What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:26?

Hebrews 10:26 states, "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (ESV). This verse is one of the more challenging passages in the New Testament, as it addresses the serious consequences of willful sin after one has come to understand and accept the gospel. To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider the context of the entire book of Hebrews, the immediate context of the surrounding verses, and the broader theological implications.

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism to avoid suffering. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ and His new covenant over the old covenant. Throughout the letter, there are numerous exhortations and warnings to remain faithful and not to fall away. Hebrews 10:26 falls within one of these warning passages.

In the immediate context, Hebrews 10:19-25 encourages believers to draw near to God with a sincere heart, hold fast to their confession of hope, and consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The author then transitions into a stern warning in verses 26-31 about the consequences of abandoning the faith.

The phrase "if we go on sinning deliberately" refers to a persistent, willful rejection of God's truth after having received and understood it. This is not about occasional sins or lapses in judgment that all Christians experience, but rather a conscious and continuous decision to live in opposition to God's will. The Greek word for "deliberately" (hekousiōs) implies intentionality and persistence.

The phrase "after receiving the knowledge of the truth" indicates that the individuals in question have been enlightened with the gospel message. They have understood and accepted the truth of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant. This is not a case of ignorance but of informed rebellion.

The most striking part of the verse is the statement that "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins." This means that if someone rejects the only means of salvation through Christ's sacrifice, there is no alternative means of atonement. The sacrifices of the old covenant are no longer effective because Christ's sacrifice has fulfilled and superseded them. To turn away from Christ is to reject the only hope for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Hebrews 10:27-31 elaborates on the consequences of such willful sin, describing a fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume God's adversaries. The author compares this to the severe punishment under the law of Moses for those who rejected it, arguing that the punishment will be even greater for those who trample underfoot the Son of God, profane the blood of the covenant, and outrage the Spirit of grace.

It is important to interpret Hebrews 10:26 in light of the broader biblical teaching on salvation and perseverance. The New Testament teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that true believers are secure in their salvation (John 10:28-29). However, it also teaches that genuine faith will produce perseverance and fruit (James 2:14-26; Matthew 7:16-20). The warnings in Hebrews serve as a means to encourage believers to remain faithful and to examine the authenticity of their faith.

In Christian literature, theologians such as John Calvin and John Wesley have offered differing perspectives on this passage. Calvin, from a Reformed perspective, would argue that those who fall away were never truly saved to begin with, as true believers will persevere to the end (the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints). Wesley, from an Arminian perspective, would contend that it is possible for true believers to fall away and forfeit their salvation through willful sin and apostasy.

The pastoral application of Hebrews 10:26 is to take seriously the call to holiness and the warnings against apostasy. It serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of rejecting Christ after having come to know Him. For believers, it is a call to examine their lives, repent of any willful sin, and seek to grow in their relationship with God. It also underscores the importance of community and accountability within the church, as believers are encouraged to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

In conclusion, Hebrews 10:26 warns of the dire consequences of willful, persistent sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth. It emphasizes the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the impossibility of finding atonement apart from Him. This passage calls believers to remain faithful, pursue holiness, and support one another in their walk with Christ.