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concerns the light one has received. This metaphorical of either temporal discipline
leads us to the essence of the warning – (or chastening) by the hand of God, or the
revelation brings responsibility. judgment seat of Christ. In the former,
Sinning wilfully, therefore, is the act chastening has cleansing, correction and
of deliberately and persistently going instruction in mind, and may involve
2
against the revealed will of God by a true taking a believer home. For the latter,
Christian. The context suggests that the judgment is concerned with review
sin in view is intentional and sustained and requiting, and involves a righteous
disobedience against the imperatives recompense for motive, service, behaviour
to hold fast and not forsake assembling and things done, “whether it be good or
3
together. For the Hebrews, this would bad.” Thus, “the day approaching” (v25)
mean abandoning their profession of is to be feared today, for we will receive
faith and the house of the living God, and reward or loss of future blessing, honour,
returning to the lifeless rituals of Judaism rule and responsibility in the Millennial
(although the principle of sinning wilfully Kingdom according to present Christian
may be taken more broadly). conduct.
In this plight, “there remaineth no The “fiery zeal” (v27 YLT) is figurative
more sacrifice for sins.” How is this to be of testing, proving, chastening and
understood? Firstly, Christ has “offered consuming. God can use fire positively,
one sacrifice for sins for ever” (10:12). such as to prove our faith (1Pe 1:7), and
On the basis of the new covenant, God negatively, such as was required for the
will “no more” remember our “sins and disobedience of Nadab and Abihu (Lev
iniquities” (v17), and where there is 10:1,2) and the rebellion of Korah (Num
forgiveness, there is “no more offering 16:1-35). Fire will be used at the judgment
for sin” (v18; 9:22). Thus, the sacrifice seat to manifest the quality of our work
of Christ provides for eternal salvation (1Co 3:13). We take the expression “about
to devour the adversaries” (JND; see Isa
and security from eternal judgment (Joh
5:24). Also, when a believer acknowledges 26:11) as a form of temporal discipline for
present sin and repents to God in faith, persistent rebellion, not eternal wrath for
forgiveness and restoration are certain the unregenerate.
(1Jn 1:9). However, if one were to persist Thanks be to God, “the forgiveness
in wilful sin and consciously disregard of sins” is available to all through our
the sacrifice of Christ, there is nothing else Lord Jesus Christ (Act 13:38; 1Jn 1:9).
available that can provide forgiveness and However, deliberate and ongoing sin
restoration. The only thing that remains in the life of a believer is a disgrace to
is the certainty of temporal judgment God and will, in one form or another,
(v27). (The OT illustration for this will be invoke His disciplining hand. It is time
considered in the next article.) to ask ourselves the question, “Shall we
continue in sin …? Certainly not!” (Rom
Inasmuch as the first warning affirmed 6:1,2 NKJV).
an inescapable recompense for neglect,
the “expectation of judgment” (JND) 2
E.g., Act 5:5; 1Co 3:17; 5:5; 11:30-32; Heb 12:5-
for sinning wilfully is both “certain” 11; Jas 5:19,20; 1Pe 4:17; 1Jn 5:16.
and “fearful” (see 10:31). We take the 3 See Heb 10:30,35; 1Co 3:13-15; 4:3-5; 2Co 5:10;
expression “fiery zeal” (v27 YLT) as Col 3:24,25; Jas 1:12; 2:12.

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