“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/