Hebrews 10 is a commentary on Paul’s words in Galatians: “So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (3:24). Hebrews 10:5-7 echoes Psalm 40:6-8. God desires obedience (Psalm 40:6), but we continually disobey. The law reveals what we do wrong, and we stand guilty before God. The sacrificial system was a way to temporarily cover sin, but mankind needed a permanent solution. Jesus Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Psalm 40:7-8), ascended to heaven, and we are waiting for His glorious return (where all His enemies will be defeated). His perfect sacrifice makes it possible for us to be forgiven, holy, and righteous!
Psalm 24:3 poses the question: “Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place?” There are two possible answers to that question. Jesus, since He is holy and righteous, obviously can ascend! But, because Jesus has cleansed us of our sin through His sacrifice, we can now draw near with confidence because we have had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. So, we need to hold fast to our hope, help each other live out our faith, and encourage each other by meeting together. As the day of Jesus’ return draws closer and closer, and persecution increases, we need each other more and more!
Hebrews 10:26-31 is sobering indeed. Is it possible to lose your salvation? What is the cost involved with apostasy? Is it total rejection, or just punishment? The passage continues and reminds the readers that they have already endured suffering and persecution without wavering in their faith or throwing away their reward. The quote from Habakkuk 2:3-4 admonishes them to continue to persevere, even while encouraging them that “we are not of those who shrink back to destruction.”
Most understandings of this passage will depend on theology. Can you lose your salvation? Or perhaps you were never saved in the first place? Were you playing a role, and finally stopped pretending? You could even argue that the author of Hebrews offers the loss of salvation only as a theoretical possibility, since those reading the letter obviously wouldn’t be the ones falling away! Here is the bottom line: at the very least this passage is a warning about the punishment believers will face if they backslide in their faith. Don’t do it!
Thought for the day: Worshipping together is important, and the entire Bible assumes that we understand that point!
Ephesians 5:19-21 (WEB) “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.”
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