Articles
Willful Sin
Willful Sin
“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 10.26-27
Difficult passages such as this one can require a deeper study. To understand this passage, we need to define the sin that the author is talking about. Is the author saying if we commit willful sin that our sins are no longer forgiven? This article will discuss why the willful sin described in Hebrews 10.26 is referring to active rebellion against God.
Especially with the book of Hebrews, it is helpful to look back into the Old Testament to better understand what the writer is telling his audience. Numbers 15 gives instructions for sacrifices for unintentional sin, then says this about presumptuous sin, “But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the LORD, and he shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the LORD, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him” (Numbers 15.30-31). “Presumptuous” in this verse literally means “with a high hand,” referring to a rebellious act. This sin refers to someone who has deliberately chosen to abandon God. They know the truth, yet choose to apostatize. We see many people choose to sin throughout the Old and New Testament, but when they turn back to God they are granted forgiveness. For example, David’s sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 is completely willful, yet David is forgiven when he turns back to God. Presumptuous or willful sin is not referring to sin that was committed on purpose, but to a sinner who is no longer willing to abide in God’s covenant. There are many types of Old Testament sacrifices for different sins, but there is no sacrifice for not wanting to be part of the covenant. If someone refused to observe the Sabbath there would be no applicable sacrifice. The author of Hebrews is giving us the same warning. If we sin willfully to rebel against the New Covenant, then we have cut ourselves off from the very thing that could save us, and there no longer remains a sacrifice for our sins. However, Christ’s sacrifice will remain for those who are partakers in His Covenant.
When we encounter difficult passages, continuing to read on even when we are confused can help us understand what the Scripture is saying. In this case, the very next verse helps us understand what willful sin refers to. Those who can expect fiery indignation because of their willful sin are referred to as adversaries in Hebrews 10.27.
The difference between someone who has a sacrifice for their sins and someone who does not is whether or not they are an adversary of Christ. A sacrifice for sins no longer remains for adversaries of Christ. Someone who fails to resist temptation is not Christ’s adversary, so a sacrifice for that person’s sins still remains. When we fall short, someone with a penitent heart that asks for forgiveness will not be seen as Christ’s adversary. If we do not have a penitent heart seeking forgiveness, then we have become an adversary and should have a fearful expectation of judgment.
A passage like this can seem concerning or unfair when we first read it, but when we study the passage deeper it will make sense. Just like in the Old Testament, there is not a sacrifice for someone who does not want to be part of the covenant. A sacrifice for sins does not remain for us if we oppose Christ and act in rebellion as His adversary. When there is sin in our lives, do not rebel against God and become His adversary. If we turn away from our sins and back to God then the sacrifice for our sins remains.
– William Speer
