The Importance of Context and God's Word
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
The Importance of Context
Politicians and lawyers, as well as the media, know how to take a few words someone says and misconstrue them to trap and attack a person with their own words.
The usual retort or defense of the trapped person is that their words were taken out of context. Context is important! This is always true with understanding words spoken and written.
This issue of context also applies to reading and studying the Bible. But context includes more than just the words and sentences. The time frame and culture of spoken or written words are an important frame of reference for understanding them.
Most of the lack of understanding or misunderstanding of the Bible is because of an ignorance of the full context of history, culture, the Scriptures as a whole, and the nature of God.
Scripture Text
If we go on sinning after we have learned the truth, no sacrifice can take away our sins. All that is left is a terrifying wait for judgment and a raging fire that will consume God’s enemies.
If two or three witnesses accused someone of rejecting Moses’ Teachings, that person was shown no mercy as he was executed. [vss 26-27]
What do you think a person who shows no respect for the Son of God deserves? That person looks at the blood of the promise (the blood that made him holy) as no different from other people’s blood, and he insults the Spirit that God gave us out of his kindness [grace]. He deserves a much worse punishment. [vss 28-29]
We know the God who said, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back.” God also said, “The Lord will judge his people.”
Falling into the hands of the living God is a terrifying thing. [vss 30-31] (Hebrews 10:26-31 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 10]
Key Phrase —
Falling into the hands of the living God is a terrifying thing.
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What is not available “if we go on sinning” and why?
How is rejection of the Mosaic Law compared to rejection of the New Covenant of grace?
What insults the Spirit of God, and what result can we expect if we insult God’s Spirit?
How is all of this reasoning tied into the last strong expression of this warning?
Things to Consider—
I've seen this segment of text (above) used to discourage and scare people, which brings both condemnation and confusion. It’s the fourth of the 5 major warnings in Hebrews. It is a strong warning and exhortation to be sure, but it is intended to encourage believers to persevere in their faith.
This should be clear from the context of this chapter (10) and the following chapter (11), as well as the purpose of the entire book of Hebrews. It is a continuous theological argument showing the superiority of Jesus Christ and His redemptive ministry.
Once the Mosaic Law was fulfilled and replaced (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:6-13), its limited provision of forgiveness and atonement was null and void. Trying to go back to the Law meant rejecting the perfect atonement of Jesus brought through His death and resurrection. This would be a rejection of God's grace and the promise of God's Spirit living in believers (John 14:16-17, 26).
When the author says, “If we go on sinning…,” it’s a reminder of the Lord’s provision of atonement “once and for all.” It is not a threat, but a warning not to go back to the Law. What is said in verse 31 needs to be referenced within the context of verses 35-39. Here’s a simple summary of encouragements related to this fourth warning—
“So don’t lose your confidence. It will bring you a great reward.” (verse 35)
“You need endurance so that after you have done what God wants you to do, you can receive what he has promised.” (verse 36)
“We don’t belong with those who turn back and are destroyed. Instead, we belong with those who have faith and are saved.” (verse 39)
Be careful how you handle the truth of God! “Falling into the hands of the living God is a terrifying thing.”
Be wary of sitting in God's place and pronouncing judgment on anyone! Rather than a false confidence in religious righteousness, accept and trust God's grace.
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
Since none of us leads a perfect, moral life, how is this warning an encouragement?
Do you understand how and why the rejection of New Covenant grace to rely on the Law is a personal and grievous insult to God?
Can you see all of this from the context of these early converts from Judaism to Christianity?
Are you struggling to be righteous through your own efforts, or living in the freedom of God’s gracious forgiveness through Jesus?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
