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QUESTION 39:
In Hebrews 10:26 we read, "If we sin wilfully after that we receive knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin" What does this mean?

ANSWER:
This has been a favorite verse for those that believe in being saved and lost again, and a puzzler for others.

The Book of Hebrews was written to people who had embraced the sacrifice of Christ, but some had returned to the Old Testament offerings and sacrifices. The Book sets Christ forth as better than angels and prophets (Hebrews Chapters 1 & Chapter 2), Moses (Hebrews Chapter 3) Joshua (Hebrews Chapter 4) and Aaron (Hebrews Chapter 5). He then goes to show that the new covenant and sacrifice of Christ is better than the offerings, sacrifices, and the Old Testament. (Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 10:9). In the text above, he sets forth a supposition, "if we willfully turn away from the sacrifice of Christ, since the old has passed away, there is no other sacrifice." This, many of them had done. He is afraid there are others. He exhorts them several times to "hold fast their profession of faith." (Read Hebrews 4:14 and Hebrews 10:23). In Hebrews Chapter 6, he says, "...seeing they (others) crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:6). There is no repentance for these apostates. (Hebrews 6:4-6). They have rejected the only sacrifice, so there is no other. Paul calls them "false brethren." (2 Corinthians 11:26; and Galatians 2:4).

It is a serious thing to know about Christ and His sacrificial death, and then to reject it. "Better to have not known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them." 2 Peter 2:21.

What about you, Dear Reader, do you understand you MUST do something with Christ? He stands NOW as your Saviour, NOW to be received, or later to be your Judge. (Acts 10:42).

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen