Q 054

Question: “I am 53 years old and struggle daily with my salvation. When I was 21 I had a radical conversion to Jesus. I could not get enough scripture back then. I was so hungry for the word. I KNEW HIM, AND I KNOW HE KNEW ME. Through the years however I have struggled with many questions in regards to being saved. I was raised in a home where OSAS was not believed and have always dealt with the mental battle of slipping up here or slipping up there which results in the loss of my salvation. But I want to be clear, I have struggled with serious sins in my life, I know I am a sinner. I will say I do see things in scripture that look to me like they lean toward the idea that one can lose their salvation which is confusing. Right now Hebrews 10:26-31 has me completely depressed. It is very hard for me to even read the Bible anymore because of the condemnation I feel after reading. I would do anything to have the relationship I had with Jesus back then. Could you give me your take on the passage in Hebrews I referenced? Thank you for doing what you do.”

Answer: 

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:26-31)

These verses do not have any implication on the believer’s position in Jesus Christ. These verses give a serious warning to any believer that thinks animal sacrifices are a better atonement that the blood of Jesus Christ. They run the risk of serious discipline from the hand of God, Who is now their loving Father. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to go back to the temple practices and animal sacrifices. The comparison of Israel’s severe punishment in the wilderness is a reminder that God has not changed. He has forgiven the believer of all their sin, but He will not idly stand by while that same believer makes a mockery of His Son Jesus.