“By faith Abel offered to God a better sacritfice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith” (Hebrews 11:4)

Genesis 4:8 tells us how Cain ultimately expressed his anger over the fact that God did not respect his offering…

“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him” (Genesis 4:8).

Jesus provided us with some insight into that spiritual mindset when He said…

“…the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’…” (Mathew 15:18-20).

God warned Cain about the consequences that would follow his choices by saying, “…if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” earlier in Genesis 4:6-7. Unfortunately, Cain chose to disregard that warning. In one sense, God continues to repeat this admonition to us through the pages of His Word. In addition to what we read here in Hebrews 11:4, the Biblical book of Galatians tells us…

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21 NLT).

Cain’s example reminds us that consequences are sure to follow our spiritual choices. While it may be easy to assume that those consequences are limited to the person making those choices, the truth is that they often affect others as well.

For instance, Abel’s death undoubtedly had an effect upon his parents, Adam and Eve. Remember that Cain and Abel were the first two children born to them. Now one of their children was gone. Thus, Adam and Eve knew the pain felt by a parent who outlives a son or daughter.

We should also remember that Cain was Adam and Eve’s first child. Like any good set of parents, they surely had great hopes for him. Unfortunately, Cain left a dreadful legacy, for the first person born in the history of humanity also became the first criminal in human history.

“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead” (Hebrews 11:4 NIV).

To illustrate the internal issue with Cain’s offering to God, let’s set up a hypothetical example. Let’s say that you bring a gift to someone you love, but he or she rejects your gift. In that scenario, how would you likely feel? Would you feel sorrow? Disappointment? Sadness? Confusion? Regret? Perhaps a combination of those emotions? Well, those are the responses we would normally expect to see in a person whose gift is rejected by a loved one.

Now, let’s take a different scenario. Let’s say that we are interacting with someone we dislike. If that person rejects our gift, how are we likely to respond? Well, in that situation, we are likely to respond with indifference, apathy, or anger. In other words, our internal dislike for someone who rejects our gift will provoke a different response than the person in our first example.

In both instances, our internal attitude towards someone will influence our response. The same was true of Cain as well. When Cain became angry over the fact that God did not look favorably upon his gift, his emotional response demonstrated the truth regarding his internal attitude toward God.

“So the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it'” (Genesis 4:6-7).

In a similar manner, God’s response to Cain tells us something important about Him as well. For instance, notice that God did not react toward Cain in the same way Cain reacted towards God. The Scriptural record does not say that God became angry at Cain. It does not say that God responded to Cain by saying, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” Instead, God responded graciously to him.

We can paraphrase that gracious response in the following manner: “If you do what is right, then everything will be OK between us.” However, God also issued a warning: “…if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master” (Genesis 4:7 NLT).

“Sin” can be defined as, “a path, a life-style, or act deviating from that which God has marked out.” ₍₁₎ So, God warned Cain about the potential danger that was lurking just outside his door, so to speak. Unfortunately, we’re about to find that Cain chose to neglect that warning.

(1) Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers [pg 364]

“Cain and Abel both offered sacrifices to God. But Abel offered a better sacrifice to God because he had faith. God said he was pleased with what Abel offered. And so God called him a good man because he had faith. Abel died, but through his faith he is still speaking” (Hebrews 11:4 ESV).

In addition to the fat portion that comprised Abel’s offering, we’re also told that Abel’s gift came from among the firstborn of his flock in Genesis 4:3-5. As a result, we can say that Abel offered his best to God. In other words, Abel offered God something that was worthy of Him.

However, Cain’s offering was different. Unlike Abel, Cain did not necessarily give his first and best to God; we’re simply told that he brought some fruits of the soil as an offering. The difference was that Cain brought “some” to God while Abel offered his first and best. Therefore, these gifts tell us something important about each of these men and their respective attitudes towards God.

The author of Hebrews highlighted those differences in the passage quoted above: “It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith” (Hebrews 11:4 NIV).

We should not rush past this statement, for there may be no higher compliment than to say that God looks upon someone with respect or approval. Abel’s external offering provided evidence to support the existence of his internal righteousness. Unfortunately, Cain’s offering (and his subsequent response) said something very different.

When God rejected Cain’s offering, Cain could have said, “God did not respect my offering. I need to reconsider this so I can bring God something that is acceptable to Him.” Unfortunately, Cain did not take that approach. Instead, Cain’s response is chronicled in the second part of Genesis 4:5: “So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”

In the original language of Genesis chapter four, the word translated “angry” means, “to be hot, furious, [to] burn.” ₍₁₎ This tells us that Cain was more than simply troubled about this situation; his internal fury was visibly reflected in his face. This tells us a lot about Cain’s internal attitude towards God- and that internal attitude would soon lead to a tragic result.

(1) H2734 charah, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2734/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Some may be familiar with the quote from the 19th century author Henry David Thoreau, who poetically observed, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” ₍₁₎ Hebrews 11:4 begins our introduction to a group of individuals who kept pace with a drumbeat that differed from that of the rest of the world. In doing so, they served as living examples of God-honoring faith…

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4)

While the Biblical account of Cain and Abel is fairly well known, there is more to their story than Cain’s famous question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Cain and Abel’s Scriptural record begins in Genesis chapter four. Following Adam and Eve’s dismissal from the Garden of Eden, Eve gave birth to a son named Cain. Later, she gave birth to another son named Abel (Genesis 4:1-2). We’re also told that Cain and Abel went on to pursue two different occupations: “Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.”

So Abel became a rancher and managed the family’s livestock. Cain became a farmer and helped produce food for his family. But while these men were moving in different occupational directions, they were also moving in different spiritual directions as well…

“And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:3-5).

Now, before we continue, let’s consider this passage more closely. Cain and Abel each brought their offerings to God. Cain brought some of his farm produce and Abel made an offering to God from among his animals. However, God approved of Abel’s gift but did not have respect for Cain’s offering. The question is, why?

We can find one potential answer by paying close attention to the description of each offering. For instance, notice that we’re told, “Cain brought an offering…” but the following verse tells us, “Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.” This is significant, for the fat portion was considered to be the best part of the animal- that was the portion Abel presented to God.

We’ll consider the effect of those decisions next.

(1) Thoreau, Henry David, Walden, chapter 18, p. 430 (1966). Originally published in 1854.

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11:3 ESV).

A common objection to passages such as Hebrews 11:3 is found in the following question: “Isn’t it possible that the universe came into existence through random chance?” This objection finds its origin in the belief that the universe might have come into existence through an arbitrary (or random) process. But this premise runs into trouble if we stop to examine it closely.

In this context, the word “chance” describes the likelihood that something will occur. In other words, “chance” conveys the statistical probability that something will take place. While these definitions have many valid applications, the issue is that “chance” cannot do anything. This creates a problem when we try to apply this theory to the creation of the universe.

To illustrate that problem, let’s say that two people are engaged in a card game. Player number one shuffles the deck of cards and then deals several cards to player number two. Given this scenario, let’s ask some questions: did “random chance” influence the cards that player two received? Did “random chance” manipulate, change, or alter that card sequence? Did “random chance” have the power to ensure that player number two received one card over another?

Well, the answer to those questions is no. “Chance” simply describes the statistical probability that player two will receive one type of card instead of another. This helps to explain why “random chance” cannot be responsible for the existence of the universe. Chance doesn’t make things happen- it only describes the probability that something will happen.

Here’s another way to demonstrate this concept. Let’s say that someone flips a coin into the air. In this instance, the chance that a coin will land on “heads” is 50%. ₍₁₎ However, “chance” doesn’t make a coin land on heads. Instead, that outcome will depend on several different variables.

For instance, the size, shape, and weight of the coin will affect the end result. The number of revolutions that a coin makes before it lands will also influence that outcome. Environmental conditions represent another contributing factor, along with the surface upon which the coin lands. It will also be affected by the decision to catch the coin in midair or let it fall to the ground.

The point is that “chance” does not make a coin land on heads or tails- that result is determined by many different factors. Chance only describes the statistical probability that a coin will land in a particular way. In a similar manner, the belief that “random chance” brought the universe into existence cannot be accurate because chance has no power to “do” anything.

(1) For the purpose of this illustration, we will discount the nominal possibility that a coin will land on its edge after it is flipped.

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3).

Although Hebrews chapter eleven will largely focus upon the “Heroes of the Faith,” it is significant to note that our author begins this chapter by speaking of something rather than someone. That “something” involves the physical universe: “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible” (CSB).

There were no scientific means of validating that statement when the Biblical book of Hebrews was originally written. But today we know that everything we see is comprised of an unseen atomic structure, thus affirming the legitimacy of this teaching. Nevertheless, this reference to the “…things that are not visible” (CSB) raises a question that takes several forms.

For instance, what if the universe is just an illusion? What if “reality” is nothing more than a dream? How do we know that everything we experience isn’t just the product of an unseen fantasy, mirage, or simulation?

We can address those objections by first defining an illusion as a false perception of reality. With that in mind, let’s consider the following question: “Is my existence real?” If the answer is no, then we should note that a person must actually exist in order to question his or her existence. Just as a desert mirage cannot offer water to a thirsty traveler, a non-existent being does not possess the ability to question its own existence. Therefore, this objection fails because the question is self-defeating.

We can also address these objections from a skeptic’s perspective. Let’s take the example of someone who doubts that everything is real. In that scenario, what is the one thing that a skeptic cannot doubt? Well, the one thing that a skeptic cannot doubt is the fact that he or she is doubting. In other words, one cannot be skeptical about his or her doubt- that has to be real.

That leads us to the following progression…

• If our doubt is real, then our thoughts must be real because we must have the ability to think before we can doubt.
• If our thoughts are real, than our minds must exist because one cannot think without a mind.
• If our minds exist, then we must really exist because one cannot have a mind that thinks without a brain.
• Therefore, our existence must be real.

In summary, we might respond to those who say, “Everything is an illusion” by asking, “Is that thought an illusion?” If such a thought is real, then everything cannot be an illusion. This approach was first developed by the seventeenth- century philosopher Rene Descartes who formulated the famous precept, “I think, therefore, I am.” Therefore, it cannot be true that “everything is an illusion” because some things are demonstrably real.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony” (Hebrews 11:1-2).

We can add to our understanding of genuine Biblical faith by examining what it is not. For instance, some think that faith involves belief without evidence. We might associate that view with “blind faith,” a phrase that describes the kind of faith that has no basis in reality. However, we should not mistake genuine Biblical faith for blind faith. Former homicide detective and Christian case-maker J. Warner Wallace addresses that difference in the following manner…

“Blind Faith: Believing in something WITHOUT any evidence. We hold a blind faith when we accept something even though there is no evidence to support our beliefs. We don’t search for ANY evidence that either supports or refutes what we are determined to believe.

Reasonable Faith: Believing in something BECAUSE of the evidence. We hold a reasonable faith when we believe in something because it is the most reasonable conclusion from the evidence that exists

The Bible repeatedly makes evidential claims. It offers eyewitness accounts of historical events that can be verified archeologically, prophetically and even scientifically. We, as Christians are called to hold a reasonable faith that is grounded in this way.” ₍₁₎

Faith is also not a tool that we might use to get something we want. While some may promote “faith” as the pathway to greater financial wealth or material possessions, the New Testament epistle of James explains the problem with that kind of “faith”…

“…You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:2-3 NIV).

Finally, genuine Biblical faith is not faith in the amount of faith we possess. We might refer to this as “faith in our faith.” That ideology serves to prioritize the measure of our faith rather than the God who serves as the object of our faith. Real Biblical faith is not an end to itself; instead, it puts the focus upon the Person in whom we place our faith. As Jesus once said…

“‘…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you'” (Matthew 17:20 NIV).

(1) J. Warner Wallace, Is the Christian Faith Evidentially Reasonable? Retrieved 5 December 2022 from https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-the-christian-faith-evidentially-reasonable/

Before we begin our look at the heroes of the faith from Hebrews chapter eleven, let’s see what made them special…

“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead” (Hebrews 11:1 TLB).

“Faith” represents “a belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one’s life.” ₍₁₎ Faith involves the confident expectation that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He’ll do, even in those instances when we don’t understand why things have transpired as they have within our lives.

In the Scripture quoted above, we’re told that “faith is… certain of what we do not see.” This makes good sense, for there is little need for faith in regard to the things we can see. Faith is necessary for those things we can’t see.

This brings us to the word “substance.” This word conveys the image of a foundation or structural component. Just as we ordinarily cannot see the framework that provides for the structural integrity of a home or building, faith is the unseen substance that undergirds our trust in the God who possesses the ability to make “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 828).

One Biblical scholar adds to our understanding of this concept by dissecting this word in the original language of this passage…

“The word ‘substance’ deserves careful treatment. It is hupostasis, made up of stasis ‘to stand,’ and hupo ‘under,’ thus ‘that which stands under, a foundation.’ Thus it speaks of the ground on which one builds a hope.” ₍₁₎

Another commentator offers a familiar analogy to help communicate this idea…

“When faith is biblical faith, the object of your faith is unseen, but there is evidence that supports the conviction that the unseen object is there. It is like the aroma of a favorite meal that you have not yet seen, but the aroma is evidence that the meal is about to be served. Therefore, a good definition of faith might be: ‘Faith is an act of belief in something, or Someone, you cannot see, which is based on evidence.'” ₍₂₎

These definitions will assume greater importance in our next study. There, we will examine the difference between “faith” and “blind faith” in the context of Hebrews chapter eleven.

(1) “Faith” Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers

(2) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Hebrews 11:1) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

(2) Dick Woodward, Mini Bible College Study Booklet #15 Hebrews, James, I and II Peter, I, II, III John, Jude and The Revelation [pg.6] https://mbc.icm.org/

Who were your heroes as you were growing up? Perhaps it was an athlete, a musician, a celebrity, or a family member you sought to emulate. While the supply of heroes never quite seems to meet the demand for them in our modern-day world, we can find some genuine heroes within the pages of Hebrews chapter eleven. This portion of Scripture has often been referred to as the Bible’s “Faith Hall Of Fame” for its list of heroic individuals who stood for God in the midst of tremendous obstacles.

As we consider the experiences of these men and women, we can learn much about God’s character and His ability to work within our lives. But before we begin our look at this chapter, we must start by acknowledging that the people we will meet here were faithful individuals, not perfect individuals. These include…

• A man who once got drunk and passed out naked (Noah).
• A person who lied about his wife to protect himself (Abraham).
• A woman who laughed at God’s stated intent (Sarah).
• A man who tried to circumvent God’s will (Isaac).
• A deceptive cheater (Jacob).
• A murderer (Moses).
• A fearful individual who felt inadequate to fulfill God’s call upon his life (Gideon).
• A prostitute (Rahab).
• A violent, uncontrollable alpha-male (Samson).
• A man who was an illegitimate child (Jepthah).
• A king who once sent a man to his death so he could marry his wife (David).
• A God-honoring man whose sons were wicked and dishonorable (Samuel).

Nevertheless, these faithful individuals received God’s approval, despite their obvious shortcomings. Therein lies an important lesson for readers of this epistle. While it is often natural to focus upon our personal faults and deficiencies (and those of others), this chapter reminds us that we must weigh such assessments against the premium that God places upon faith.

Hebrews chapter eleven also benefits us in another way. You see, this chapter should relieve us of the notion that God only employs the best and the brightest human beings to accomplish His will. Instead, this portion of Scripture will demonstrate the fact that God doesn’t always select the most talented, popular, smartest, wealthiest, or physically capable individuals to fulfill His purposes. Instead, He may choose to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things through them.

This was true of many of those we will meet in Hebrews chapter eleven. The same may also be true of us as we place our faith in Christ to fulfill His purposes for our lives.

“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39).

Hebrews chapter ten ends on a positive note, as the author of this letter expressed his belief that his original readers were not among those who might shrink back from trusting God. In doing so, our author uses a word that rarely appears in modern-day usage: perdition.

“Perdition” conveys the general idea of waste, ruin, or the loss of well-being. ₍₁₎ One source defines this word as “the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell.” ₍₂₎ Thus we have a fitting incentive to take this counsel seriously. We  also see this idea personified in the life of someone who is described in the Biblical book of 2 Thessalonians…

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

This future individual will serve as the ultimate personification of the mindset described for us in the New Testament epistle of 1 John: “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22). Those who are familiar with the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life may also recognize the word “perdition” from Jesus’ characterization of Judas Iscariot…

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12).

Earlier in Hebrews chapter ten, our author encouraged us to place our trust in God by saying, “Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23 GNT). But if that encouragement proves to be insufficient, perhaps we might find greater motivation in seeking to avoid being numbered among “those who draw back to perdition.”

Thus, we end our look at Hebrews chapter ten and enter Hebrews chapter eleven with the words of the following commentator…

“With this mention of faith (‘believe’ and ‘faith’ are the same root word in Greek), the groundwork is laid for a fuller discussion of the life that pleases God. The illustrious eleventh chapter follows quite naturally at this point.” ₍₃₎

(1) See G684 apoleia Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries and Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers, https://biblehub.com/greek/684.htm

(2) G684 apoleia Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g684

(3) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad Thomas Nelson Publishers (2 Corinthians 5:10) p.2274

“But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38 HCSB).

The penultimate verse of Hebrews chapter ten contains an inspirational truth that has been adapted and repurposed in many different forms. That dynamic truth involves the honorable characteristic of perseverance in the midst of a difficult situation.

One of the better-known adaptations of this idea appeared in a portion of a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt, the 25th President of the United States…

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ₍₁₎

Politicians, military figures, athletes, and others have similarly adopted the noble character of this ideal for various purposes throughout the course of human history. Nevertheless, a discerning individual might ask, “Why? Why should I exhibit the qualities of perseverance, endurance, or diligence in the midst of a difficult situation when it is often safer or easier to simply give up or give in?”

God Himself provides us with the answer to that question here in Hebrews 10:38: “…I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back” (NIV). While there may be many reasons to persevere when we find ourselves in a challenging situation, we do so primarily because faithful endurance is a characteristic that pleases God. Since is impossible to please God without faith (as we’ll discover in the following chapter of Hebrews), the alternative involves “shrinking back,” an act that brings God no pleasure.

Much like a sailor who confidently turns a seafaring vessel towards an oncoming wave, we can exhibit the kind of faith that is pleasing to God when we place our trust in Him to navigate the challenges and difficulties of life.

(1) Roosevelt, Theodore, “Man In The Arena” from “Citizenship in a Republic” the Sorbonne, Paris, France. 23 April, 1910. See https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/Learn-About-TR/TR-Encyclopedia/Culture-and-Society/Man-in-the-Arena.aspx

“For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:37-38).

Hebrews 10:38 marks the final New Testament reference to a famous quotation from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk: “…the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). The following excerpt introduces us to Habakkuk and the environment that served as the backdrop to this important Biblical concept…

“Habakkuk was a prophet with a troubled spirit. He ministered to the Jewish people during one of their darkest hours, when God was using pagan nations to punish his own people. That greatly upset the prophet.

Chapter 1 of Habakkuk is one of the most graphic, grueling, and certain records of what would soon come to pass upon Israel. He struggled with it, and he went before God, saying ‘God, how can you let these things happen? You are too holy even to behold iniquity, and yet it seems you have turned your back on your people and have let wickedness prevail in our midst. How can these things be?’

Have you ever struggled with that question yourself? Have you ever come before God in the midst of a difficult or horrible situation and said, ‘Lord, how can these things be?’ It was in that context when doubt had pushed the prophet to the brink of despair, that the Word of God proclaimed: ‘The just shall live by faith.’

It is as though, in the midst of the situation, God did not have the time to give a lengthy explanation of the intricacies of what he was doing through his sovereignty in world history, and so he simply said to his prophet: ‘Trust me.’ Trusting God is the opposite of trusting yourself—being ‘puffed up’ as the verse says. There comes a time in every Christian’s life when it seems the only answer from heaven is, ‘Trust me.’ But it is enough.” ₍₁₎

Much like the prophet Habakkuk, we may find it difficult to discern God’s purpose behind the events that occur in our lives. When we are challenged by things we cannot easily explain, we would do well to remember that “the just shall live by faith.” As we’re told in a beloved and well-known portion of the Biblical book of Proverbs…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

(1) Sproul, R. C. (1992). Before the face of God: Book 1: A daily guide for living from the book of Romans (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries. Page 69

“So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

In the realm of popular music, there are many artists who have released one immensely popular song and then faded into obscurity. We commonly refer to those artists as “One-Hit Wonders” in recognition of their success with one popular song. But unlike a musical artist who rockets to stardom on the strength of a best-selling song and subsequently disappears, our passage from Hebrews 10:35-36 references a far more tenacious (and important) quality: endurance.

“Endurance” (or perseverance) is hardly a popular subject in today’s age of instant gratification. In the wry observation of one commentator, “Perseverance is one of the great unromantic virtues.” ₍₁₎ However, this quality is one of the key substantiators of a healthy spiritual life. While endurance in the midst of a trial does not secure our salvation, it often serves as evidence of our faithful commitment to Christ.

One source offers food for thought in this regard: “…the victory of faith is not achieved by one brilliant campaign but a lifetime of patient and faithful service. It is not so much the glory of a promising start that the Lord desires as it is the glory of a faithful finish.” ₍₂₎ Perhaps this is why the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes tells us, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof…” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 KJV).

For instance, the act of completing a task often requires important skills like dedication, hard work, discipline, and the ability to plan ahead. It also may require another important quality: perseverance, or the ability to endure through the difficult stages of a project or assignment. Whether that characteristic is expressed in the face of active persecution or the wearisome routines of daily life, we should not seek to escape such things by denying Christ as some members of the original audience for this epistle apparently sought to do.

This passage thus reveals important spiritual truth: patient endurance in seeking to fulfill God’s will in this life serves to prepare us to “…receive all that he has promised” (NLT). Therefore, we can find encouragement in the following passage from the New Testament epistle of James…

“Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 GW).

Image Attribution: “One Hit Wonders Night” by Princeton Public Library, NJ is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. Image cropped.

(1) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Danger Of Drift (Heb 10:32-39)”

(2) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on Hebrews 10”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/hebrews-10.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

When faced with a trial or affliction, it often helps to understand the reason behind that hardship. Since many adversities appear to be devoid of meaning or purpose, we are often challenged to make sense of painful events that seem to make little sense. Although it is impossible to identify the cause of suffering in every instance, we can say that valid reasons for suffering always exist, even if we don’t fully comprehend them.

The author of Hebrews provided one such reason in the passage quoted above: “You need endurance so that after you have done what God wants you to do, you can receive what he has promised” (GW). Some members of the first-century audience for this letter had been tempted to withdraw from their relationship with Christ and return to the Old Testament sacrificial system in response to persecution. Therefore, their steadfast response in the face of such mistreatment would serve to build their spiritual endurance and demonstrate the reality of their faith.

Paul the Apostle offered another potential explanation behind the challenges and difficulties we experience in a letter to the first-century church at Corinth…

“…But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:9b-11 NIV).

In light of this, we can say that these challenges offer an opportunity to demonstrate the kind of faith that pleases God. That faith is not in ourselves or our ability to control (or escape) the circumstances we encounter. Instead, our confidence is in the God who is able to make “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

As Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6:33-34, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV).

“You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions” (Hebrews 10:34 NIV).

The penitentiaries of the New Testament era were not like the prisons that exist in many modern-day societies. A prison of that time did not typically serve as a place of incarceration as we understand it today. Instead, a first-century prison was generally used to confine an accused criminal before he was executed or put on trial.

These penal institutions were usually cold, damp, and dirty. In addition, there were no beds, toilets, showers, or meals offered in such prisons. This meant that prisoners who had no external means of support often faced starvation unless someone provided for their needs. The observations made by the following commentary provide us with some additional insight into these conditions as well as this passage from Hebrews 10:34…

“Prisoners who had no means of their own were liable to starve unless their friends brought them food and whatever other form of help they required; throughout the whole age of imperial persecution of the Church the visiting of their friends who were in prison was a regular, though dangerous, duty of Christian charity.” ₍₁₎

It was hazardous to be recognized as a known associate of a prisoner during that time. Therefore, these Hebrew Christians took a substantial risk in visiting those who had been incarcerated. According to Hebrews 10:34, some (or all) of those individuals paid for that decision with the confiscation of their possessions. As another commentary adds, “In the first-century AD Roman Empire, authorities sometimes seized the property of accused criminals, and people sometimes looted homes after homeowners were imprisoned (according to first-century AD writer Philo, Against Flaccus 10, 56).” ₍₂₎

In response to this expression of faith, our author encouraged these Hebrew Christians to maintain that attitude in light of their current situation. This offers a valuable lesson for today. Much like some members of this first-century audience, we may not require additional instruction in the things of God. Instead, we may simply need to be reminded to act on what we already know.

Thus, we can say that these individuals took Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon On The Mount seriously…

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

(1) The New International Commentary On The New Testament – The Epistle To The Hebrews, F. F. Bruce, General Editor © Copyright 1964, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan [pg. 270]

(2) Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Heb 10:34). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

“At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession” (Hebrews 10:33-34 ESV).

The author of Hebrews built the foundation for this passage in the previous verse when he spoke of the “…great conflict of sufferings” (AMP) his readers previously endured. Much like a prizefighter who absorbs the punishment inflicted by a powerful opponent, these Hebrew Christians suffered for their decision to follow Christ.

At a minimum, it’s likely that many of these Christians had been ostracized for their commitment to Christ. In the tightly knit Jewish communities of that era, that decision could have also resulted in economic hardship. So, in addition to the persecution mentioned in the passage quoted above, these members of the Jewish Christian community undoubtedly faced family banishment and social marginalization.

This brings to mind some other well-known Biblical personalities who endured periods of great suffering as they fulfilled God’s will for their lives. For instance…

• Job: Job suffered financial devastation along with the loss of his children, his personal possessions, and his physical health for no discernable reason.
• John the Baptist: John was beheaded for telling a political leader that it was wrong for him to engage in a sexual relationship with his sister-in-law (see Mark 6:17-29).
• The Apostle Peter: Peter is said to have been crucified upside down during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Nero.
• Stephen the Martyr: This man was stoned to death for preaching about Christ (Acts 7:55-58).
• Paul the Apostle: Paul was shipwrecked, whipped, and thrown into prison on multiple occasions. Church tradition tells us that Paul was beheaded around A.D. 68.

We will meet many more faithful individuals in the following chapter of Hebrews. Nevertheless, we should be aware of the spiritual danger facing those who are not subject to these kinds of persecution. One source identifies those dangers for us…

“Having endured under persecution, they must not now let down in the hum-drum of every day activities. The normal routine of life, uninterrupted by persecution, is often the real test of genuineness of one’s Christian experience, for the very absence of trials and difficulties tends to promote spiritual drifting (2: 1), moral sluggishness and lethargy (5: 11), the slow imperceptible hardening of attitude (3: 13).” ₍₁₎

(1) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering & Inglis Ltd [pg. 1526]

“But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:32-34).

Many of us have enjoyed the experience of reliving the memory of a great victory, a successful endeavor, or an extraordinary life event. We often remember where were were, who accompanied us, and our emotional response to those occasions with great fondness.

However, there are other life events that may not evoke the same kind of positive response. When faced with such memories, we can find a practical (and beneficial) application in the message of Hebrews 10:32-34. You see, this passage tells us that we can recall the negative experiences of our past and learn from them in a way that benefits us today. For instance, we might prayerfully ask the following questions when faced with the memory of a negative incident…

• What did my response to that event tell me about myself? Did I respond appropriately or inappropriately?
• If I had to go back and relive that experience, what would I have done differently?
• Did I replicate the negative behavior pattern of a youthful authority figure during that incident?
• Will I press on and learn from that experience or allow it to negatively impact my future?

Even if some our past experiences have nothing positive to teach, we can always learn what not to do in the future. In a sense, these “debriefing questions” are similar to what the author of Hebrews presented to the members of his audience in the passage quoted above. While our challenges may not involve similar adversities, they offer a corresponding opportunity to grow in Christ.

For example, God may allow difficulties to enter our lives to strengthen us (2 Corinthians 12:10) or increase our trust in Him (Psalm 50:14-15). He might use such experiences to help us develop patience (Romans 5:3-5) and endurance (as we’ll see in the following verses of Hebrews chapter ten). Finally, God may allow trials to enter our lives to help others who will experience similar things (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Thus, as we are reminded in the New Testament epistle of James…

“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

Our modern-day use of the word “fear” usually invokes a sense of apprehension, or the state of being afraid. However, the word “fear” may also convey the qualities of reverence, honor, and respect. Consider how Jesus made use of this word in the Gospel of Luke…

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5).

When we read about our responsibility to “fear God” in this context, it means that we should honor and respect Him above all else. Perhaps this is why Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” A person who acknowledges the God of the Biblical Scriptures with an attitude of honor and respect is someone who begins with the right foundation for good decision-making. Furthermore, there can be no greater wisdom than that which is offered by “…Jesus [who] has become our wisdom sent from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30 GW).

Yet even though the word “fear” communicates an attitude of honor and respect in this context, it is important to avoid the mistake of thinking that we have nothing to be afraid of in relation to God. If we consider the experiences of those who encountered God within the pages of the Scriptures, we often find responses that are best characterized by a sense of dread, terror, or distress (see Isaiah 6:1-5, Matthew 17:4-6, and Exodus 3:1-6 for some examples).

While God is loving, slow to become angry, kind, gracious, and compassionate. He is also to be respected and honored. He is not to be treated lightly, for “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The late Biblical scholar Norman Geisler clarifies these ideas for us…

“The Hebrews passage speaks of those who, far from being repentant, had sinned ‘willfully’ after having ‘received the knowledge of the truth’ (v. 26).In brief, whether it is fearful or not will depend on the condition of the person who falls into God’s hands.

(1) Geisler, N. L., & Howe, T. A. (1992). When critics ask : a popular handbook on Bible difficulties (p. 159). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

“For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people'” (Hebrews 10:30).

Earlier in Hebrews 10:26, the author of Hebrews wrote, “…if we deliberately persist in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins” (Mounce). To support that premise, our author sets an example that we would do well to follow: he appealed to the Biblical Scriptures to validate his message.

The first supporting passage is taken from Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay…” (HCSB). The second quote is adapted from the following verse in Deuteronomy 32:36 as well as Psalm 135:14.

For some, this reference to “vengeance” conveys the image of a vigilante who takes the law into his or her own hands to right an alleged wrong. However, these verses do not express a sense of vindictive retribution. Instead, they communicate God’s intent to lawfully administer justice in response to an injustice that has taken place.

The second portion of Hebrews 10:30 serves to remind us that God’s people are subject to judgment as well. In fact, this reference communicates the idea of someone who is “…summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it.” ₍₁₎ In view of this, it is important to remember that those who receive God’s Word are responsible for acting upon what they have received.

The New Testament book of Galatians expresses this idea in a positive and negative sense…

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:7-10).

Thus, we are reminded of an important passage from the Biblical book of 1 Peter quoted earlier…

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).

(1) G2919 krino, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2919/kjv/tr/0-1/

“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:29).

This passage draws our attention to the emotionally charged language that our author uses to identify those who defiantly reject the Son of God. For example, the word-picture behind the phrase “trampled underfoot” involves the act of rejecting with disdain. ₍₁₎ It also evokes a sense of insulting neglect in respect to Jesus’ sacrificial death. ₍₂₎

However, one does not need to be not openly disdainful of Christ to fall within this category. Much as an undiscerning person might unknowingly cause substantial damage without realizing it, an irreligious person who cares little for the things of God may just as easily be someone who carelessly “…walks all over God’s Son” (CEB).

For instance, we can find one such example in the attitude of someone who uses Jesus’ name as an exclamation or an expletive. Then there are those who refer to Jesus in a trivial, frivolous, or dismissive manner. At a minimum, these expressions flow from an attitude of indifference or disrespect for Christ. At worst, they reveal a sense of contempt for Him whether or not the speaker realizes it.

Another example involves someone who has “…counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing” (NKJV). One Biblical scholar shares an important nuance behind this passage: “The word ‘counted’ in the Greek text refers to a conscious judgment resting on deliberate weighing of the facts. Here it implies a deliberate, contemptuous rejection of the Messianic sacrifice of the Son of God.” ₍₃₎

In light of these things, we can say that such individuals profane “the blood of the covenant” in assuming that Jesus’ death is no more important than the passing of anyone else. Thus, those who engage in such practices have “…insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us” (NLT). In other words, they demonstrate a lack of respect and reverence for the God who secured our salvation at the cost of His Son’s life.

Although we may not intentionally seek to insult the Holy Spirit in such a manner, we effectively do so when we reject Christ, for “Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us” (Acts 4:12 GNT).

(1) G2662 katapateo, Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2662/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) Ibid, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

(3) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Hebrews 10:29) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

“Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:28-29).

Hebrews 10:28-29 alludes to those legislative portions of the Old Testament Law that mandated a death sentence in the case of certain transgressions. Those violations included…

• Idolatry (Deuteronomy 13:1-18, 17:2-5).
• Physical violence against a parent (Exodus 21:15).
• Laboring on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:2).
• Unlawful killing (Leviticus 24:17).
• Arrogance, disrespect, or contempt for lawful authority (Deuteronomy 17:11-13).

However, the Law also protected those who might fall victim to a malicious or unfounded attempt to enforce those penalties…

“One witness is not enough to convict someone of a crime; at least two witnesses are necessary to prove that someone is guilty. If any of you try to harm another by false accusations, both of you are to go to the one place of worship and be judged by the priests and judges who are then in office.

The judges will investigate the case thoroughly; and if you have made a false accusation, you are to receive the punishment the accused would have received. In this way your nation will get rid of this evil” (Deuteronomy 19:15-19 GNT).

The author of Hebrews used these edicts to make an important spiritual point…

“Under the Old Covenant, if an Israelite spurned the Mosaic Law and at least two or three witnesses verified his actions, he was put to death. This being true, the author then argued from the lesser to the greater. If defiance of an inferior covenant could bring such retribution, what about defiance of the New Covenant which, as he had made clear, is far superior? The answer can only be that the punishment would be substantially greater in such a case.” ₍₁₎

Remember that our author has already established that “… the Law has only a shadow [just a pale representation] of the good things to come—not the very image of those things…” (AMP) in Hebrews 10:1. If the Old Covenant Law prescribed the death penalty in these instances, how much worse will the retribution be for those who transgress against the One who annulled “…the first covenant in order to put the second into effect” (Hebrews 10:9 NLT)?

(1) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary. David C Cook, 1983 [p. 805]

“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume His enemies” (Hebrews 10:26-27 NLT).

The Biblical account of Judas Iscariot serves to illustrate the warning given to us here in Hebrews 10:26-27. Judas, of course, is well-known as the disciple who betrayed Jesus as recorded in Mark 14:10-11: “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.”

What may be less well-known is the fact that Judas was not an ethical individual. A look at an incident from the Gospel of John offers a clue that may shed light on his decision to betray Jesus…

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:3-6).

Although Judas spent a considerable amount of time with Jesus, it doesn’t appear that he listened to Jesus’ teachings concerning the proper use of money (see Luke 12:15, 33-34, and 16:13-15). As a result, it seems that Judas might have allowed his financial ambition to become more important than following Christ. In fact, Judas leveraged his position as Jesus’ disciple in negotiating the price of His betrayal…

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him” (Matthew 26:14-16).

So it appears that this incident with the fragrant oil ultimately led to Judas’ decision to sell Jesus out. This was not a momentary indiscretion on his part. Instead, it was an intentional, willful, and premeditated act of sin. Thus, he serves as an object example that illustrates the warning given to us here in Hebrews 10:26-27.

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27 ESV).

This reference to willful or deliberate sin represents another aspect of this passage that is worthy of exploration. In one sense, we can say that all sinful behaviors are willful, for “All have turned away from God; they have all gone wrong; no one does what is right, not even one” (Romans 3:12 GW). In a similar manner, the New Testament epistle of 1 John tells us, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8 NIV).

Nevertheless, this passage has undoubtedly created a great deal of anxiety among those who have willfully engaged in sinful behaviors during moments of temptation or weakness. For those who fall into this category, the observations made by the following commentators may prove helpful…

“The tense of the word indicates immediately that this is not a single act of folly or weakness. This is not something one can stumble into suddenly. It is not the normal falterings of a Christian who is still learning how to walk in the Spirit. None of these is in view at all. The continuous present tense of this word, ‘sin deliberately,’ marks a long-continued attitude of resistance.” ₍₁₎

“The willful sin here referred to does not consist in isolated acts, but in a determined course of action, persisted in until the very desire for a better life wanes and dies out of the soul.” ₍₂₎

“Sinning willfully carries with it the idea of sinning continually and deliberately. Such a person does not sin because of ignorance, nor is he carried away by momentary temptations he is too weak to resist. The willful sinner sins because of an established way of thinking and acting which he has no desire to give up.” ₍₃₎

“This passage is not teaching that true Christians can lose their salvation; rather, it is a warning for believers to persevere and for those who profess faith without possessing it to trust in Christ alone (cf. Heb. 6:4–12 and notes; 10:32).” ₍₄₎

We will find some identifying features of deliberate sin later in Hebrews 10:29. But before we get to that portion of Scripture, we will next take a look at someone who served as a living embodiment of this warning concerning those who “…go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth.”

(1) Excerpted with permission from Triumph or Tragedy © 1965 by Ray Stedman Ministries. All rights reserved. Visit www.RayStedman.org for the complete library of Ray Stedman material. Please direct any questions to [email protected]

(2) Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. “Commentary on Hebrews 10”. “F. B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/hebrews-10.html. 1914.

(3) GotQuestions.org, What significance is there to sinning willfully (Hebrews 10:26)? Retrieved 14 November, 2022 from https://www.gotquestions.org/sinning-willfully.html

(4) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2214). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

“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” (Hebrews 10:26-27).

In commenting on these verses, one source offers an understatement of monumental proportions: “This passage was destined to have repercussions in Christian history beyond what our author could have foreseen.” ₍₁₎ This is an undeniably truthful statement, as many teachers, ministers, and Biblical counselors will undoubtedly attest.

Much like a similar warning given to us earlier in Hebrews chapter six, this passage serves as a cautionary reminder that draws our attention to the fact that choices have consequences. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the context of these verses so we can apply that reminder in an appropriate manner.

For instance, it is possible to isolate this verse and assume that a Christian who engages in a willful or deliberate sin is immediately subject to “…divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation…” (AMPC). While it is important to avoid minimizing or dismissing the potential consequences associated with intentional sin, we would do well to consider the framework of this passage before we reach that conclusion.

When approaching this passage, we should consider the fact that the Epistle to the Hebrews is very much what its name implies. In other words, the Biblical book of Hebrews is a letter that was originally written to a group of Jewish Christians. Some members of that original audience were tempted to return to the sacrificial offerings of the Old Covenant. For those who were contemplating such a retreat, this passage serves as a reminder: Jesus’ sacrificial death provides the only real atonement for sins. No other sacrifice is sufficient.

Contemporary readers should also consider Jesus’ statement from John 14:6: “…’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (NIV). Those who reject Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross thus reject the only path that leads to God, for “…There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Finally, one source ties these ideas together for the benefit of everyone: “Since God has set aside the Levitical system of animal sacrifices (v. 9), those who abandon their confession of trust in Christ have nowhere to turn for forgiveness.” ₍₂₎

(1) The New International Commentary On The New Testament – The Epistle To The Hebrews, F. F. Bruce, General Editor © Copyright 1964, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan [pg. 258]

(2) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2214). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust

“We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming” (Hebrews 10:25 GW).

As we close our look at this important portion of Scripture, we will pause briefly to consider the distinguishing marks of a good church. For example, the Biblical book of 1 Timothy identifies an important cornerstone that helps identify a healthy church fellowship: “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13 ESV).

This passage identifies three elements that should exist whenever God’s people assemble to worship Him: reading, exhortation, and teaching. These elements involve…

• Communicating God’s Word in a public setting.
• Encouragement to act upon it.
• Accurate instruction in sound Biblical doctrine.

Therefore, we can say that a good church fellowship is one that helps its members understand, remember, and apply God’s Word. With these things in mind, we would be wise to seek out a church with leaders who are committed to helping others to understand and apply the Biblical Scriptures. One source adds the following insight…

“There is no doubt that it is wise to be selective in which church body we choose to attend. This may require attending different churches for a while so that we can best decide which church home God may be calling us to. The goal is to find a church that teaches that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and affirms all of the essentials of the Christian faith. This may take some time and might technically be called church-hopping. However, after having found a solid church, we must commit to remaining there.” ₍₁₎

Another author adds…

“God’s Word admonishes us not to forsake ‘the assembling of ourselves together…’ (Hebrews 10:25). Several logs bum brightly together, but put one aside on the cold hearth and the fire goes out. So it is with your relationship with other Christians. If you do not belong to a church, do not wait to be invited. Take the initiative; call the pastor of a nearby church where Christ is honored and His Word is preached. Start this week, and make plans to attend regularly.” ₍₂₎

Finally, and most importantly, those who fail to attend church regularly lose an opportunity to spend quality time with Christ. As Jesus taught in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20 NLT).

(1) GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about church-hopping? Retrieved 14 November, 2022 from https://www.gotquestions.org/church-hopping.html

(2) Josh McDowell and Bill Wilson, He Walked Among Us : Evidence For The Historical Jesus. Here’s Life Publishers, Inc. © 1988, Josh McDowell and Bill Wilson [pg. 339]

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

Hebrews 10:25 provides us with an opportunity to make a practical comparison. That comparison involves the similarities that often exist between one’s church family and one’s biological family.

You see, many of the dynamics that exist within our genetic or adoptive families may also be present within our church family as well. To illustrate those similarities, let’s consider the following examples…

• Some biological family members encourage us, support us, and love us. The same should be true of our church family too.
• There may be some family members who do not get along together. The same may occur within our church family as well.
• Generous family members are often willing to assist other family members in times of need. This should be a characteristic of our church family too.
• On the other hand, some family members may prove to be undependable. Sadly, the same may be true of some within our church family.
• Finally, it is not unusual for family members to have disagreements. The same is true of our church family as well.

While we should not excuse these negative characteristics, it is important to recognize how they may contribute to our spiritual development. For example, when members of our church family act insensitively, we must decide if we will put the teaching from Colossians 3:13 into practice: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (NLT).

This may require us to prayerfully overlook these negative qualities for Jesus’ sake. As Proverbs 17:9 reminds us, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (ESV). In some instances, we might quietly “cover an offense” by reflecting upon the example set by Joseph, the husband of Mary. Consider Joseph’s initial response when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy…

“…[Jesus’] mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly” (Matthew 1:18-19 NLT).

If Joseph had not received further instruction from God’s angelic messenger, his God-honoring attitude would have led him to separate quietly from Mary to protect her. Thus, we might carefully consider his example in deciding how to interact with those who hurt or offend us.

“not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NET).

A minister who teaches through God’s Word offers another benefit to those who attend church regularly. You see, there will always be something valuable in the message of a leader who teaches through the Biblical Scriptures in an expository manner. As God Himself said through the prophet Isaiah…

“As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my Word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:10-11 TLB).

We should also consider the positive human relationships that often develop through regular church attendance. In a sense, every church member is like a member of our personal family, since every Christian is related to every other Christian through Christ (see Romans 12:4-5). Because of this, we can say that a local church fellowship should be a place where we can join with other members of the body of Christ for mutual edification. It also provides an environment where we can learn, grow, and use our God-given abilities to serve and help others.

However, there are other aspects of church attendance that are important to consider as well. For instance, the New Testament epistle of 1 Corinthians tells us, “Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it” (CSB, see 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This reference to “corporate individuality” reminds us that conformity to the image of Christ does not necessarily imply uniformity among the members of God’s family.

For example, there are wide varieties of personal, cultural, and emotional differences among Jesus’ followers. These members of God’s family may not think, act, or communicate in ways that are similar to our own. They may process information in an unfamiliar manner. Others may be more or less mature, and some may hold attitudes or opinions that differ from ours.

So, while church is a place where we should expect to find love and affirmation, we must also recognize that there may be instances where we struggle to get along with one another (see Acts 15:36-41 for an example). This may explain why the New Testament book of Romans reminds us to, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV). We’ll examine those facets of church attendance next.

“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 ESV).

Hebrews 10:25 is important to remember when considering the justifications offered by those who wish to abstain from church attendance. For example, some claim there are “too many hypocrites in church.” But there is a flaw within that objection when we stop to consider it.

For instance, we can find hypocrisy in every avenue of human life. Do we avoid going to school, taking part in athletic activities, or going to work simply because hypocrisy exists within those institutions? Of course, this does not justify hypocritical behavior (especially among those who claim to be Christians), but it does illustrate the double-standard that exists behind that objection.

Another excuse for avoiding church is this: “I don’t want to get up early for church- I’d rather sleep late.” This objection is highly appealing, especially when we consider the fact that many would prefer to sleep in on a weekend morning . Nevertheless, there is a reason why most churches hold their primary services on Sunday mornings.

A Sunday morning church service demonstrates respect for God by setting aside the first part of the first day of the week to worship Him and learn from His Word. God’s people have followed this arrangement for centuries, and it finds Biblical support in passages such as Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2. So rather than viewing church attendance as an inconvenience, we should see it as a means of honoring God by putting Him first on the first day of the week.

While today’s age of online access may also encourage us to watch church services remotely from home, we should note that this passage references “…the assembling of ourselves together” (KJV). This refers to a physical assembly in the original context of this passage. Since one cannot physically assemble with others in an online environment, this means that we should make an effort to attend church in person when possible.

Finally, some may find church services to be dull and uninteresting. While some churches may not feature the most gifted ministers, it is the message and not the messenger that is most important. As Paul the Apostle wrote to the members of the Corinthian church…

“…my preaching was very plain, not with a lot of oratory and human wisdom, but the Holy Spirit’s power was in my words, proving to those who heard them that the message was from God. I did this because I wanted your faith to stand firmly upon God, not on man’s great ideas” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 TLB).

“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

“As much as He done for us, is it so hard for us to wake up for church?
Don’t forsake the gathering. We can learn together, we can pray together.” ₍₁₎

While the multitude of stars in the sky may exceed the grains of sand on Earth, the number of reasons that people devise to avoid going to church may be more numerous than both.

For example, some may find church boring. Others believe that going to church isn’t really necessary. Some choose to prioritize other events or activities over church attendance. Then there are those who avoid going to church because there are “too many hypocrites” there. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: people have developed a seemingly endless array of reasons to avoid going to church.

So why is church important and why should Christians attend church regularly? We can answer those questions with a look at this passage from Hebrews 10:25. We can begin by noting that the word “church” is derived from a word that refers to a public assembly, especially one of a religious nature. While “the church” is sometimes used to identify the global Christian community, it is most often used to describe a local congregation that meets in a specific location.

In the New Testament era, this generally involved a group of Christians who met together for worship and teaching in a local home. That residence served as the host building for the “church” in that neighborhood. We can find evidence for this arrangement in the Biblical book of 1 Corinthians: “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19 NIV).

We should also recognize that the concept of “church” was established by Jesus Himself. For example, Jesus used the term “my church” in the Gospel of Matthew. (Matthew 16:18). The New Testament book of Colossians also refers to Jesus as the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). Finally, the book of 1 Timothy refers to the church as “God’s church” in 1 Timothy 3:5 and even as “God’s household” in 1 Timothy 3:15.

With these things in mind, we can say that the church is an institution that has been established by God and is ultimately led by Christ. Therefore, we should not be surprised to read the exhortation given to us here in Hebrews 10:25.

(1) Cam, Raindrop (feat. Kadence), “The Platform” 2008 Doulos Records https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhcpzL6VQys

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

One of the more challenging aspects of our relationship with other members of the Christian community often involves our responsibility to implement the directive given to us in the passage quoted above.

For instance, notice the word “consider” here in Hebrews 10:24. This word conveys an image of thoughtful reflection as we contemplate the things that will cultivate another person’s highest good from a Biblical perspective. It should also reflect a prayerful commitment to act in the best interests of others, even when their actions warrant a different response. Much like a baker who stirs up the ingredients of a cake or pastry, this requires effort on our part.

Next comes a reference to love. In the original language of this passage, “love” incorporates the idea of affection, good will, and benevolence. ₍₁₎ It also encompasses the qualities of generosity, kindly concern, and devotedness. ₍₂₎ Thus, we can say that a portion of our “job description” includes an effort to help others become all that God created them to be in Christ.

In part, this involves encouraging others to use their God-given talents, skills, opportunities, and abilities to honor God. For example, some may be unaware of such gifts, even when they are clearly visible to others. Then there are some who could benefit from the encouragement to step out in faith in regard to a ministry opportunity. We can exert a positive influence upon such individuals if we take a careful inventory of their strengths, weaknesses, and evidence of God’s call upon their lives.

This does not mean that we should pressure or leverage others into service simply because a need exists. Instead, this passage speaks of the forethought that is necessary to help “…motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (NLT). As one commentator wisely observes, “It is easy to stir up hate and godless deeds; it takes much more to stir up another to love and good works.” ₍₃₎

We can also stir up love and good works if we seek to lead by example. In other words, we should seek to offer a positive example for others to follow in our speech, appearance, and ministry efforts. As Paul the Apostle encouraged the church in the town of Corinth, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The following verse offers an excellent path that can guide us in putting this exhortation into practice. We’ll consider that path in greater detail next.

(1) G26 agape Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g26

(2) G26 agape Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/agape

(3) Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 2566). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

A careful reading of Hebrews 10:23 reveals two distinct portions of this passage. If we refer to the original language of this verse, we might render the first portion of Hebrews 10:23 in the following manner: “Let us keep firm possession of what we profess, as we remain firm and unmoved, in the joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation…”

While this exhortation was originally directed toward an audience of those who were unsettled in their faith, it is just as relevant for contemporary audiences as well. In fact, this exhortation was (and is) so important that our author affirmed this idea in several earlier portions of this this letter…

“But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ” (Hebrews 3:6 NLT).

“And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end” (Hebrews 6:11 ESV).

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us” (Hebrews 6:18 NLT).

The second half of Hebrews 10:23 draws our attention to an important attribute of Christ: faithfulness. When others prove unworthy of our trust, Jesus remains faithful. In fact, Jesus’ faithfulness is an intrinsic part of His character, for as we are told in 2 Timothy 2:13, “…he always remains faithful. He cannot deny his own nature” (2 Timothy 2:13 Phillips).

Unlike those who are less than trustworthy, we can always rely upon Christ to demonstrate His faithfulness towards us. As one source observes, “This is a wonderful affirmation of assurance that although we are called to endure and be faithful, salvation does not rest ultimately on our faithfulness, but upon the perfect faithfulness of Christ.” ₍₁₎

Thus, Jesus is faithful to keep His promises to us. The Gospel of John records one of the most significant of those promises…

“There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am” (John 14:2-3 GNT).

(1) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2172). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

“let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water” (Hebrews 10:22 HCSB).

As we consider the characteristic qualities of Hebrews 10:22, we next come to an attribute that will soon become a focus of greater attention: “full assurance of faith.” One Biblical scholar offers a foundation for understanding this concept with a look at the original language of this passage…

“Plerophoria, ‘full assurance,’ is an expression which occurs more than once in the writings of the Apostle Paul. He speaks of plerophoria suneseos, ‘the full assurance of understanding’ (Col. 2:2); plerophoria tes elpidos, ‘the full assurance of hope’ (Heb. 6:11); and plerophoria pisteos, ‘the full assurance of faith’ (Heb. 10:22). According to its etymology, this word denotes ‘a carrying with full sail’; the metaphor being taken, probably, from ships when their sails are filled with favourable gales. Thus it may here signify the vehement inclination of the mind, impelled by the Holy Spirit, towards an assent to the truth perceived.” ₍₁₎

Thus, this reference to a “full assurance of faith” previews the famous “Faith Hall Of Fame” that is to come in the following chapter.

A more obscure reference then follows this phrase: “having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience” (AMPC). This terminology becomes easier to understand if we stop to consider the negative effects of a guilty conscience.

You see, virtually everyone knows what it is like to live with a guilty conscience. It was the prolific 17th century commentator Matthew Henry who once observed that “A guilty conscience needs no accuser or tormentor but itself.” ₍₂₎ Whenever we treat others inappropriately, we must live with the guilt of such behavior. This often leads to emotional distance and loss of intimacy with others. The same may be said of our relationship with God as well.

This is why a passage from earlier in Hebrews chapter ten is so important for those who place their faith in Christ: ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer'” (Hebrews 10:17 NET). The knowledge that God no longer remembers our sinful thoughts and behaviors frees us from the shackles of a guilty conscience before Him.

Therefore, as we are told in the New Testament epistle of 1 John, “Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God” (1 John 3:21 NET).

(1) Herman Witsius, Sacred Dissertations on What Is Commonly Called the Apostles’ Creed, trans. Donald Fraser, 2 vols. (1823; reprint, Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R, 1993), 1:42–43. Quoted in R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification, electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000), 80.

(2) Matthew Henry, Exposition of the Old and New Testament, Volume 3

“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” (Hebrews 10:22).

A careful reading of Hebrews 10:22 reveals several essential attributes for drawing near to God in Christ. As we examine these attributes in greater detail, we are sure to find that they are more important than they may initially seem to appear.

The first attribute given to us here within this verse is a “true heart.” When we say that something is “true,” we’re saying that it corresponds (or “goes along”) with reality. In other words, “truth” means that we are talking about things the way they really are. One source clarifies this definition for us: “{true is] opposite to what is fictitious, counterfeit, imaginary, simulated or pretended.” ₍₁₎

That brings us to the word “heart.” As mentioned in a previous study, the word “heart” is represented by the word kardia in the original language of this passage. It also forms the basis for our modern-day word “cardiac.” Kardia refers to our innermost being in a physical, spiritual, or emotional sense. So when taken together, these definitions encourage us to draw near to God in Christ with an internal attitude of sincerity, honesty, and authenticity.

Ordinarily, the idea of drawing near to God with a true heart would be impossible for any fallible human being. To quote the prophet Jeremiah (one of the author of Hebrews’ favorite Old Testament sources), “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NLT).

Jesus also made a similar observation regarding the heart…

“…the words that come out of your mouth come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God. Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others. These are what make you unclean…” (Matthew 15:18-20 CEV).

Therefore, it is helpful to remember a key that was given to us earlier in this chapter: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19 NLT). This illustrates why we need an internally heart-changing relationship with Christ, for we can only enter God’s presence with true hearts through what He has done for us. As Jesus also reminded us in His Sermon On The Mount…

“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

(1) G228 alethinos Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g228/nlt/mgnt/0-1/

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20 ESV).

The contributions made by the following sources provide us with some valuable insight into the passage quoted above. As we conclude our brief look at Hebrews 10:19-20, we will dedicate this portion of our study to the observations made by a few select authors who help advance our understanding of these important verses…

“The first exhortation urges the Christian to take full advantage of the privilege of worship -of drawing near… Here ‘confidence’ (Gk. parrhesia, lit. ‘outspokenness’, ‘openness’) conveys the idea of an exulting boldness, a vivid sense of freedom from all fear when it comes to entering the sacred area of God’s presence.” ₍₁₎

“On this earth, most of us do not have immediate access to a president or monarch. But through Christ’s blood, we have perpetual access to God Himself.” ₍₂₎

“Jesus is the High Priest over God’s house in the heavens. As we have seen so often, the function of the priest was to build a bridge between man and God. This means that Jesus not only shows us the way to God but also when we get there introduces us to his very presence. A man might be able to direct an enquirer to Buckingham Palace and yet be very far from having the right to take him into the presence of the Queen; but Jesus can take us the whole way.” ₍₃₎

“God has no special place where only a special caste of men may approach Him. Instead, all believers may come into His presence by faith at any time and from any place on earth.” ₍₄₎

“We do not just come into God’s presence as strangers, visitors, or laypersons but as priests- as people who belong in the temple and have a right and even a duty to be in the most sacred places in the temple. Using imagery from the ceremony for ordination of priests (see Ex. 29:4, 21), the author of Hebrews pictures all believers as having been ordained as priests to God and thus able to enter into his presence, for he says that we draw near ‘with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water'” (Heb. 10:22 ; cf. 1 Peter 2:9). ₍₅₎

(1) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering & Inglis Ltd [pg. 1525].

(2) Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (p. 1651). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

(3) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Meaning Of Christ For Us (Heb_10:19-25).”

(4) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers (Hebrews 10:19-39).

(5) Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, Ml: Zondervan Academic, 2020) [pg 870].

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Having built a case for Jesus’ New Covenant ministry over the previous chapters of this epistle, these verses transition us from the doctrinal portion of Hebrews to a series of applications and illustrations.

Earlier in our study of Hebrews, we saw that human beings were generally prohibited from entering the Old Testament-era Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). The only individuals who could enter these structures were the priests. However, the priests were also restricted from entering the innermost portion of the Tabernacle known as the Most Holy Place. The only exception was the High Priest, and even then, he could only enter that area once a year under a complex set of rules (see Leviticus chapter 16).

This was a serious matter, for Leviticus 16:2 tells us that the High Priest was not permitted “…to enter into the Holy Place behind the veil, where the Ark and the place of mercy are, just whenever he chooses. The penalty for intrusion is death” (TLB). Therefore, a person who approached God in this manner had to ensure that he did so as if his life depended on it, for it literally did.

This offers a stark contrast to the access to God we now enjoy under the New Covenant…

• There is no longer any reason to fear God when we approach Him through Christ.
• We can now approach God with confidence whenever we desire and not just once a year on a particular day.
• When we approach God through Christ, we can expect to find love and acceptance as a result of His sacrifice on our behalf.

Thus, we can experience freedom without fear in our relationship with God, for every barrier to fellowship with our Creator has been eliminated through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. Since Christ has now opened the way to fellowship with God, Hebrews 10:19 encourages us to take advantage of that access with boldness.

The New Testament book of Ephesians also speaks of this confidence when it tells us, “In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God’s presence with all confidence” (GNT). Nevertheless, we should not equate confidence and assurance with carelessness, nonchalance, or a casual demeanor. Instead. the privilege of access to God should be accompanied by an attitude of humility, respect, and appreciation for His willingness to receive us whenever we come to Him through Christ.