Page 14 - March 2025 - Truth & Tidings

Earnest Warning (10:26-31) example of judgment, and (twice) for
As we consider the fourth warning, a hypothetical case worthy of “sorer
it is imperative to mark the various punishment” (v29). And although
hypothetical, the case assumes the person
expressions within its context that indicate deserving penalty is “sanctified” (v29).
the writer is addressing the genuine child The writer makes no attempt to prove
of God. They have been “sanctified” or disprove it; he just assumes it as fact.
(v10), “perfected” (v14), “sprinkled” and
“washed” (v22). They are thus “brethren” Therefore, the language of the warning
who have “boldness to enter into the and its context affirm that the writer’s
holiest” (v19). They have a “high priest concern was with genuine converts –
1
over the house of God” (v21). They are to despite the harshness of its terms. This
“draw near” in “faith” (v22; ch11), “hold view is sealed by a literal interpretation
of “the Lord shall judge his people” (v30).
fast” in “hope” (v23; ch12), and “provoke” We maintain that the child of God will not
(or stimulate) one another to “love and be condemned to eternal doom at the great
to good works” (v24; ch13). The warning white throne judgment. What, then, does
assumes the person who sins has “received this judgment mean for Christians?
the [full] knowledge of the truth” (v26)
and “was sanctified” by “the blood of the A Fearful Judgment to Be Expected
covenant” (v29). Following the warning, (10:26-27)
the writer reminds them that they have The conjunction “for” (lit. because)
been “enlightened,” but says they “have implies that the warning is the reason
need of endurance” (vv32,36 JND). They behind the exhortation. The word for
suffered plundering of their property, “sin” is a present participle, meaning
“knowing” they have “a better and an that it is continuous and ongoing (i.e.,
enduring substance” (lit. possession, sinning). “Wilfully” (or willingly, 1Pe
v34). They are exhorted to “cast not away 5:2) is an adverb denoting the deliberate,
therefore [their] confidence” (lit. boldness, determined, intentional nature of the sin.
v35), which they have (v19), and which The root adjective occurs in Philemon 14

yields “great recompense of reward.” That only, where it is translated “willingly.”
they “might receive the promise” (v36) Thus, it is neither sudden nor occasional,
is only after they “have done the will of neither unexpected nor unintentional.
God” (v36). The wilful sin is after “we have received
The writer’s use of “we” in verses 26 and the knowledge of the truth.” Knowledge
30 is also important to understanding the is from epignosis, which signifies a precise
warning. As with all other warnings (see and correct knowledge, a full and living
2:1-3; 3:6,14; 6:1-3; 12:25), “we” indicates perception, a knowledge gained by
that the writer recognises the warning is faith and experience. Coming to a full
for both himself and for the readers of knowledge of the truth is the will of God
the letter. The third person “he” (v28) is for those who are “saved” (1Ti 2:4; Titus
used (once) to point to an Old Testament 1:1). Such truth is “spiritually discerned”
and cannot be received by the “natural
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the man” (1Co 2:11-14). While “the truth” is
KJV unless otherwise noted. not specifically defined, we judge that it

78 TRUTH kTidings March 2025