Lesson 2181

(Lesson 2181)(11-28-17)  Hebrews 10:23-39
    “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

    In the first part of today’s quote, the author makes the statement; “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
    There are many among today’s “Christians” who contend that the author meant that a Christian should attend “church” every time the doors are opened. In fact, that statement simply instructs the children of God to stay in touch with one another, continously uplifting and encouraging each other so as to remain faithful the work to which we have been appointed. As members of the body of Jesus Christ, we are challenged to look out for one another and to assure that we all maintain our vigilance in doing the Lord’s work.
    Later in the quote, the author maintained that if a person could fall away from the grace of God that there would be; “no more sacrifice for sins”.
    The quote, in general, warned the Jews that Faith in Jesus is the ONLY means by which a lost soul can attain eternal life and that a return to the Law would lead nowhere but to their eternal distruction.~