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Answer
Hebrews 10:26 is part of the warning passages found in the book of Hebrews, specifically addressing the issue of willful sinning. Hebrews is commonly structured around its five warning passages (Hebrews 2:1-4;4:12-13;6:4-8;10:26-31;12:25-29). Each of these passages discusses apostasy or turning away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many interpret Hebrews 10:26 as a reference to persistent sinning, suggesting that the author is warning against turning away from Jesus in apostasy.
The warning states: “If we deliberately continue to sin after receiving the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the adversaries of God” (Hebrew 10:26-27).
Just before Hebrews 10:26, the author encourages the audience by giving commands to support one another, hold firmly to the Christian hope, and encourage good deeds. Hebrews 10:26–31 appears to be an inserted warning, as the author resumes positive affirmations in verse 32.
In this warning, the author cautions that deliberate sinning will lead to severe judgment. Those who sin in this manner are considered “enemies of God.” Some argue that this passage warns against losing salvation. However, this interpretation is incorrect, as other Bible passages clearly indicate the impossibility of losing salvation (Romans 8:31-39;1 Peter 1:3-5;John 6:47). Others suggest that this passage is a reminder of the consequences of persistent sinning.Sage is intended to alert a false convert. This is the more plausible interpretation.
The apostate deliberately defects from Christ. They had approached Christ, professing faith; they had heard and comprehended the gospel, but then they denied what they had learned and turned away. Their declaration of faith was insincere. This is the “willfully sinning” that Hebrew 10:26 alludes to—consciously and intentionally rejecting Christ. It’s not a sin of ignorance or weakness; it’s a purposeful turning away from the truth, knowingly choosing sin over Christ. John also cautioned that willful, persistent sin is a sign of unbelief: “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God” «Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. », (1 John 3:9).
Those who have “received the knowledge of the truth” and then willfully sin by turning away from it are faced with a dire fate: “a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire” «For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, », (Hebrews 10:26, ESV). God will not forgive sin without a sacrifice, and, since the apostate has rejected the only sacrifice available to him—Jesus Christ—he is left without any way to obtain forgiveness. Returning to the Old Testament system of sacrifice is of no avail, and Jesus will not die again (Hebrews 7:27;1 Peter 3:18), so “there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins” «For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more saSacrifice for sins,” (Hebrews 10:26, NLT).
The author of Hebrews issues a stern warning against playing games with God and making false professions of faith. To know the truth and yet reject it is to suffer eternal consequences. Hebrews 10:31 emphasizes the seriousness of such deliberate sinning: “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” How crucial it is to heed Peter’s advice, “My brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10)!
