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Sermon Introduction

The author of Hebrews gave several warnings in the epistle. There was a warning against unbelief, and there was a warning against apostasy. He intended to prevent those in the communities of Jewish believers from falling away from Christ. He would continue to give a similar warning to those who go on sinning willfully after learning about the truth about Christ. Christ is the only worthy sacrifice, there is no one else, and there is nothing else. God’s mercy is found in Christ alone. There is no other excellent and acceptable sacrifice than Christ’s sacrifice. And there is no covenant after Christ. The New Covenant in Christ is eternal, not temporal; it is forever (10:26).

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 10:26-31 NASB

26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has ignored the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Notes

The author of Hebrews gave several warnings in the epistle. There was a warning against unbelief, and there was a warning against apostasy. He intended to prevent those in the communities of Jewish believers from falling away from Christ. He would continue to give a similar warning to those who go on sinning willfully after learning about the truth about Christ. Christ is the only worthy sacrifice, there is no one else, and there is nothing else. God’s mercy is found in Christ alone. There is no other excellent and acceptable sacrifice than Christ’s sacrifice. And there is no covenant after Christ. The New Covenant in Christ is eternal, not temporal; it is forever (10:26).

1. The author warned that those who reject Christ could expect a terrifying judgment like the fire that consumes. It would be more severe compared to the punishment under Moses (10:27-28).

2. The author warned those who go on sinning willfully after hearing the gospel. It is insulting the Son of God, and it is treating as unclean the blood that set the Lord apart (10:29). But the blood of Christ is not worthless. It is the highest eternal value.

3. The author mentioned that God would take vengeance against all who reject His Son's sacrifice, for they are considered enemies of the sovereign God. The author stated that it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (10:30-31).

Application

1. Repent and believe in the gospel. If you heard the gospel yet you continue sinning, something terrifying awaits you on judgment day. That is guaranteed.

2. Teach others that to reject the gospel is insulting the Son of God and treating His blood as unworthy. Warn others that the judgment and consequences are severe

3. Let us preach that God will take vengeance on all who reject His mercy in Christ. The Almighty will treat them as His enemies. Thus, let us warn that it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What can those who reject Christ expect from God?

2. Why is it a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God?

3. What does this mean to us who believe?