when the passage says, “For if we sin willfully” (v. 26). No rule of Bible interpretation or logic can make this apply to the unsaved, as the writer even includes himself when he says “we.”

This warning was given to Jewish Christians who were tempted to reject Christ for Judaism, but it applies to anyone who rejects Christ for another religion. The point is that there is no other acceptable sacrifice for sin than the death of Christ on the cross. In stating that this exhortation applies to believers, and does not suggest a loss of salvation, I am not suggesting that chastening is unimportant (v. 31). God forgave David’s sins, but David suffered the consequences for years to come (II Sam. 12:7-15). It is a fearful thing to come under God’s judgment.

Application

I am thankful that I can not lose my salvation (John 10:27-30) and that Lordship is not a requirement for being saved. Salvation does not depend on what I do or do not do, but is completely of grace.

Hebrews 10:26-31 (English Standard Version)

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