WARNING AGAINST WILLFUL SIN

INTRODUCTION Immediately following a gracious exhortation to draw near to God and hold fast the confession of our hope, we find a powerful and eye opening warning...

It is a warning against “willful sin” - Heb 10:26-39

It speaks of reaching a terrible state in which:

“there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins”

And in which there is “a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire”

Is this a warning for Christians?

Some would say no, for...

They believe in the doctrine “once saved, always saved”

Theses errorists hold that true Christians:

Cannot sin to point of being eternally lost

If they begin to sin to the point where they might be lost, God will intervene and take their life to prevent it from happening

Does the Bible teach “once saved, always saved”?

The Bible does teach the security of the believer (i.e., those who remain faithful are secure)

But it also teaches that a believer can become an unbeliever, at which point a person has every reason to fear for his or her salvation!

Hebrews 3:12–14 ASV 1901

12 Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: 14 for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

The possibility of apostasy is taught in the Bible, especially in the epistle of Hebrews ...

We have already seen several warnings that imply this possibility:

A warning against drifting - Heb 2:1-4

A warning against departing - Heb 3:12-14

A warning against disobedience - Heb 4:11

A warning against dullness, leading to apostasy - Heb 5:11-6:6

But perhaps now, with “A Warning Against Willful Sin”, we learn the real danger of losing our salvation - if we despise what we have received! - Heb 10:26-39

To see if that is really what the Bible teaches, let’s begin by considering...

DISCUSSION

WHAT IT MEANS TO “SIN WILLFULLY”

Hebrews 10:26 ASV 1901

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,

Compare other Translations...

“If we go on sinning deliberately...” (ESV)

“For if we go on sinning willfully...” (NASB)

The sense of the Greek is one of repeated action

Implying not an “act” of sin, but a “state” of sin

All Christians have moments of weakness, or who ignorantly sin

1 John 1:8–10 ASV 1901

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

It is not “inadvertent” sin, but “deliberate” sin that is under consideration

It is a “state” in which one...

Knows the truth - cf. Heb 10:26b

Yet chooses to deliberately and continuously persist in sin!

Can a true Christian ever reach this point? Yes...

Note the pronoun “we” (the author includes himself in the warning) - Heb 10:26a

He later describes one who was sanctified by “the blood of the covenant” ...

Hebrews 10:29 ASV 1901

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?

So, this warning is directed to those who have been sanctified by the blood of Jesus, a Christian

When one persists in sin with “a high hand” (i.e., presumptuously, cf. Num 15:30-31), they are in grave danger.

This is especially true when one is a Christian!

What sort of danger? Consider...

THE CONSEQUENCES OF “WILLFUL SIN”

Hebrews 10:26–27 ASV 1901

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.

There no longer remains a sacrifice for sin

What sacrifice is under consideration here? Christ’s sacrifice!

What sacrifice no longer remains? Christ’s sacrifice!

The blood of Christ is no longer available for one who persists in “willful sin”!

But, notice what does remain...

“a certain fearful expectation of judgment” - Heb 10:27a

One can expect a judgment that is certain!

Hebrews 9:27 ASV 1901

27 And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment;

Acts 17:30–31 ASV 1901

30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

One can expect a judgment that is fearful

For we must answer to Christ Himself

2 Corinthians 5:10–11 ASV 1901

10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

And we will be in the hands of the living God!

Hebrews 10:30–31 ASV 1901

30 For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Another thing that remains is a “fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries” - Heb 10:27b

A judgment involving fire (figurative, but torment just the same) - cf. Rev 21:8

A judgment involving indignation (the wrath of God) - cf. Rom 2:5-11

Such a judgment will devour (not annihilate, but destroy)

Matthew 10:28 ASV 1901

28 And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Such are the consequences of “willful sin”, and the warning is directed to Christians!

Is God just in bringing punishment upon His children who have been redeemed by the blood of His Son?

Evidently so, for notice...

THE JUSTIFICATION FOR PUNISHING “WILLFUL SIN”

Hebrews 10:28–31 ASV 1901

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? 30 For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Consider what was required under the Old Covenant

Death without mercy!

Hebrews 10:28 ASV 1901

28 A man that hath set at nought Moses’ law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses:

Such was the punishment was for a particular kind of sin:

Sin that was deliberate

In which one “set at nought Moses’ law” (ASV)

In which one “set aside the law of Moses” (ESV)

In which one “despised Moses’ law” (KJV)

Sin that was open

It had to be seen by two or more

For death was not rendered unless there were “two or three witnesses”

Again, it is sin with “a high hand” that is under discussion

While there was mercy for sins of weakness or ignorance, there was none for open and deliberate sin under the Old Covenant!

What is required under the New Covenant

One is worthy of “much sorer punishment”

Hebrews 10:29 ASV 1901

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?

What could be worse than physical death?

Only “fiery indignation”! (i.e., hell)

Why? Because a Christian who “sins willfully” has...

“trodden under foot the Son of God”

The word “trodden” comes from katapateo

It “denotes contempt of the most flagrant kind” (Moffat)

Such a person treats Jesus who died for him like dirt!

“counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing”

The “blood of the covenant” clearly refers to Jesus’ blood - Heb 9:14-22; 13:20

It is by this blood one is “sanctified” (i.e., made a Christian)

Such a person consider Jesus’ blood a “common thing”!

“done despite unto the Spirit of grace”

Perhaps a reference to the Holy Spirit

Through Whom the message of salvation was given - Jn 16:13-14

Through Whom our sanctification takes place - 1 Cor 6:11; Tit 3:5-7

Or perhaps referring to the spirit (disposition) of God’s unmerited favor

Whichever, a person who openly and deliberately sins “insults” God’s grace!

This passage clearly teaches two things:

That a Christian can so sin as to reach this point of open rebellion against Jesus!

That the punishment reserved for such is “worse than death”!

This is consistent with God’s Nature

Isn’t God a God of love? Of course!

1 John 4:8 ASV 1901

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

But He is also a God of justice, One who judges His people

Hebrews 10:30 ASV 1901

30 For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Remember, to who much is given, much is required

Luke 12:47–48 ASV 1901

47 And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; 48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.

And, those who despise His love, set themselves up to be recipients of His wrath

Romans 2:4–6 ASV 1901

4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 who will render to every man according to his works:

Therefore it truly is “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” - He 10:31; cf...

Hebrews 12:28–29 ASV 1901

28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

What can we do to ensure that we do not become guilty of “willful sin”?

In the remaining verses of chapter ten, I believe we find the answer...

THE SOLUTION TO AVOIDING “WILLFUL SIN”

Hebrews 10:32–39 ASV 1901

32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; 33 partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used. 34 For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. 37 For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry. 38 But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

Solution #1: Remember your Early Confidence

The writer reminds his Hebrew readers of their “former days”...

Those days after they were “enlightened” - Heb 10:32

I.e., shortly after their conversion

In the days of Justin (ca. 167 A.D.), this term was a synonym for baptism

Those days in which they were “a gazingstock” - Heb 10:32-34

By their own sufferings

And by sharing in the sufferings of others, including those of the author

In whom they had compassion in his chains

In which they “took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions”

Knowing that they had “a better and enduring possession” in heaven!

It is such confidence they must be careful not to “cast away” - Heb 10:35

To “cast away” is the opposite of “hold fast”

Only in “holding fast” our confidence is there “great reward” - cf. Heb 3:6, 14

Likewise, we need to rekindle the fire of that newfound faith we had when we first responded to the gospel!

Revelation 2:4–5 ASV 1901

4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. 5 Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.

Solution #2: Endure to the End

Endurance is needed to do God’s will, if we wish to receive the promise

Hebrews 10:36 ASV 1901

36 For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.

For the Lord is coming...

Hebrews 10:37 ASV 1901

37 For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry.

And the just lives by faith...

Hebrews 10:38 ASV 1901

38 But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

If we draw back (become unfaithful), the Lord will not be pleased!

The author speaks of his own confidence...

Hebrews 10:39 ASV 1901

39 But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

He is not of those who “shrink back unto perdition” (who cast away their faith)

But of those “who have faith unto the saving of the soul” (who remain faithful to the end)

We too need to “have faith unto the saving of the soul”, or to put it in the words of Jesus, “be faithful unto death” - cf. Rev 2:10

CONCLUSION

We can look forward with great anticipation to the “saving of the soul”, if we...

Remember (and rekindle) that confidence early in our conversion

Endure to the end with the faith that saves

But with “A Warning Against Willful Sin”, we must never forget that one can...

Fall from grace!

Fall into the hands of the living God!

Which is a terrifying thing!

It is much better to be “upheld” by the hand of God, as the Psalmist wrote:

Psalm 37:23–24 ASV 1901

23 A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.

Such is the case of those who remain strong in their faith and trust in the Lord. Do we have faith unto the saving of the soul?