What is Hebrews 10:26 about? Can wilful sin be forgiven?

[eternally-gratefull]

i do personally believe that 2 peter 2:20 refers to believers, especially regarding verse 21. yet, amen to what you have said! God chastises those that He loves, i'm glad that He has kept you away from wilful and habitual sin

I can’t agree about 2 Peter 2 2 Peter 2 is about false teachers? Having the knowledge of salvation and actually acting on it is not the same
If you spend eternity in hell and had the knowledge that could have saved you in your hand and ultimately said no. To you it will be far worse in hell then those who did not have that knowledge in their hands

 

[ameizhere]

I can’t agree about 2 Peter 2 2 Peter 2 is about false teachers? Having the knowledge of salvation and actually acting on it is not the same
If you spend eternity in hell and had the knowledge that could have saved you in your hand and ultimately said no. To you it will be far worse in hell then those who did not have that knowledge in their hands

for sure it is a fact that you are judged stricter based on the more knowledge that you have, but i do believe it is talking about true believers. as it says they "have escaped the pollutions of the world" and this cannot be the case for unbelievers. there are too many warnings for me to believe that one cannot lose salvation, we are told multiple times not to stray away from the faith

 

[eternally-gratefull]

for sure it is a fact that you are judged stricter based on the more knowledge that you have, but i do believe it is talking about true believers. as it says they "have escaped the pollutions of the world" and this cannot be the case for unbelievers. there are too many warnings for me to believe that one cannot lose salvation, we are told multiple times not to stray away from the faith

We escape pollutions of this world when we walk into a church and become a member of a church or part of a group
many people walk with us and have never come to Christ in salvation they eventually walk away because their love is the world and self. Like these false teachers Peter spoke of. They came in then started to speak and grew a following but their words were false and they became false teachers

If you look to the end of the chapter Peter explains it well who they are

2 Peter 2:22 (NKJV): 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

A dog is always a dog. He can learn new tricks but he will return to his Vomit. Because he is a dog

a dog who is born again is made a new creature he is no longer a dog. So he won’t return to his own vomit

 

[montana123]

yes, i also agree with this. yet i do think that if a true christian wilfully sins - whether be just a one time occurrence or leads to backsliding - that this is a dangerous place to be in

That is true that it is a dangerous place to be in every time we sin for we are not led of the Spirit at the time we sin for if we were led of the Spirit we would not sin and every time we sin could lead to more sin and we could backslide.

Every time we sin we forfeit repentance until we repent and get rid of the sin and do not want it anymore.

 

[ResidentAlien]

The Greek word translated "knowledge" is epignōsin. It implies a full knowledge; or a close relationship with it, or with Christ. This is a person who is fully saved and knows exactly what they're doing; yet they turn their back on Him anyway. Apostasy may apply; but apostasy is more general. It could apply to the fully saved or to those who aren't really saved but only have a form of religion.

In 2 Peter 2:20 the same word epignōsin is used:

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the real knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter circumstances have become worse for them than the first ones."—Wilber Pickering New Testament, Majority Text

 

[ameizhere]

We escape pollutions of this world when we walk into a church and become a member of a church or part of a group
many people walk with us and have never come to Christ in salvation they eventually walk away because their love is the world and self. Like these false teachers Peter spoke of. They came in then started to speak and grew a following but their words were false and they became false teachers

If you look to the end of the chapter Peter explains it well who they are

2 Peter 2:22 (NKJV): 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

A dog is always a dog. He can learn new tricks but he will return to his Vomit. Because he is a dog

a dog who is born again is made a new creature he is no longer a dog. So he won’t return to his own vomit

i'm not sure if i agree that this is interpreted correctly, but 2 peter 2:20 describes a hazardous place to be in, i do know that

 

[ameizhere]

That is true that it is a dangerous place to be in every time we sin for we are not led of the Spirit at the time we sin for if we were led of the Spirit we would not sin and every time we sin could lead to more sin and we could backslide.

Every time we sin we forfeit repentance until we repent and get rid of the sin and do not want it anymore.

amen. i believe that if backsliding is not dealt with, it can certainly lead to apostasy

 

[iTheophilus]

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

- Hebrews 10:24-27 (NKJV)

I believe Hebrews 10:26 is talking about the unforgivable sin.

If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, this is unforgivable.

But consider… How many individuals have been taught the truth? The truth is found in God's Word, every single verse of it, but not everyone has read it. For this reason, it is my opinion that only a Christian—one who has complete understanding of God's Word and who has the Holy Spirit abiding inside him that can commit the unpardonable sin. A Christian will not be pardoned for refusing to allow the Holy Spirit to use him (speak through him). We are in the latter days, and the Day is approaching. Let us not deny the Holy Spirit.

"You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

- Matthew 10:18-20 (NKJV)

 

[ameizhere]

The Greek word translated "knowledge" is epignōsin. It implies a full knowledge; or a close relationship with it, or with Christ. This is a person who is fully saved and knows exactly what they're doing; yet they turn their back on Him anyway. Apostasy may apply; but apostasy is more general. It could apply to the fully saved or to those who aren't really saved but only have a form of religion.

In 2 Peter 2:20 the same word epignōsin is used:

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the real knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter circumstances have become worse for them than the first ones."—Wilber Pickering New Testament, Majority Text

thank you for your reply. would you agree that those who backslide, get stuck in wilful sin or start to drift are at danger of complete apostasy? i don't necessarily think a backslider is unredeemable or that one wilful sin leads to damnation, but i certainly do think that if it is undealt with, it can lead to apostasy. at that point, i would really question if someone is redeemable.

 

[ameizhere]

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

- Hebrews 10:24-27 (NKJV)

I believe Hebrews 10:26 is talking about the unforgivable sin.

If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, this is unforgivable.

But consider… How many individuals have been taught the truth? The truth is found in God's Word, every single verse of it, but not everyone has read it. For this reason, it is my opinion that only a Christian—one who has complete understanding of God's Word and who has the Holy Spirit abiding inside him that can commit the unpardonable sin. A Christian will not be pardoned for refusing to allow the Holy Spirit to use him (speak through him). We are in the latter days, and the Day is approaching. Let us not deny the Holy Spirit.

"You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

- Matthew 10:18-20 (NKJV)

i agree that this must be talking about believers. personally, i do not think those who backslide or wilfully sin just one time are reprobate or cannot be redeemed, but i believe this is dangerous and if not dealt with and truly repented of, it will lead to loss of salvation and they will become apostate. i think there is certainly a danger to drifting away and backsliding, but this certainly isn't the point that someone can't be forgiven, it is the denying and complete falling away/apostasy that comes after that will not be forgiven

 

[eternally-gratefull]

i'm not sure if i agree that this is interpreted correctly, but 2 peter 2:20 describes a hazardous place to be in, i do know that

Amen. With this I agree

 

[Charlie24]

and yes, i see backsliding as returning to wilful sin. but this is what i mean by wilful sin, if not repented of, may lead to apostasy. would you agree?

The author is saying that if this "willful sin" is committed "there remains no more sacrifice for sins."

This is not a normal sin we would commit, it is a sin that has taken away the possibility of being forgiven.

If you look in the next verse, vs27, the author is speaking of judgement, in vs28 he gives an example of this judgement being stoned to death for unbelief, in vs 29, he speaks of one who has "trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing. This is the "willful sin."

It is apostasy, no longer having faith in Jesus Christ for whatever reason!

 

[ResidentAlien]

thank you for your reply. would you agree that those who backslide, get stuck in wilful sin or start to drift are at danger of complete apostasy? i don't necessarily think a backslider is unredeemable or that one wilful sin leads to damnation, but i certainly do think that if it is undealt with, it can lead to apostasy. at that point, i would really question if someone is redeemable.

All I know is it's best to obey the Lord without looking back. Anything else is dangerous.

 

[ameizhere]

The author is saying that if this "willful sin" is committed "there remains no more sacrifice for sins."

This is not a normal sin we would commit, it is a sin that has taken away the possibility of being forgiven.

If you look in the next verse, vs27, the author is speaking of judgement, in vs28 he gives an example of this judgement being stoned to death for unbelief, in vs 29, he speaks of one who has "trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing. This is the "willful sin."

It is apostasy, no longer having faith in Jesus Christ for whatever reason!

yes, apostasy cannot be forgiven. it is quite similar the the unforgivable sin that Jesus talks about, but i think the main difference is that with apostasy, people don't return because they choose not to because of their hardened heart

 

[eternally-gratefull]

The author is saying that if this "willful sin" is committed "there remains no more sacrifice for sins."

This is not a normal sin we would commit, it is a sin that has taken away the possibility of being forgiven.

If you look in the next verse, vs27, the author is speaking of judgement, in vs28 he gives an example of this judgement being stoned to death for unbelief, in vs 29, he speaks of one who has "trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing. This is the "willful sin."

It is apostasy, no longer having faith in Jesus Christ for whatever reason!

There is only one unforgivable sin. Jesus said this himself. And that is calling the Hs a lier ir rejecting the word he inspired and attributing his works To satan it is in effect unbeliefHe who believes is not condemned
He who does not believe is condemned already because they do nit believe
Jesus did not say he who does not believes ir commits these sins or s condemned
saying any sin can cause us to lose salvation is placing us back under law.

 

[ameizhere]

All I know is it's best to obey the Lord without looking back. Anything else is dangerous.

amen. as Jesus said Himself
i do regret that i have sinned wilfully at a time after salvation, but i pray that God forgives me for not having knowledge on how dangerous this was, and that Jesus my advocate covers my unworthiness

 

[eternally-gratefull]

yes, apostasy cannot be forgiven. it is quite similar the the unforgivable sin that Jesus talks about, but i think the main difference is that with apostasy, people don't return because they choose not to because of their hardened heart

John said those who left us where never if us. If they were of us they never would have left

Jesus knows each of us. He already knows when we will die. What we will do before we die and how our faith in him will grow, Remain stagnant or if we will become unbelievers again

He is not going to give the gift of eternal life to someone when he knows in the end they wil reject him in sin unbelief or whatever

Again he who is born of shoe can not sin whoever wins has never seen or known god

 

[Runningman]

The question is the question above in the title. Or is it about apostasy?

This often misquoted verse is a subject of much debate, but what I find is that the context is often completely overlooked.

Hebrews 10:1-18 is about Christ's perfect sacrifice being superior to the sacrifice of animals.

Verse 1 is talking about animal sacrifices offered yearly being inadequate to make anyone perfect.
Hebrews 10:1 (NKJV)
1For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

Compared to the single, perfect, sacrifice of Christ who perfects everyone for all time:
Hebrews 10:16 (NKJV)
14For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

This is about sinning after having an animal sacrifice. There was not a sacrifice for sins until the next year under the Law. Sinning makes an animal sacrifice null and void.
Hebrews 10:26-28(NKJV)
26For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

What all of this means is that Hebrews 10:26 cannot be true regarding those covered by Christ's sacrifice. By process of elimination, verse 26 is talking about animal sacrifices.

You may also have noticed the simplicity of how the books of the Bible are named. Romans was written to Romans, Ephesians was written to those people of Ephesus, Galatians was written to those people of Galatia, and Hebrews was written to Hebrew people.

The target audience of Hebrews are actually a mixed audience of practicing Jewish people and Jewish Christians who are being given a persuasive sermon to convert to either Christianity, reject animal sacrifices, accept the perfect sacrifice of Christ, or not revert back into the Law of Moses.

 

[Charlie24]

There is only one unforgivable sin. Jesus said this himself. And that is calling the Hs a lier ir rejecting the word he inspired and attributing his works To satan it is in effect unbeliefHe who believes is not condemned
He who does not believe is condemned already because they do nit believe
Jesus did not say he who does not believes ir commits these sins or s condemned
saying any sin can cause us to lose salvation is placing us back under law.

What have those in Heb. 10:26 done?

vs. 26) there remains no more sacrifice for sins, for them.

vs. 29) they have trodden under foot the Son of God and counted the blood of His covenant as an unholy thing.

They have walked away from Christ rejecting Him, they no longer have faith in Him.

The indwelling Holy Spirit has been insulted by unbelief and also rejected.

The "willful sin" they have committed is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

That's why the author said, "there remains no more sacrifice for sin." Jesus has been denied.

 

[ameizhere]

John said those who left us where never if us. If they were of us they never would have left

Jesus knows each of us. He already knows when we will die. What we will do before we die and how our faith in him will grow, Remain stagnant or if we will become unbelievers again

He is not going to give the gift of eternal life to someone when he knows in the end they wil reject him in sin unbelief or whatever

Again he who is born of shoe can not sin whoever wins has never seen or known god

i do acknowledge the verse you are talking about and i do recognise this. certainly, there is a group of people who never had their heart in the idea of Jesus and His salvation in the first place, but i think they are more to be regarded as false converts
if we look in nearly every new testament book, perhaps all, there are warning everywhere about not straying from the faith. 1 timothy 4:1 and 2 thessalonians 2:1-3 are examples that it is possible to depart from the faith