Behold, The Lamb of God

JOHN 1:29, 36

Theme: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, provided the sacrificial substitutionary death that appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible. 

Introduction:

Remember, God is not only loving and merciful, but He is also holy, just, and perfect. How can God forgive us without our dying for sin? (See Romans 3:23.) Evidently, Jesus came to deal decisively with our sin problem. W. MacDonald, a Bible scholar and commentator, points out what sin is stating,

Sin is any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God’s standard of holiness and perfection. It is a missing of the mark, a coming short of the target. An Indian whose arrow fell short of its target was heard to say, “Oh, I sinned.” In his language, the same word was used to express sinning and falling short of the target.^[1]

Sinful is an accurate description of every human being since we do not measure up to the perfection of God. Yes, we actually come far short of it because of our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty in our stead and as our substitute. Recall that Romans 3:23, says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”^[2] Then the divine sentence upon sin is rehearsed in Hebrews 9:22, stating “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”^[3]

Twice in John chapter 1, John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God—“Behold the Lamb of God” (vs. 29 & 36). What was John saying? Though Scripture reveals the Lord Jesus as the Lamb who will bring fantastic judgment in the future (Rev. 5:6, 12; 7:17), the reference here indicates Christ substitutionary sacrifice for sin. Jesus is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). Yes, our Lord’s death has far reaching implications for not only Israel, but you and me also…and the entire world. 1John 2:2, says, “And he [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” ^[4]  Just as the need for salvation is universal/worldwide, the provision of God in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is likewise equally available to all who will repent believing the Gospel.

The Scriptures predicted this ministry of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before when Isaiah said in chapter 53:7, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”^[5] As fascinating as it may seem, God foretold the ministry of Jesus as the Lamb of God—it is one of the greatest anticipations of the Old Testament eras.

Now note what The Bible Knowledge Commentary says concerning Isaiah 53:7,

In verse 7 the quiet, gentle nature of sheep is stressed. Seeing many sheep sheared for their wool or killed as sacrifices, Israelites were well aware of the submissive nature of sheep. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), quietly submitted to His death. He did not try to stop those who opposed Him; He remained silent rather than defend Himself (Matt. 26:63a; 27:14; 1 Peter 2:23). He was willingly led to death because He knew it would benefit those who would believe.^[6]

Let us explore the Old and New Testaments to discover the wealth of meaning John the Baptist involved when he called the Lord Jesus the “Lamb of God.” Let us “behold” this Lamb as John commanded.

THE WORK OF THE SON OF GOD AS THE LAMB—THE SIN-BEARER

The sacrificial substitutionary death of Jesus Christ appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible.  Let us recall just a few thoughts from the previous article entitled, The Lamb of God:

Fact: Jesus Christ Is both the Son of God and the Lamb of God. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many different names. Each name signifies a particular office or responsibility that He has, and illustrates the functions of that office.

As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Was Offered as a Sacrifice by God just as an Israelite would Offer a Lamb in the Old Testament.

John the Baptist was Sent by God to Declare that Jesus is the Christ that Israel had been Waiting for, and that He was also the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).

Now with that recap in mind, consider Jesus, our Lord, as God’s substitutionary payment for our sin. Our only legitimate Sin-Bearer. Please pause with me to “Behold the Lamb of God.”

JESUS, THE ANTICIPATED SUBSTITUTE FOR OUR SINS (Jn. 1:29, 36)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus came to bear the sin of the whole world that we, through His blood, might have everlasting life. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for every sin that was ever committed (2 Cor. 5:21).

2 Cor. 5:21, For he [The Father] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.^[7]

So, the Lord Jesus (as God’s perfect and pure Lamb) willingly and voluntarily took our sins upon Himself and suffered the consequences of our sin as if he was actually responsible for our failures. Beloved, this was the Father’s grand plan all along. W. MacDonald adds,

How can He [God] receive guilty sinners who come to Him in repentance and faith? The answer is that the Lord Jesus has effectively dealt with the whole problem of our sins, so now we can be reconciled to God.In other words, God made Christ to be sin for us—Christ who knew no sin—that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.^[8]

Dr. W. Wiersbe, pastor and prolific commentator, expands noting,

The Person who reconciles us to God is Jesus Christ, and the place where He reconciles us is His cross.

Another key idea in this section is imputation. This is a word borrowed from banking; it simply means “to put to one’s account.” When you deposit money in the bank, the computer (or the clerk) puts that amount to your account, or to your credit. When Jesus died on the cross, all of our sins were imputed to Him—put to His account. He was treated by God as though He had actually committed those sins.The result? All of those sins have been paid for and God no longer holds them against us, because we have trusted Christ as our Saviour. But even more: God has put to our account the very righteousness of Christ! “For He hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).^[9]

Now follow me as I recount the Biblical history and progressive revelation of this idea and notion of a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

      1. The Principal Lamb—a Picture of Atonement

When Adam and Eve sinned, God made them coats of skin for clothing (Gen 3:21). Their sin had opened their eyes to the fact they were naked. They had lost their original innocence and had become unrighteous before God. Blood had to be shed to cover their nakedness. An innocent animal was sacrificed because of their sinful actions.

It is evident from reading the very next chapter (Gen. 4) that the animal sacrificed was very likely a lamb. God had commanded that both Cain and Abel bring a sacrifice, and God had respect to Abel's offering only because it was "of the firstlings of his flock" (Gen. 4:4).

This was a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as a lamb because He would voluntarily die in order to cover or atone for humanity’s sins. This is exactly the Scriptures describe the work of Christ in

Rom 5:10-11, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.^[10]

MacDonald observed,

The entrance of sin had brought estrangement, alienation, and enmity between man and God. By putting away sin, which had caused the alienation, the Lord Jesus restored those who believe on Him to a state of harmony with God. ^[11]

The term “atonement” here means at-one-ment; the act of making two estranged parties one or at harmony. Christ’s sacrifice so thoroughly covered our sin debt, that God and repentant sinners can be reconciled.

       2. The Provided Lamb—a Picture of Substitution

In Genesis 22:1-13, the account is given of Abraham when he is told to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Just as Abraham is about to plunge his knife into Isaac, the angel of the Lord stopped him and told him not to injure his son. As Abraham looked up, he saw a ram caught in a thicket and offered it instead of his son.

In the same manner, Jesus is our substitute. Substitute means one life given in the stead of another. He paid the penalty for our sin as our substitute.

Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Tim. 2:6, Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Cor. 5:7, Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

  

Substitute as used here means, that something happened to Christ, it need not happen to us.  Christ died for our sins; we need not die for them if we accept His sacrifice.

       3. The Passover Lamb—a Picture of the Cross

The first time that Israel observed the Passover was during the terrible plagues that the Lord sent against Egypt when Pharaoh would not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt (Ex. 12).

At that time God told Moses and Aaron to tell every head of the household to take a lamb and kill it. They were to sprinkle its blood on the doorposts (the top and sides of the door frame) of their house. On a given night, the Lord was to pass through the land of Egypt, and in every house that did not have the blood applied to the doorposts, God would kill the firstborn of the household.

The shedding of Christ's blood on the cross, and us applying it to our hearts by faith has the same effect as the blood of the Passover Lamb. It assures safety to those who have applied it, but judgment to those who have not.

Col 1:20, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

The Believer in Jesus Christ is therefore safe from all the wrath of God!

Exod 12:13, And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

1Thes 1:10, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1Thes 5:9-10,  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

        4. The Perpetual Lamb—a Picture of Sacrifice

In Exodus 29:38-42, the Lord institutes a daily burnt offering. The offerings consisted of two lambs, one to be offered in the morning, and one to be offered in the evening. This was to be a continual or daily sacrifice, and it typifies that Christ was made an offering and a sacrifice unto God (Eph. 5:2).

Ephes. 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Heb 10:11-12, And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12, But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Also 1Cor. 5:7)

        5. The Precious Lamb—a Picture of Christ

In a great prophetic portion of Scripture in Isa. 53, a description is given of Jesus Christ who would sacrifice Himself as an offering for sin. How precious this Lamb, the Lord Jesus truly is! No one else could do this for us but Him. He willingly and freely gave Himself on our behalf. Note what Isaiah 53:10-12 says,

  Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:

When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,

He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

¹¹          He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;

For he shall bear their iniquities.

¹²          Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,

And he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

Because he hath poured out his soul unto death:

And he was numbered with the transgressors;

And he bare the sin of many,

And made intercession for the transgressors.^[12]

Beloved, it is with great wonder and awe that we behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! What love is this! What excellent mercy towards us sinners! What joy and thanksgiving Christ sacrifice deserves! How incredible that God remains just and becomes the justifier of those who believe the Gospel! Beloved, God was pleased and satisfied with Christ’s great offering and sacrifice for our sins! No more sacrifices are required. Jesus said, it is finished! Truly all that is necessary for us to be saved has been graciously provided for us. Our part is to repent, believe, and receive it. When studying these and other related passages, it is not hard to understand why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (see also Rev. 5:6 and I Pet. 1:19).  It is so important to pause periodically to behold this Lamb.

Conclusion:

Yes, for centuries godly Jews had anticipated the “Lamb” provided by God; the Lamb who would effectively deal with sin and its guilt. Finally, John stands on the banks of the Jordan declaring he had arrived. Behold, the Lamb of God! John was prompting his original audiences to realize that the long promised substitutionary sacrifice for sins had finally come! No more waiting and anticipating. The Lamb of God is here right now. See there he is—Jesus the Christ!

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He fulfilled His office as the Lamb of God. He died for our sins exactly as the Scriptures foretold He would and in full concert with his own predictions. John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” We can believe the testimony of God, John the Baptist, and many others!

Two thousand years ago Jesus paid for my sins fully, and in August of 1990, I actually humbled myself before God acknowledging my sinfulness and need for Jesus Christ. I realized I needed God’s forgiveness and salvation and cried out to Him for mercy and grace. God forgave me because of my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lamb who took responsibility for my sins. So, the Lord Jesus is not only God’s provided Lamb, but he is also the Lamb for me. Yes, Jesus is my Lamb. What about you?

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1688). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 3:23–24). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Heb 9:22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Jn 2:2). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1108). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 2 Co 5:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[8] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1842). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 649). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[10] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 5:10–11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[11] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1697). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[12] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:10–12). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Willful Sin is a Fearful Thing 1

Hebrews 10:26-31

Theme:

Confidence in the Sacrifice of Christ enables us to respond to God with joyful obedience issuing into a holy life of faith. But God also warns us against the fearful consequences of sinning willfully—drawing back and forsaking faith in Christ; such behavior will be met with God's fiery anger. 

Introduction:

While we all love good news and long to read positive affirming stories, sometimes we need the unwelcome truth. A wake up call…a reality check. Because Christians can get themselves sideways with God, His corrective and chastening role is so necessary to help us see the error of our ways and get back on track. For some reason subjects like divine anger and chastening never seem to top the best seller lists. In fact, to say anything negative these days is automatically regarded as unhelpful and untrue. After all only positive affirming messages are true…right? Beloved, beware!

There is an alarming trend of young people growing up believing in God who eventually quit the Christian Faith.  Yes, they become ex-Christians! Living for God for a few years and then quitting is a regrettable pattern among young adults of 35 years and under. For whatever reason, they walk away from Christ, the church, and the Bible. Some of these “no longer believe all that stuff about God and Jesus.” They now deem Christ and His gospel to be a lie. 

If you belong to the school of thought that says, 'real believers cannot walk away from God or forsake the Christian Faith, or renounce their previous belief in Jesus,' then I must respectfully disagree with your position. While anyone is free to believe what they want, not every belief is true or lines up squarely with the Scriptures. God in His grace has brought me to the place where I believe real believers, who are indwelt by the Spirit of God, can indeed make serious errors in belief, actions, judgment, and claims. They can sin willfully, commit apostasy, or rebel.

By definition apostasy is the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief. Apostasy in Christianity is the rejection of Christianity by someone who formerly was a professing Christian. The term apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia ("ἀποστασία") literally meaning “to stand away from” according to the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. By extension the idea portrayed is defection, departure, revolt or rebellion. Apostasy may involve a general insensitivity to moral purity, departures from doctrinal orthodoxy—embracing deceptions, or the sanctioning of certain unethical practises and behaviors—ultimately forsaking God’s Word. It has been correctly characterized as a “willful falling away” from, or rebellion against, Christ and the true Christian Faith. 

Well, God addressed believers in the book of Hebrews who were tempted to do this very thing to one degree or another. God warns against falling away due to an "evil heart of unbelief" (Heb. 3:12) and how it is impossible to renew these to repentance if they persist in their rebellion (Heb. 6:6). Actually, God issues one of the strongest warnings in the entire New Testament here in Hebrews chapter ten. I think our generation greatly needs this type of strong admonition.

In some ways this warning section is the most pointed and stern of all. It is also climactic. It follows the completion of the epistle’s exposition of the high priestly role and service of Jesus Christ, so it gathers up the implications of these truths and drives them home with full force. But as usual, the writer mingled a solemn warning with his words of consolation and encouragement. —Walvoord, John F.

Outline:

Warnings of Judgment for those Defecting from the Christian Faith (Hebrews 10:26-31).

I.                 There is no Other Sacrifice for Christian Defectors to turn to (10:26)

II.               There is a Fearful Expectation of  God’s Fiery Judgment (10:27)

III.             They Deserve a Worst Punishment for Forsaking a Greater Covenant (10:28-31)

Study:

To “sin willfully” (Heb. 10:26) is a more serious offense even than intentional backsliding. How is the concept of willful sinning expanded in verses 27 through 29?

To sin willfully is the sin of apostasy or renouncing one’s faith, hope, and confidence in Christ as the Son of God, Savior and Lord. Such a serious and deliberate sinful act will be met with the flaming anger and severe chastening of Almighty God. God will confront real believers when they defect or renounce their faith. Remember, God only chastens His children; he does not chasten unbelievers (Hebrews 12:1-11). Wrath and eternal condemnation is for unbelievers and not the children of God; God chastens real believers when we stray and these corrective measure may be severe (1Cor. 11:30-32). While under the Law two or three witnesses could condemn an idolater to death, the writer here identifies solid reasons for God's severe treatment of those who sin willfully by forsaking Christ and the New Covenant.

A.    There is NO Other Sacrifice for Christian Defectors to Turn to (Heb. 10:26). But, why is this true?

1.     Because they sin willfully after receiving the truth.

                                          i.     What is the specific sin of verse 26? “If we sin willfully;” can refer to acting obstinately, maliciously, and with despite as is declared in verse 29; but the word does not necessarily require all of this. It should be understood as “willingly,” or free of compulsion or fear or by choice. The circumstance for this specific sin is, “after that we have received the knowledge of the truth.” The “truth,” is the doctrine of the gospel. The word "we" indicates the writer of Hebrews identifies himself with those he is addressing--they are believers. They had “received” Christ's Gospel upon being convinced it was true and they made an outward profession of faith; they confessed Christ as Savior.

                                        ii.     This word "received" is not used anywhere to express the mere conceptions of truth, but instead it denotes an acknowledgment of truth based on some sense of its power and excellency. Thus the description of the willful sinners--they should know better, yet they are a defector. The gospel had been preached to them; they were under conviction of its truth, and they sensed its power, had publicly professed faith. Therefore to sin willfully is to repudiate Christ or to commit apostasy. It is the sin of renouncing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ after having been convinced of its veracity and power previously.

                                      iii.     “If we sin willfully,” as verse 23 shows, a concern with the danger of defection from the faith. Most sin is deliberate, but the writer was here influenced by the Old Testament’s teaching about sins of presumption (Num. 15:29-31) which lay outside the sacrificial provisions of the Law. There was no sacrifice for these type sins; the death sentence was the only provision.  

                                      iv.     Note they had “received the knowledge of the truth.” The word “knowledge” refers to a precise and correct knowledge and not merely a shallow historical notion about the Truth (Rom. 1:28; 1Tim. 2:4). This is a living believing knowledge that lays hold of a person and brings him into union—experiential knowledge. Thus to commit this deliberate sin and reject this knowledge after being fully informed by the Holy Spirit about the New Covenant and its implications is to sin with your eyes wide open.

                                        v.     Apostasy from the faith is such a “willful” act and for those who commit it no more sacrifice for sins is left (Heb. 10:18). Only the expectation of divine judgment. Such a position demands divine chastening of the severest nature; that is the point we must not overlook here. 

2.     Because Christ’s sacrifice is the only effective sacrifice the defector needs.

                                          i.     Under the Old Covenant, there were no sacrifices for deliberate and willful sins (Ex. 21:12–14; Num. 15:27–31). Presumptuous sinners who despised Moses’ Law and broke it were executed (Deut. 17:1–7). This explains why David prayed as he did in Psalm 51. Because he deliberately sinned “with a high hand,” he should have been slain; but he cried out for God’s mercy. David knew that even a multitude of sacrifices could not save him. All he could offer was the sacrifice of a broken heart (Ps. 51:16–17).—Warren W. Wiersbe 

                                        ii.     If the efficacious sacrifice of Christ was renounced, there remains no other available or effective sacrifice which could shield an apostate from God’s judgment and red-hot fiery anger. A Christian who turns his back on the Lord Jesus has no other hope—no, nothing but the guarantee of terror and horror! While a real believer can never finally end up in Hell, the severe corrective measures of God upon His rebellious children are nothing to be easily dismissed. 

                                      iii.     For such a person, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. If the defector decisively rejects the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, he has no other options. As God dealt with OT defectors, he will likewise confront NT defectors. The death penalty was God's strategy in the OT and physical death is His prerogative in the NT era also. Therefore God reserves this option for dealing with those who sin willfully. Apostasy, a willful sin, is an extraordinarily serious sin against God.

B.    There is a Fearful Expectation of God’s Anger and Fiery Judgment (Heb. 10:27-29).

1.     God’s judgment will consume His adversaries (Heb. 10:27).

                                          i.     A Christian who abandons his confidence in Christ (Heb. 3:14) puts himself on the side of God’s enemies. The writer has already said they were in effect crucifying the Son of God all over again and exposing Him to public disgrace (Heb. 6:6). Such reprehensible conduct can scarcely be worthy of anything but God’s flaming indignation and chastening.

                                        ii.     Nothing remains but a certain fearful expectation of judgment; there is no hope of escape. Beloved, this is pure horror! Such individuals have no reason to feel safe and secure. It is one thing to have an incredible warrior or known killer hounding your every step, but it must be extremely terrifying facing each day wondering what horrors will befall you and those you love. How will God visit such persons with judgment? God will confront and deal severely with defectors, quitters, and apostates. They will literally greet each day with extreme dread. Remember, they willingly chose this course of action, and now they must live with the consequences of this wrong decision. Their lives would be drained completely of all prospects of happiness and the most hopeless form of despair would become their daily bread. 

2.     God’s judgment under the Law was without mercy (Heb. 10:28).

                                          i.     Because they “despised Moses’ Law” (28).

1.     Under the Old Covenant, if an Israelite spurned the Mosaic Law he was put to death. 

2.     Such Law-breakers were considered idolaters and died without mercy.   

                                        ii.     Because their sin was confirmed (28).

1.     When one’s guilt was proven by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deut. 17:2–6), he was put to death by stoning.

2.     At least two or three witnesses were required to verify his actions of deliberate sin.

3.     This being true, the writer then is arguing from the lesser to the greater.

                                      iii.     Because despising Christ is a greater sin!

1.     It is confirmed that certain destruction will befall apostates who have repudiated Christ and His sacrifice.

2.     “Under the Old Covenant, if an Israelite spurned the Mosaic Law and at least two or three witnesses verified his actions, he was put to death. This being true, the author then argued from the lesser to the greater. If defiance of an inferior covenant could bring such retribution, what about defiance of the New Covenant which, as he had made clear, is far superior? The answer can only be that the punishment would be substantially greater in such a case.”—Walvoord and Zuck

3.     God’s judgment under Christ’s Grace is even more severe (Heb. 10:29). But Why?

                                          i.     Because defection from a greater covenant demands greater punishment (29).

1.     If defiance of an inferior covenant could bring such retribution, what about defiance of the far superior New Covenant? The answer can only be that the punishment would be substantially greater in such a case.

2.     What can this kind of a Christian expect from God? He can expect severe discipline. (Chastening is the theme of Heb. 12.) There is no need to “water down” words such as “judgment and fiery indignation” (Heb. 10:27), or “sorer punishment” (Heb. 10:29). We have already seen from the history of Israel that hardly anybody who was saved out of Egypt by the blood of the lamb entered into the promised inheritance. Nearly all of them died in the wilderness. “There is a sin unto death” (1 John 5:16). Some of the Corinthian believers were disciplined and their lives taken because of their presumptuous sins (1 Cor. 11:30, where “sleep” means “died”). –W. W. Wiersbe

                                        ii.     Because they have renounced Jesus as the Son of God, Savior and Lord (29).

1.     The writer now places defection from the faith in the harshest possible light. An apostate from the New Covenant hath trodden [trampled] underfoot the Son of God.

2.     The defector brazenly asserts that he wants nothing more to do with Christ. He denies any need for Christ as Savior and positively rejects Him as the Son of God.

3.     In Japan there is a crucifix which was used by the government in days of persecution. It was placed on the ground, and everybody had to tread on the face of the Crucified. The non-Christians did not hesitate to tread on His face; the real Christians refused and were killed. The story goes that the face of Jesus was worn down and marred by people trampling on it.—MacDonald 

                                      iii.     Because they regard Christ blood-sacrifice and the New Covenant as of no holy value or ultimate spiritual significance (29).

1.     An apostate has treated the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing (“blood of the everlasting [eternal] covenant,” 13:20). Christ blood which sanctified him is regarded as common blood. The words “sanctified” refer to true Christians. Already Paul has described them as “sanctified [made holy] through the offering [sacrifice] of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10) and as “perfected [made perfect] forever” through this sanctifying work (v. 14).

2.     The writer of Hebrews essential point lies in the seriousness of the act of apostasy. To treat “the blood of the covenant” (which actually sanctifies believers) as though it were an “unholy” (“common”) thing and to renounce its efficacy, is to commit a sin so heinous that it dwarfs the death sentence of the Old Covenant.

                                      iv.     Because they insult the Spirit of grace who pointed them to Christ (29).

1.     Then the apostate adds the offense of doing despite unto the Spirit of grace who originally wooed him to faith in Christ.

2.     The Spirit of God had illuminated him concerning the good news, convicted him of sin, and pointed him to Christ as the only Refuge of the soul. But he now insults the gracious Spirit by utterly despising Him and the truth He offered.

This kind of spiritual rebellion clearly calls for a much worse punishment than the capital penalty that was inflicted under the Mosaic Law. But again Paul was not referring to hell. Many forms of divine chastening can fall on a human life which is worse than immediate death. In fact, Jeremiah made just such a complaint about the punishment inflicted on Jerusalem (Lam. 4:6, 9). One might think also of King Saul, whose last days were burdened with such mental and emotional turmoil that death itself was a kind of release. This is just the opposite of the exhortation given in Hebrews 10:19–25! Instead of having a bold profession of faith, hope, and love, a backslidden believer so lives that his actions and attitudes bring disgrace to the name of Christ and the church.—Warren W.  Wiersbe

Many supposed Christians walk away from Christ claiming they no longer believe such fairy tales. Some claim they woke up to the reality that Christianity is not true, some because of social pressures forsake the Lord Jesus believing truth is no longer relevant, and yet others because of a fear that “faith” will cost them professionally or economically forsake the Lord. They all quit, stop believing, and refuse the biblical truth about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. They use to pray; they once attended church regularly; they read the Bible frequently; they use to gather with other Christians for fellowship; they were once among those who shared their faith with others…but not anymore.

Perhaps they believed a few lies along the way also….Maybe they thought being a Christian shields us from pain and suffering. Perhaps they expected perfect health, plenty of wealth, and happy days for the remainder of their lives. It could be they assumed persecution was a thing of the past and not for today. You know it could also be they simply allowed themselves to drift farther and farther from God that they do not now know what they believe anymore…and they don’t care either. Maybe…perhaps…it could be they are angry with God and in their pain chose to deny Him as an intellectual impossibility. Whatever the reason…whatever the cause…people who said they believe the Gospel have walked away from Christ.

My question is not so much why…my question is how…. Yes, how will you now deal with the reality of God’s fiery anger against your apostasy and defection? Can you ever really feel safe and secure again? Where will you turn now that you have firmly planted your feet on air? How will you decide what is real, right, wrong, meaningful, and good? Are you ready to assume the responsibility of being god? How will you create or guarantee hope for your future? What about those you love? What about the utter guilt haunting your soul…you cannot escape the throbbing ache of unrelenting indictments within…how will you silence so many voices? What will you do to halt the torture and torment of your own agitated mind and strained emotions?

I want you to know God is forgiving, and he does restore sinning believers when we have wandered far from Him and His plan for us. It’s time to come back my friend (1John 1:7-9). The consequences of forsaking Jesus Christ are too numerous to delineate and the agony of forgiven sins is something to be dreaded. Forgiveness from God is great, but you still must live with the problems your backslidding created. He will graciously help you work through those painful developments, but you need to return to Him acknowledging your sin, embracing the truth, and submitting to His will. Forsake your sin and get right with God. If you were never actually saved, then believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with all your faith. Trust Him for the forgiveness of sins. Instead of making things worse by continuing in your rebellion, come back home to Jesus Christ the Savior today.