Walking With Christ

Hebrews 10:26-27 (26)For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (27)but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.(ESV)

It says right there that if you keep sinning after you have been saved, there is no more sacrifice for your sins.

So, that must mean if you struggle with sin, you’re going to hell, right?

Wait, wait, wait! Stop….

Have you ever heard this verse used as fear tactic to scare people into obedience? I know that I have. This used to terrify me because it seemed to contradict everything else I had learned about God’s grace.

Let’s take a closer look.

The Book of Hebrews: Context Matters

The book of Hebrews is one of the most reassuring and encouraging books in the bible. It emphasizes that Jesus is superior to:

• Angels
• Moses
• The Priesthood
• The Old Covenant (Law and Temple Sacrifices)

It teaches that faith in Christ is greater than the works of the Law and urges believers to persevere instead of falling back into temple sacrifices. There is so much comfort to be found in these pages. The entire book can be read in an average of twenty minutes.

What Hebrews 10:26-27 Is Really Warning Against

Who was this written to?

Jewish Christians who were being persecuted and tempted to return to the Law and the Old Covenant temple sacrifices.

Under the Law, sacrifices had to be made repeatedly because they only covered sin temporarily (Hebrews 10:11). But Jesus’ sacrifice is final—His blood removes sin permanently (Hebrews 10:12-14).

So what happens if someone rejects Christ’s sacrifice and goes back to animal sacrifices for atonement?

Hebrews 10:26 says there is no longer a sacrifice for sins.

Why? Because Jesus IS the final sacrifice.

• If you reject Jesus, there is no other way to be saved.
• Going back to temple sacrifices is choosing a system that cannot save.
• That’s what “deliberately sinning” means here—rejecting grace to return to the Law.

Does this mean Christians lose salvation? No.

This passage does NOT talk about:

• Christians who struggle with sin.
• Believers who mess up and repent.
• Anyone trying to grow in faith but falling short.

Instead, it’s a warning against fully rejecting Christ’s sacrifice after knowing the truth.

• If you are trusting in Jesus, you are covered (Romans 8:1).
• If you fall into sin and repent, you are forgiven (1 John 1:9).
• If you struggle but seek God, He will strengthen you (Philippians 1:6).

Don’t let fear replace grace.

Hebrews 10:26-27 is not a threat to those who love Jesus and struggle with sin—it is a warning to those who reject Christ and go back to the Law.

Salvation is secure in Christ.
Hebrews 10:14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.(ESV)

If you have ever worried that this verse applies to you, take comfort:

• God is not looking for perfection—He is looking for trust.
• Jesus is enough.