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Biblical Hermeneutics is a question and answer site for understanding Biblical text (exegesis) using rules of interpretation (hermeneutics). We welcome Jewish, Christian, Atheist, and other viewpoints, as long as they take seriously the process of understanding Biblical texts. Answers are welcome to be diverse and must always explain the hermeneutical process, quoting Biblical texts and citing sources for facts. Please read about what we look for in answers and our flowchart for asking questions.

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"willful sin" and forgiveness

14

Hebrews 10:26 speaks of willfully sinning after knowing grace and forgiveness. I suppose this the same as "backsliding". Is there no hope for the back slider who goes back to their sin, regardless of what that sin is? Is there a limit to God's grace? How many times will the prodigal son be welcomed home? We're told to forgive people 70 times 7 but does Jesus have to do that?

2 Answers

4

"Willful sinning" is explained in v29, as "spurning the Son of God". The argument is not "If you sin, you are spurning Christ", but "If you spurn Christ, you are sinning."

Taking the epistle as a whole, it seems to be addressed to Christian Jews who are getting impatient with Christ given the lapse of time and are in danger of giving him up and returning to their original reliance on the law of Moses.

3

Short Answer: There will always be Hope for the back slider. All sins are Willful. There is the willful sin from ignorance of Gods laws There is the Willful sin even with knowledge of Gods Laws.

What does that passage then mean?

Young's.

For we -- willfully sinning after the receiving the full knowledge of the truth -- no more for sins doth there remain a sacrifice," (YLT)

It means that Repentance is the only way out from damnation not another Atonement. For the atonement has be done once

To reject that atonement is to assume that God has another way to make you right with him. But HE DOESNT!


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"willful sin" and forgiveness

14

Hebrews 10:26 speaks of willfully sinning after knowing grace and forgiveness. I suppose this the same as "backsliding". Is there no hope for the back slider who goes back to their sin, regardless of what that sin is? Is there a limit to God's grace? How many times will the prodigal son be welcomed home? We're told to forgive people 70 times 7 but does Jesus have to do that?


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9

"Willful sinning" is explained in v29, as "spurning the Son of God". The argument is not "If you sin, you are spurning Christ", but "If you spurn Christ, you are sinning."

Taking the epistle as a whole, it seems to be addressed to Christian Jews who are getting impatient with Christ given the lapse of time and are in danger of giving him up and returning to their original reliance on the law of Moses.

edit

This is an important insight. I would add that this verse must be balanced with others such as Paul's admission that he continues to sin and must rely on God's grace. The line between willful sinning and losing the battle for perfection because of being weak-willed is not always easy to draw. - Dan Fefferman Nov 2, 2023 at 13:44

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