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Monthly Question Page
Q. What is the difference between 1 Chronicles 21:13, “Let me fall now into the hand of the Lord,” and Hebrews 10:31, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”?
A. In First Chronicles, King David had sinned, and in pride had numbered the people. When he realizes what he has done he takes full responsibility for his actions, and seeks to spare the people from a consequence that he feels they do not deserve. In confessing his sin he understands that God is gracious and avails himself of that grace, instead of blaming others for his failure.
In Hebrews it is a question of a person who rejects God’s testimony and His offer of salvation. This we see from the context, beginning at verse 29. It is indeed a fearful thing to reject God’s grace and salvation, especially for those who have made a profession of being saved and pretend to be believers but are not real. There will be judgment for such!
So, for a child of God to fall into His hand is to count on His grace, mercy, and wisdom. But to fall into the hands of a holy God having rejected His grace and mercy is the most dreadful thing of all.
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