We need to be clear that in Hebrews 10, Paul was addressing the Jews of his day, especially those who were rejecting Jesus as the final sacrifice and returning to temple sacrifices. But does Hebrews 10 have any application today?
Yes, Hebrews 10:26 can today be applied to unbelievers who hear the truth of the gospel of grace, and with open eyes turn their backs on our Lord Jesus and the salvation He offers. Just imagine: God offers His salvation and all of His blessings in His hands to someone who, having knowledge of the magnitude of these blessings, slaps His hands away. That is what it means to sin willfully today and insult the Spirit of grace. And for such a person, as long as he keeps rejecting Jesus’ perfect sacrifice and finished work, there no longer remains a sacrifice for his sins. He has rejected the only sacrifice God accepts. In the end, this unbeliever will have to face God’s judgment for his rejection of the Lord.
But what is God’s Word when it comes to judgment and His children? Look at what the Scriptures do say to establish your heart in the security of your salvation in Christ. The Greek word for “judgment” in Hebrews 10:27 is krisis, which means a sentence of “condemnation and punishment.” [1] Now turn with me to John 5:24 and read Jesus’ own words: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment [krisis], but has passed from death into life.” The same word for “judgment” (krisis) used in Hebrews 10:27 is used here in this Scripture regarding believers.
Can anything be more clear and transparent? What is it that God wants us to be assured of? That we believers will never come into krisis judgment! We have passed from death into life. True believers need never fear the Lord’s judgment, as all of the fire of judgment fell fully on our Lord at Calvary. Today you can have full assurance of salvation in Christ your Savior. Amen!
Joseph Prince, Grace Revolution—Experience the Power to Live Above Defeat (New York: FaithWords, 2015), 76–77.
Footnote:
1. NT: 2920, Joseph Henry Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, electronic database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.