Abiding

Understanding “WILLFUL SIN”

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by Stacy Strother

Understanding “WILLFUL SIN”:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,”

Hebrews 10:26 KJB

The verse before this one, (25) along with this one are OFTEN misquoted, mostly so by ignorance of the historical context. Surprisingly, there is plenty of information to support a better knowledge of these verses.

Vs 25 is not mandating every time the doors are open to be inside a “church building” or else, you’re a gonner! You’re a back slider! You’re on your way to HELL! Sorry! This is NOT teaching that! See more information on that FURTHER DOWN here below.

Keep in mind, there are plenty of other references in the bible that teach us the necessity to come together for the purpose of worship, encouragement and fellowship. Why twist this one out of context creating a false strawman to fit a certain narrative? This is NOT a rebuke to church attendance, just a SLIGHT scriptural CORRECTION. Back to this in a bit.

Some people, especially new babes in Christ have the need to gather as much as possible, whether that be in a weekly “single location church building,” or at their house to house meetings! I wish and pray that my whole family is faithful to God by attending a biblically strong fellowship!

Let’s look at this:

Understanding “Willful Sin”:

This refers specifically to apostasy – deliberately rejecting Christ’s sacrifice.

It was written to Jewish Christians tempted to return to Temple worship.

The “willful sin” isn’t about regular struggles with sin after salvation. There are plenty of OTHER scriptures that deal with that!

This verse SPECIFICALLY addresses the REJECTION of Christ’s sacrifice in favor of the OLD SYSTEM.

Looking at some Historical Context:

The original audience faced intense pressure to return to JUDAISM and its SYSTEM of animal sacrifices. The author WARNS that returning to the OLD system would mean REJECTION of the final, PERFECT sacrifice of Christ. When the text says “there remaineth no more sacrifice,” it means there is no OTHER sacrifice available – Christ’s sacrifice is the only valid one.

The Connection Between Verses 25 and 26:
These verses work together to present a complete picture:
Verse 25 encourages believers to maintain fellowship for mutual support.
Verse 26 warns against abandoning Christ’s sacrifice.
Together, they emphasize the importance of staying faithful to both Christian community and Christ’s finished work.

MODERN APPLICATION:

The verses aren’t about perfect attendance or sinless perfection.

They emphasize the importance of genuine Christian fellowship.

They warn against completely abandoning faith in Christ.

They remind us that Christ’s sacrifice is final and sufficient.

They encourage believers to support each other in maintaining faith.

These verses, properly understood, offer encouragement rather than condemnation. They remind us that Christian faith is both communal and Christ-centered, and that GENUINE fellowship HELPS prevent the danger of FALLING AWAY from faith ENTIRELY.

The message remains relevant today: No other religious system or sacrifice can replace what He has done. The cross!

BACK TO VERSE 25:

When examining Hebrews 10:25-26, it’s crucial to understand both the historical context and the original audience. These verses, often MISINTERPRETED in modern times, carried SPECIFIC MEANING for their FIRST-CENTURY readers.

Verse 25: “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.”

The True Meaning of “Assembling Together”:

This WASN’T about MANDATORY church attendance as we think about it today.

EARLY Christians MET in homes, not FORMAL buildings.

“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;”

Acts 17:24 KJB

The Greek word “episunagōgē” (assembling together) appears only TWICE in the New Testament.

The FOCUS was on MUTUAL SUPPORT and encouragement, not INSTITUTIONAL GATHERING.

These meetings were ESSENTIAL for survival during TIMES of PERSECUTION.

The EMPHASIS was on building community and strengthening faith.

The verse speaks to the HEART of Christian fellowship – supporting, encouraging, and strengthening one another through difficult times. It’s about MAINTAINING spiritual relationships and helping each other persevere, not about CHECKING attendance at formal services.

This is simply the cold hard facts of these two verses.

What Was Really Happening:

The early Christians were getting hammered. Religious leaders were breathing down their necks, pressuring them to GO BACK to the old ways. Some believers were frightened, began PULLING AWAY from each other – TRYING to stay SAFE by BLENDING back into the RELIGIOUS crowd.

Sounds a lot like doctrines taught today—RIGHT!?

What the Passage Really Means:

It’s not about a PHYSICAL building. Sometimes preachers seem to paint a very broad stroke, somehow spiritualizing the brick, steel and mortar itself, but this can or almost becomes idolatry or even a money racket with some.

AGAIN—There is nothing holy about a piece of steel, wood or concrete. Leaning too far into that idea can look a lot like a blend into false doctrines such as Buddhism, where anything and everything becomes a potential altar – transforming ordinary objects into mystical vessels of inspiration and worship, ultimately diluting the profound distinctiveness of genuine spiritual encounter with the living God.

Church isn’t a structure – it’s people.

A building is just brick, steel, and concrete.

Worship happens in hearts, not walls. Somebody said: “well, the church building has walls that house people, that have hearts.” Yeah—and…? It’s still just brick and mortar and steel. The people walk out and it’s just a building. My house has walls too. The people in it are spiritual beings but the walls are not spiritual at all!

Genuine fellowship transcends physical locations.

Like singing or inviting the Holy Spirit into a place:

The Spirit indwells that the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19) and the Spirit has been poured out upon all true Christians (Romans 5:5, Titus 3:4-6). Therefore, inviting the Holy Spirit into a place where He already exists is illogical. I understand the gesture, but it has shallow biblical basis.

God doesn’t dwell in buildings. He dwells in people.

This Hebrews passage is about standing TOGETHER when things get hard. The Holy Spirit is basically saying, “DON’T ABANDON YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS who are fighting for the REAL TRUTH.” Much like today—as far as when someone actually exposes a FALSE DOCTRINE or FALSE WITNESS of sorts. So many so called Christians will defend it or them, especially if it is fleshly feeling, like a supposed entertainer that says a few bible verses and can talk churchy.

The Core Message:

Real faith isn’t about fitting in.

True community happens when things are difficult.

Standing with each other matters more than looking good to religious people.

When someone in your faith community is brave enough to speak up against religious garbage – DON’T run away from them. Stand WITH them. Even if it means you might get some heat too.

Religious pressure is real.

Compromise is tempting.

Standing together takes courage.

Your spiritual family matters more than institutional approval.

ULTIMATELY:

This passage is a battle cry. It’s saying: “Hold the line. Support each other. Don’t let fear make you abandon those fighting for genuine faith.”

In summary, capturing vs 27’s meaning as well:

In the context of persecution and spiritual pressure, verses 25-27 reveal a profound spiritual dynamic. The command not to forsake community is directly connected to the spiritual survival of believers FACING INTENSE RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION. By staying connected and supporting each other, believers PROTECT themselves from the GRADUAL DRIFT that leads to complete spiritual apostasy.

The progression from verse 26 to 27 shows the dangerous trajectory of willful sin – THIS IS a deliberate TURNING AWAY from truth after FULLY understanding Christ’s sacrifice. This isn’t about occasional moral failures, but a CALCULATED rejection of spiritual reality. The “willful sin” represents a COMPLETE abandonment of faith, a conscious CHOICE to WALK AWAY from DIVINE truth.

The result of such spiritual abandonment is not merely punishment, but a terrifying anticipation of divine judgment. The “fearful looking for of judgment” is the spiritual and psychological state of those who have completely rejected grace. The “fiery indignation” symbolizes God’s absolute commitment to righteousness, a consuming force that will ultimately eliminate all that stands in opposition to His truth. It’s a stark warning about the consequences of deliberately turning away from the path of faith.

Finally—I am not opposed to church attendance at all, I am opposed to false interpretations of scripture when it can be easily researched and applied! This also is NOT an excuse to NOT assemble either, rather it’s a trumpet call to stay strong in the faith and join with believers in Christ often, especially as you see more and more persecution toward the Church.

If you happen to be someone who rejects regular bible fellowship with others in Christ, you may be backslidden, unsaved and in danger of verse 27.

Blessings!

Stacy Strother

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Abiding

Putting God First [podcast]

If God’s Word isn’t important to you, it’s because He isn’t important to you.

If anything comes before the LORD in your day, you are an idolater.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

GOD’s WORD cannot get into you if you aren’t into it.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Jesus commanded:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

As you seek God, putting Him first, you are not going to be able to prevent, to stop His blessings coming upon your life. 100%

Memorize this promise from your Savior, today.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

What putting Christ first looks like:

Prayer.

“Early will I seek thee.” Psalms 63:1

Read. Study.

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12

The Bible is far from just amazing information (Psalms 119:98-100; 2 Peter 1:3-4, etc.). More important than vital information coming from our Maker, God’s Word is your spiritual food and without it, without daily ingesting it, you will famish, fall, and ultimately perish.

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2

Read that again: The only way to “grow” is to “desire” and to devour the Word of your great God and King Jesus. He made you to know Him (John 17:3).

The only way to keep, to guard your heart before the LORD, is to keep it full of God’s Word.

“Keep (guard, till the soil of) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

In fact, like Job, we must make the spiritual food of God’s Word more important than the food that fuels and keeps healthy our physical body.

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart RETAIN my words: keep my commandments, and live.” Proverbs 4:4

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1

Find. Eat. Rejoice.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

YOUR PRAYER: Father please unite my heart to fear Thy name. Forgive my sins of spiritual adultery, of self-idolatry. Here and now I renounce my own ownership on my life. It’s Your life LORD. Reign on the throne of this heart and cut away, circumcise any and everything of iniquity in my heart and life. You must increase but I must decrease, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Abiding

Victory Over “Evil Concupiscence” and Every Sexual Sin [podcast]

“Flee fornication”

“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

“Concupiscence” appears 3 times in God’s Word and speaking of having a secret desire for that which is forbidden, namely in sexual lust.

“But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Romans 7:8

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:5

“Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” 1 Thessalonians 4:5

Revelation 19:7-9

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”

Colossians 3:1-6

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”

Memorize Colossians 3:3

“Submerge yourself deeper and deeper into Jesus until you sink out of sight.”!! Unknown

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Read Psalms 51 and Romans 6 each morning.

PRAYER: Holy Father, please forgive my many sins. Please touch this vessel all the way to the core of who You made me to be. Do Your work in this life You gave. Please unite my heart to fear Thy name and purify this heart O LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Return of Jesus and Being Ready

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Abiding

The Simplicity of Real Fellowship [podcast]

Satan thinks he has Stolen the Fellowship of the Saints

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12

Exhorting God’s People “Daily”

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

“Feed my sheep”

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17

Simplicity in Fellowship

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

They “continued steadfastly in …

“the apostles doctrines”
“fellowship”
“breaking bread”
“prayers”

“Great podcast. Thank you. As I was listening I was thinking about all the many churches we have attended through the years. And the one thing missing was love for Jesus. Everything was robotic. Hands raised in singing but no hearts raised. All scripted. You follow the script then go home. No honesty about their lives! All fake. Nothing more than a religious gathering. The disciples of old turned the world upside down because of their love for their Savior! They were willing to die for Him and they did! All these fake Christians do is wear outward religious garb and somehow think Jesus doesn’t know – as in Matthew 23. How refreshing it is to be around people who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind! (Mat 22:37). Even if it is mostly online and as they live their daily lives. At least it is all about Jesus and not self! And I want to be with people who are Christ-centered not self-centered!” Karen Cochran

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please do Your work in this vessel that is Yours. Help me to love You more and to live to serve others as You did LORD Jesus. Make me holy as You are holy. Let this life be crucified and raised up by You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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