QUES. Please explain Heb. 10:26-2926For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of 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? (Hebrews 10:26‑29).
A. F. R.
Ans. The writer is a Hebrew, so classes himself in with the nation, with those who had professed Christianity.
The Epistle sets Christ, the substance, in contrast with Judaism, the shadows.
The subject of Chaps. 9 and 10 is the one great, perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for sin, that can therefore never be repeated.
The danger was of giving this up, and going back to the shadows, which could never put away sin. There could be no escape from judgment if Christ was thus given up. All falling away in Heb. is apostasy from Christ.
If after receiving the truth of that one great sacrifice, any should turn away from it, and thus deny Christ, there was no other sacrifice that could save them. Nothing but judgment and fiery indignation remained for such.
If under Moses' law there was no mercy to despisers, how much sorer would their judgment be who has trodden underfoot the Son of God, and esteemed the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of God, Who has come to witness to its infinite efficacy.
There can be no mercy for those who willfully declare that the Lord Jesus Christ is no Savior.
Peter in Luke 22:56-6256But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilean. 60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:56‑62) is a sample of a weak saint who denied that he knew his Lord, but he did not deny that Jesus was the Son of God.