Warning 4 – Despising the Word
Hebrews 10:26-39
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. [Heb 10:26-27]
This is the fourth warning in Hebrews. The first was drifting from the Word [Heb 2:1-4]; the second doubting the Word [Heb 3:7-4:13]; the third dullness to the Word [Heb 5:11-6:20], and the fourth despising the Word, which we’ll cover this morning. A fifth, defying the Word, appears in Heb 12:14-29.
Notice the progression; it goes from drifting, to doubting, to dullness. It then spirals down to despising the Word, our topic this morning. It should be noted that this warning is to believers in Christ, which brings up a theological question. Can Christians walk away from their faith, i.e., be apostate? Or is the writer simply chastening his audience?
No doubt we aren’t going to solve this debate this morning, but here are a couple thoughts to ponder.
Firstly, regarding apostasy; if it is impossible for a believer to be apostate [as many believe] then why are there so many scriptures warning against it? This passage in Heb 10 is one example, but there are several. Remember the third warning, dullness [ref. Heb 5:11-6:20, specifically see Heb 6:4-6]? Other examples are: 1 Tim 4:1; Heb 3:12; 2 Pet 2:20-22.
Now remember that good interpretation allows the meaning of the text [in its context] to form theology, not the other way around. So often we allow preconceived theology form the meaning of a text [out of context]. Be sure to read these cross references with an open mind, without preconceived teaching and beliefs. Allow Scripture [in its context] to speak for itself. And then ask yourself, can a believer in Christ be apostate?
Secondly, on the eternal security side, you may want to read these passages: Jn 10:27-29, Ro 8:38-39, Eph 1:13-14, 2 Cor 1:21-22, and Php 1:6 for starters. Apply the same good interpretation principles.
I think what you may find is that the Bible teaches both. While the latter scriptures assure eternally secure; the former warns of apostasy. I really feel that this cannot be denied when applying proper interpretation principles.
So how do we reconcile the two? Well, I don’t think we can. But what we can do is receive them both by faith, which leads us to the last topic in Hebrews 11-13: Faith. Faith is the key to unlocking doors of impossibilities, even in two seemingly impossible views to reconcile. Faith renders possible that which seems impossible, which will be the topic in the weeks ahead.
In conclusion, it is by faith that we enter into the Holiest.
