Hebrews 10:21-31

The danger of willful sin -- Hebrews 10:21-31: As a Christian our duty is simply stated that we "draw near to God." With boldness let us draw near with a true heart. We must draw near to God in general, but especially in worship to Him. We must draw near to God with a pure heart, and in full assurance of faith. Sincerity of heart is the life and soul of all acceptable worship and service to God. This full assurance of faith is grounded upon the fidelity of God, and the immutability of His promise.

The person who draws near to God must have his soul cleansed by the blood of Christ. This provides freedom from a condemning conscience. How blessed we are to have a new and living way unto the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Our bodies were washed with pure water, that is, with the water of baptism. It is at that point that we could be numbered among the followers of Christ, members of His blood bought body.

In this text we have the means which God prescribed for preventing apostasy, and promoting our faithfulness to God and perseverance in His cause. In order to prevent apostasy we should: (1) "Consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works," and (2) we should "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." Those who willfully forsake the assembly are guilty of grievous sin.

When you willfully forsake the assembly you are guilty of having trodden under foot the Son of God. That is, you have treated Him with the utmost contempt and blasphemy. You have shown no more respect for His precious blood than if that blood was unholy. This means you are expecting nothing from that blood in a sacrificial or atoning way. What worse spiritual crime could one commit than this? When one deliberately forsakes the assembly they have insulted the Holy Spirit of grace. No wonder the writer would say of this person, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31)