For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27
Obedience to the law of God is seen by many as a redundant requirement of the old covenant. Proclaiming the words of Paul – we are not ‘under the law, but under grace’ – many presume themselves at liberty to forgo obedience to one or all of the commandments of God. Yet such wrest the writings of Paul, for he taught in the book of Hebrews that those who sin wilfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth deprive themselves of an atoning sacrifice. And what is sin? The only definition given in the Scriptures is that ‘sin is the transgression of the law’ (1 John 3:4). Furthermore, the great apostle conveys that the professed Christian who continues in sin will be subject to more severe punishment than those who did so under the Old Covenant:
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Hebrew 10:28-29
The greater the knowledge of God, the greater the guilt incurred for sinning against Him. While the law and the prophets called for an holy standard of living, the life of Christ revealed in the New Testament raises the standard of righteousness, as much as the sun outshines the moon. Since a greater knowledge of God’s love and righteousness has been set before those living in the Christian era, the Christian is more accountable than were those who professed to serve God before Christ came.
The sin of David demonstrates that God can and does forgive the repentant sinner. Nevertheless, Paul’s solemn words reveal that to wilfully sin after receiving a knowledge of the truth is to walk in the way of the unpardonable sin. Moreover, if we have sinned through ignorance, but refuse to repent and forsake that sin once it is known to us, we do despite unto the Spirit of grace. Never should we let the sun go down on unconfessed sin.
Christopher Sparks