“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins but a certain fearful expectation of judgment.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)
Some people read Hebrews 10:26-27 and interpret it to mean that we can lose our salvation if we sin after we come to faith. It can cause much anxiety. If we have unrepented sin in our lives when we die, does it mean we will not go to heaven?
Such an interpretation is false for many reasons. But in these verses, the writer is referring to apostasy.
If we back up to verses 19-25, the writer of Hebrews urges us to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (v22)” and “hold fast the confession of our hope (v23).” We must hold onto Christ Jesus as we endure a fallen world.
But not everyone is willing to hold onto Jesus. This is what the author is referring to in verses 26-31. Some will hear the gospel and know the truth about our Lord and Savior, but they do not apply it to their lives. Generally, their understanding of Jesus and the Bible is flawed, resulting in repeated, habitual sin.
In the end, they deliberately reject God. The Bible indicates that this is a premeditated sin, and such a person is an apostate.
Apostasy and the Parable of the Sower
Jesus warns us about those who reject the truth of God’s word in His agricultural parable of the sower in Matthew 13. The seed symbolizes His Word, and the different field elements represent one’s heart. The seed can be sown either on a path (the beaten path along the edges of a field), on the rocks, among the thorns, or on loose, fertile ground.
The Path- Some people hear the Word, but the devil steals what was sown in his heart, and nothing ever takes root (v19). This is akin to a bird stealing seed tossed on the ground.
The Rocks- Some hear the Word and joyfully receive it, but the root cannot grow. The seed dies, and the hearer falls away at the first sign of distress (v20-21).
The Thorns- Some hear it but continue worrying about life and pursue money rather than God. This person also falls away because the thorns choke whatever took root (v22).
The Good Soil- But some hear the Word and understand it. They produce abundant, godly fruit (Gal 5:22-23) and multiply it for God’s kingdom (v23).
Notice that the first three types represent people who never produce any fruit. These are the ones who reject Jesus and falsely claim to be disciples. These people commit apostasy.
Sin That Leads to Death
The apostle John also discusses such people in his first letter to the church, reminding us that there is sin that leads to one’s death.
“If anyone sees a fellow believer committing a sin that does not lead to death, he should ask, and God will give life to him—to those who commit sin that does not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death…All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 Jn 5:16-17)
Willful rejection of Jesus is apostasy, a sin that leads to death. John does not necessarily mean physical death (though it could), but mainly spiritual death. That is, eternal separation from God as described in Revelation 20:11-15. The writer of Hebrews also warns us.
“Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy… How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb 10:28-29, 31)
Don’t Lose Hope
According to 1 John and Hebrews 10, some apostates are beyond salvation. They reject the only sacrifice that can save them from their sins, which is Jesus on the cross. Turning away from the Savior keeps them from any saving alternative; thus, they have no hope. Judas Iscariot is a perfect example of apostasy. He knew Jesus intimately but lacked faith and did not fully accept Him.
But John reminds us that not all apostates are without hope. Some can be restored because of the prayers of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit. John calls this a sin that does not lead to death.
“If anyone sees a fellow believer committing a sin that does not lead to death, he should ask, and God will give him life.” (1 Jn 5:16)
If believers pray and the apostate is restored to the faith, then their sin did not lead to their spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Therefore, when we see someone who seems to believe but then walks away from their faith, we should fervently pray for the Holy Spirit to move in their heart. Only God knows whether someone will return to Him, so we must pray.
“The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. The fervent prayers of a righteous person is very powerful in its effects/avails much.” (Jam 5:15-16)
Jesus knows who is an apostate and who is a sincere believer. To those who can “hold fast,” He will keep you from stumbling and present you faultless before the Father with “exceeding joy (Jude 24).” But the fate of one committing apostasy is far more tragic.
Following Jesus requires us to keep His commandment to love others (Mt 22:37-39). Pray for those who are committing apostasy and seek their restoration to Him. The Bible promises that the Father is always willing to show mercy to anyone who asks (1 Jn 1:9; Col 2:13-14).
So, pray and do not give up. There is always hope.
