PrevHebrews 10:26Next

Hebrews 10

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God;

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

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

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought 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?

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

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What does Hebrews 10:26 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:26 addresses the issue of deliberate sin after having received knowledge of the truth.

The verse suggests that once individuals have been enlightened with the truth, meaning they have understood and presumably accepted the message of the gospel and the sacrifice of Jesus, they no longer have the safety net of a sacrificial offering to atone for their sins if they choose to deliberately continue sinning.

The "wilful sin" mentioned implies a conscious, intentional decision to sin, despite knowing the implications.

The deeper meaning here could be a warning against apostasy – the abandonment or renunciation of faith.

The verse serves as a stern reminder of the seriousness of rejecting or disregarding the salvation offered through Christ after having fully understood it.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was addressed to Jewish Christians who were familiar with Old Testament teachings and practices, namely the sacrificial system for atonement of sins. This epistle is often attributed to Paul or one of his contemporaries, though the exact authorship remains debated.

It was written in the first century AD, a time when Christians were facing persecution and some were considering a return to Judaism or were succumbing to other pressures, thus abandoning their Christian faith.

Hebrews 10:26 speaks directly to these believers, emphasizing the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice as compared to the repeated animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

Theological Insights

This verse is often discussed in the context of two theological viewpoints: the perseverance of the saints (once saved, always saved) versus conditional security (the possibility of losing one's salvation).

Advocates of eternal security might argue that this verse does not necessarily imply the loss of salvation but a loss of rewards or fellowship with God.

On the other hand, those who support conditional security interpret this verse to mean that a believer can indeed lose their salvation through deliberate, ongoing sin.

There's also a theological tension here between God's grace and human responsibility, with some emphasizing God's mercy and forgiveness versus the requirement for genuine repentance and obedience.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 10:26 can be interpreted as a call for self-examination among believers. It can serve as a warning not to take one's salvation for granted and to live in a manner consistent with Christian teachings.

This verse may also incite discussion about accountability within the faith community, encouraging believers to support each other in times of temptation and to help prevent a willful return to sinful behaviors.

Cross-References

Hebrews 6:4-6 – For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost...
2 Peter 2:20-22 – For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Matthew 12:31-32 – Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men...

Language Study

The original Greek term translated as “wilfully” is ἑκουσίως (hekousiōs), which implies a voluntary or intentional action, as opposed to an act done in ignorance or by accident.

"Sacrifice for sins" is translated from the Greek term θυσία περὶ ἁμαρτίας (thusia peri hamartias), referring to the offering made to atone for sins.

The phrase "no more sacrifice for sins" indicates that after the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, no subsequent offering is available or necessary for those who willingly persist in disobedience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a point of no return in spiritual terms is not exclusive to Christianity.

In some ancient religions, there were unpardonable offenses against the gods that could result in being cast out or cursed.

Judaism has the concept of the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against God's name, which is somewhat mirrored in the Christian concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

In other traditions, actions could permanently stain one's soul or alter one's fate, with fewer opportunities for atonement or redemption.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific correlation with the concept of willful sin and divine judgment or atonement since these are supernatural and spiritual beliefs.

However, psychological studies on behavior and intentionality could potentially provide insight into the human capacity for making deliberate choices, including moral and ethical decisions.

Understanding the neuroscience and psychology of decision-making can shed light on the complexities of human behavior and the concept of "wilful" actions.

commentaries

Commentary on Hebrews 10:26 varies among Bible scholars.

Some argue that the verse addresses the Hebrew Christian audience specifically, warning against the dangers of returning to Judaism after accepting Christ.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that it is a general warning against total apostasy and describes the severity of sin after receiving knowledge of the truth.

John Calvin's Commentary emphasizes that there is no more sacrifice for sins because Christ's sacrifice is singular and sufficient, and to sin wilfully after receiving this knowledge is tantamount to trampling Christ underfoot.

In general, commentators often view this verse as a serious admonition for believers to persevere in faith and not take the grace of God lightly.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 10:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?