OUR FATHER WHO WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE

The writer of the book of Hebrews chapter 10 verses 26 - 39 explains why it is so important to gather together to encourage one another in the faith. He declares that wilfull sining after having gained the knowledge of the truth, there would no longer be provision for sins and all that is left is the expectation of the same fiery judgement that would consume the enemies of God. 

The temporary covenant had provision to end the life of a person with merely the testimony of two or three witness and so how much more would judgement be visited upon those who had gained knowledge of the perfection of Christ's sacrifice and yet decided to trample it underfoot and insult the Spirit of grace.

The writer recommends that the reader think back to all the sufferings that they had endured to sustain their testimony against persecution and even to associate with those who were being made a spectacle of and then as well were compassionate to the writer while he was imprisoned and withstood the ransacking of their provisions. 

The writer encourages them to remain in the faith and not cast down the hope that they had received in the face of the hardships because there was a great reward for those who were steadfast and had endurance for it is by this that they would receive the promises of God.

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

37 “For yet a little while,

And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith;

But if anyone draws back,

My soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Amen.

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