No More Sacrifice
Text: Hebrews 10:26-31
Theme: Expect judgment for deliberate sin.
Key verses: “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies” (v. 26-27). “Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us” (v. 29). “…He also said, ‘The Lord will judge his own people.’ It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (v. 30b-31).
What God said to me: Dwayne, much *misunderstanding has come from this passage. You need to interpret these words in light of the rest of scripture. For starters, this does not mean if you sin as a believer you will lose your salvation. Many other passages refute that. I will judge my “own people.” You are part of my people, grafted into the Vine, adopted as my son. No one can pluck you from my hand–not even you. You will not be consumed by my fire, because you are not my enemy. Because of my dear Son’s sacrifice, you have been brought near to my throne. You did not bring yourself into right standing with me, and you cannot keep yourself in right standing with me–no matter what you do good or bad. Furthermore, you do not need another sacrifice. My Son, Jesus, paid the price for all of your sins–your past, present and future sins. Nevertheless, as my child, you will be judged. There are no more sacrifices remaining that can cover up your continued, willful acts of disobedience. You will stand before Jesus and give an account of everything you’ve done as my follower–both good and bad. Only what was done for Christ will last; the rest will be burned up in my raging, consuming fire. I cannot describe to you in any terms you can comprehend just how horrible it will be for you when you have to stand before my Son who died for you and watch your sinful actions be displayed before him. The disappointment on his face and your humiliation alone will almost more than you can bear. When you sin, you insult and disappoint all three Persons of the Trinity, including “the Holy Spirit who brings” my mercy to you. It really is “a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” I am your living, omnipotent, omniscient God. I see your every move and know your every thought. You are forgiven, and you will spend eternity with me and with your blood-bought family–but not before you fall into my hands and give a detailed account of how you invested (or divested) your precious time on earth.
What I said to God: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. The whole earth is full of Your glory. I fall now before You and plead Your mercy and claim Your grace over my life. Please cleanse me of willful and hidden sins, for they are ever before me. Please open my lips and my mouth will praise You. You do not desire sacrifice. A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Break me, mold me, shape me, and use me for Your glory. I reckon myself to be dead to me and alive to You today. I choose to deny myself and take up my cross and follow You.
DISCLAIMER: I may be the one who is misunderstanding this passage. As I explain in the Devotional Format, I do not pretend to think that what I write is infallible. I hope and believe God is speaking to me, but I can’t guarantee it. I remain very open to discussion, disagreement and thoughtful refute for anything I write in this or any of my journal posts.