Deadly Deliberate Sin
When the author of Hebrews wrote his letter, there were recipients of his message that considered themselves Christians. They worshipped with Christians, ate with them and fellowshipped with them. Yet when they were away from the Christian community and back in their Jewish communities, they continued in the Jewish ritualistic customs. They were closet Christians! This is what the book of Hebrews refers to as apostasy. Apostasy is the act of renouncing one’s faith and turning away from God.
The author is exhorting these Christians to keep to their faith and not to forsake Jesus and return to their Jewish customs. For if they know the truth and the way of Jesus and turn away, there are no further sacrifices that can cover their sins. He outlines the act of apostasy and its deadly consequences, urging us not to go down that road. In this day and age we too are at risk of committing apostasy, should we not keep faith in the Trinity of God. It is a great reminder for us to keep our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus, regardless of how sin is affecting us.
Scripture
Heb 10:26-31 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. (28) Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (29) How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” (31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Bible Study Questions
At first glance, it may seem as if this passage was written as a warning to non-Christians. What clues can you find that indicate that the author is writing the letter to Christians? (Hebrews 10:26-31)
The passage tells us that there is no longer a sufficient sacrifice for our sins when we go on deliberately sinning. What do you understand from this message? (Hebrews 10: 26)
The author tells us that those who sinned under the Mosaic law were put to death. What sins can you think of in the old testament that lead to death? (Hebrews 10:28; Deuteronomy 13:1-10; 21:18-21; 19:15-21; Leviticus 24:11-16; 20; Exodus 31:14-15; 21:12-14; 21:16)
We learn that the sinners would be put to death on the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses. Do you think there were sins where there weren't witnesses? And how would the Israelites deal with those sins (Hebrews 10:28; 9:7)
Verse 29 goes into detail about what apostasy means to God and how it is a complete rejection of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. What does this tell you about the way these people thought about God? (Hebrews 10:29)
The author tells us that God will have vengeance on those who commit apostasy. What does this tell us about God? (Hebrews 10:30; Job 36:6)
Based on your understanding of the passage, how will we know if we are in danger of committing apostasy?
Prayer
Father, we pray to you today that you will make clear in our minds what it means to follow you. Once we gain knowledge of the truth, let that truth take hold of us deep inside and let it change us. Let it set our gaze upon you at all times, so that we may grow ever closer to you and that as a result, we will not want to turn away. Help us father to deal with sin in any way that it is affecting us and as we grow closer to you in all our circumstances, help us to break free from the sins that try to pull us away from you.
Worship
How deep the Father's love for us : Stuart Townsend
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Service
To know God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but to renounce and disrespect Him is to commit apostasy. We are all in danger of committing apostasy, depending on our circumstances and our current relationship with God. Apostasy is the worst sin Christians can commit. Speak to your friends in Christ about the act of apostasy and find out if they or anyone they know are struggling with their faith. Find out what you can do to help those people, pray for them and where necessary, please ask us for help.