Text: Hebrews 10:29
The Hebrew writer addressed the problem of those who would “go on sinning willfully” (Hebrews 10:26). These were Christians who were forgiven of their sins. Yet in our text, the Hebrew writer made three indictments against them. He was not just indicting them of sin, but of three things they were doing because they continued in sin.
Who Is Being Indicted?
- Those who “go on sinning willfully” (Hebrews 10:26) – sin is a serious offense (1 John 3:4; 1:5-6); it is not to be taken lightly; we are not to continue in it (Romans 6:1-2)
- Those who have already received “the knowledge of the truth” (Hebrews 10:26) – the implication is that they had been saved (1 Timothy 2:4); knowledge of the truth leads to obedience (1 Peter 1:22-23) and results in salvation (Hebrews 5:9)
- Those who are under the law of Christ (Hebrews 10:28-29) – the Law of Moses had been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14)
- Could we be indicted? – under the law of Christ (yes); knowledge of the truth (yes); sinning willfully (??)
What Is the Punishment?
- First, notice that there is “no longer…a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26) – the animal sacrifices under the Law of Moses could not take away sins (Hebrews 10:4); only Christ’s sacrifice on the cross could do this (Hebrews 9:22, 14); without His sacrifice, we have no hope (Ephesians 2:12-13); the same is true when we reject His sacrifice
- There is “a terrifying expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:27) – God will judge us (2 Corinthians 5:10); punishment for those who are not faithful (Revelation 20:14-15); it was prepared for the devil and his angels (Revelation 20:10; Matthew 25:41), but will also be for the unfaithful
- This punishment will be deserved (Hebrews 10:29) – this is what we “earn” for our sin (Romans 6:23)
What Are the Three Indictments?
- “Trampled under foot the Son of God” (Hebrews 10:29) – Jesus died on the cross for our sins; we show contempt for Him by continuing in sin (Romans 6:1-2, 15-16)
- “Regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant” (Hebrews 10:29) – Jesus shed His blood in His death; we act as though Jesus was just a criminal (John 19:21)
- “Insulted the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29) – the Spirit revealed God’s will (1 Corinthians 2:10-12); by our actions we blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31)
How Do We Avoid This?
- Honor Christ (Ps. 2:12) – treat Him as Lord by doing His will (Luke 6:46)
- Recognize the great value of His sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18-19) – have the same purpose (1 Peter 4:1)
- Follow the instructions of the Spirit (Romans 8:14) – obey the word He revealed (John 16:13; Matthew 28:20)
Conclusion
- Sin is not to be taken lightly – we are not to continue in it
- When we sin willfully, we disrespect Christ, disregard His sacrifice, and insult the Holy Spirit
- Rather than doing this, let us take advantage of Jesus’ sacrifice, follow the word that the Spirit revealed, and honor Christ in all that we say and do
