Wrestling with Hebrews 10:26

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. — Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)

If you’ve ever stumbled across Hebrews 10:26, you might’ve felt a chill run down your spine. I know I have. It’s one of those verses that stops you in your tracks: “No longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins?” Does that mean salvation can slip through our fingers if we keep messing up?

A friend recently reached out, deeply worried that habitual sin might disqualify them from salvation. That concern is real and worth taking seriously. So, let’s walk through this verse together and explore the truth the author of Hebrews is driving at.

The Context: A Letter to the Pressured

First, a little context helps. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were feeling the heat—persecution, hardship, and social pressure were pushing them to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiar safety of the Old Testament rituals. Throughout the letter, the author urges them to see Jesus as the superior high priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the old system (Hebrews 10:10–14).

By the time we get to chapter 10, the tone is urgent yet hopeful: Hold fast to your faith. Don’t give up.

Then we hit verses 26–27:

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. (NLT)

Wow! That’s scary to think about.

A Hypothetical Gut Punch

But here’s what I think is going on: this isn’t about losing salvation every time we struggle with sin. It’s a warning—not a final verdict. A wake-up call, not a declaration of doom.

What do I mean by that?

Look at the flow of the chapter. In verses 23–25, the author encourages the believers to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” to “stir up one another to love and good works,” and to keep meeting together. These are positive exhortations to persevere.

Then verse 26 introduces a sharp contrast: If you walk away from this—if you reject the truth after knowing it, if you sin willfully in the sense of turning your back on Jesus—what’s left? If you reject the only true sacrifice, there’s no other place to turn. No backup plan. No alternative Savior.

This isn’t about stumbling, struggling, or even falling into repeated sin. It’s about a deliberate, decisive rejection of the gospel after fully understanding it.

A helpful example comes from John 6:67–69:

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (NLT)

Even when the teaching was hard, the disciples stayed because they had experienced the life found only in Jesus. That’s the heart behind Hebrews 10:26—it’s urging us not to walk away from the only source of life.

Apostasy, Not Struggle

It’s worth noting that the Greek word for “deliberately” (hekousiōs) refers to a willful, persistent rejection. Think apostasy: someone who has truly tasted the truth and then says, “No thanks,” and walks away entirely. That’s different from someone fighting a habitual sin—whether it’s anger, lust, envy, or something else. For those struggles, the Bible promises grace and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about God keeping score until you’re disqualified. It’s about the seriousness of rejecting Jesus altogether. It’s asking, “If you walk away from Him, where else can you go?”

Reconciling with Grace

Seeing Hebrews 10:26 this way helps us keep it in harmony with the rest of the New Testament. Consider John 10:28–29, where Jesus says no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Or Romans 8:38–39, where Paul says nothing can separate us from God’s love. If Hebrews were saying salvation is lost every time we sin willfully, those promises would crumble.

But as a hypothetical warning, it fits. The message is: Don’t abandon Jesus—He’s the only way. Stay with Him.

To my friend concerned about their habitual sins, I’d say this: God isn’t waiting to pull the rug out from under you. Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about your daily struggles. It’s an encouragement to cling to Jesus when life gets hard and sin feels overwhelming. Keep fighting. Keep repenting. Keep relying on grace.

That’s what Hebrews 10 is really about.

Why It Matters

Hebrews is a letter of encouragement with a few sobering what-ifs. It’s for people like us—tempted to drift, prone to doubt, and in need of reminders to hold on. Verse 26 isn’t there to scare us into perfection. It’s there to show us what’s at stake if we walk away.

Jesus’ sacrifice is everything. There’s no Plan B—and there doesn’t need to be. He’s enough.

So, what do you think? Does this view of Hebrews 10:26 bring clarity or raise more questions? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them below or send me a message. Let’s keep wrestling with this together.

Clarity: What Happens When You Die?

Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview

In 2018, 18-year-old Renard Matthews was tragically shot and killed in his New Orleans neighborhood. At his wake, something unusual happened. Instead of being laid in a casket, his body was posed in a life-like scene: slouched in a chair, PlayStation controller in hand, sunglasses on, Doritos and root beer nearby, and NBA2K playing on the TV. The practice, called “extreme embalming,” aims to show people doing what they loved in life.

That desire is deeply human. We want our last memory of someone to reflect who they were—not just how they died, but how they lived. Behind that desire is also a belief: they’re in a better place now, doing what they love. The idea of a great golf course, garden, or video game lounge in the sky comforts us.

But it also raises a deeper question: What actually happens when you die?


Facing Death with Hope

Death is something we all face. Whether we’re grieving someone we’ve lost or preparing for our own eventual passing, we long for clarity—and hope.

This question has layers. As New Testament scholar N.T. Wright puts it, we’re really asking about life after life after death. In other words, what happens immediately after death? And what happens ultimately?

To answer that, we turn to 2 Corinthians 5:1–10, where the apostle Paul gives us a framework for understanding death—not just as an ending, but as a transition. Writing to a church that faced trials, persecution, and loss, Paul reminds them (and us) that this life is not the end of the story.


1. Our Hope (vv. 1–4)

Paul begins with a clear picture: this life is like living in a tent—temporary and fragile. But we have the hope of a permanent home, “a building from God, eternal in the heavens” (v. 1). That home isn’t an escape from our bodies—it’s the promise of resurrection.

Unlike pagan thought, where the body is something to be discarded, the Christian hope treasures both spirit and body. God created us as whole beings. So when we die, we’re not fully complete—we’re “naked,” Paul says (v. 3), waiting to be clothed with our resurrection bodies.

What happens when a Christian dies?

• We go to be with Jesus (see also Philippians 1:21–23).
• It’s a place of joy and rest.
• But it’s also temporary.

We wait for the final resurrection, when heaven and earth are renewed (Revelation 21), and we receive new, incorruptible bodies (1 Corinthians 15).

So our hope isn’t just going to heaven when we die. It’s being raised to new life in God’s New Creation—a world without pain, death, or sorrow. A world made right.

2. Our Confidence (vv. 5–8)

How can we be sure this will happen? Paul says we have a guarantee: the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit is God’s down payment—proof that we belong to Him and that He will finish what He started. While we live by faith and not by sight, we aren’t guessing or crossing our fingers. We’re living in covenant with a faithful God.

So whether we remain in our earthly bodies or leave them behind, our confidence is this: we will be with Jesus.

3. Our Responsibility (vv. 9–10)

Because we have this hope and confidence, Paul challenges us to live with purpose.

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.” (v. 9)

One day, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ—not for condemnation, but for evaluation. What we do in this life matters. Our lives now are the building blocks of eternity (see also 1 Corinthians 3:12–15).

This means…

• Living by faith.
• Living with love.
• Making disciples.
• Doing what pleases Jesus.

What About Those Who Don’t Follow Jesus?

You might be wondering: what happens to people who aren’t followers of Jesus?

The Bible doesn’t give us a lot of detail, but it does give us a warning. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. After death, there’s a separation between those who are with God and those who are not—and that separation cannot be crossed.

Jesus is clear: eternal life is found in Him. To be with Jesus in the Spirit is joy. To face judgment without Him is loss. That’s the hard reality—and the reason we share the gospel.

(We’ll talk more about this in next week’s post on the reality of hell.)

So, What Happens When You Die?

If you’re a follower of Jesus:

• When you die, your spirit goes to be with Jesus.

• You wait there with joy for the resurrection of your body.

• One day, you’ll live forever in the New Creation—whole, renewed, and in the presence of God.

If you’re not yet following Jesus, there is still time. Jesus invites you to trust Him, follow Him, and receive eternal life.

Your Challenge: Live with Eternity in Mind

Because eternity is real, live your life in anticipation of spending it with Jesus.

This week, do something that pleases Him:

1. Stop doing something that distracts from your purpose.

2. Start doing something that reflects Jesus to the world.

3. Love someone with compassion and grace.

Next in the Clarity Series:
If there’s life after death, what about the reality of hell? Stay tuned as we continue to build a biblical worldview to help us see clearly, live faithfully, and love deeply.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Majesty of a Jealous God

Some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met have also carried the deepest scars.

They are people whose lives have been marked by grief, trauma, or hardship—yet somehow, they radiate a gentleness, strength, and hope that can’t be faked. They remind me of people like William Cowper, the hymn writer who battled deep depression but penned timeless words of faith. Or Vincent van Gogh, who lived with mental anguish yet painted with unmatched vision. Or Charles Spurgeon, who preached through the haze of despair. Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill—leaders who carried the heavy burden of their nation’s suffering. Then there’s Joni Eareckson Tada, who became paralyzed in a diving accident but found profound purpose in her pain. And John Perkins, who endured beatings and threats as a civil rights leader and still proclaimed reconciliation.

What do these people have in common?

They were shaped, not in spite of their suffering, but through it.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths… Beautiful people do not just happen.”
— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

This idea is more than inspiring—it’s deeply biblical.

It’s especially visible in the Old Testament book of Nahum, one of the lesser-known prophets. Though short—just three chapters—Nahum gives us a profound and uncomfortable vision of God’s character. In Nahum 1:1–8, we see two divine attributes held together in tension: justice and mercy. He is the righteous Judge who will not let evil go unpunished, and at the same time, He is a refuge for the weary and the faithful.

When You Ask, "How Long, Lord?"

If you’ve ever looked around at the world and asked, “How long, Lord? How long will evil go unchecked? How long will oppression continue?”—then Nahum has something to say to you.

Nahum begins his prophecy with a vision. Not a gut feeling or a political hot take—but a divinely inspired word from God concerning Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. This wasn’t the first time Nineveh appeared in Scripture. A hundred years earlier, Jonah preached there, and the people repented. But by Nahum’s time, their repentance had faded, and their cruelty returned. Assyria was once again known for its brutality and injustice.

Nahum’s message, likely delivered around 650 B.C., came at a time when Judah was weak, Assyria was strong, and hope felt distant. Yet God spoke. He saw what was happening. And He promised that justice was coming.

That’s the first reminder we need: God sees everything—ancient and modern. No act of injustice goes unnoticed. Every nation and every person is accountable to Him.

The God Who Is Jealous, Just, and Powerful

Nahum doesn’t begin with what God does, but with who God is. He writes:

“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God… The LORD is slow to anger but great in power.” (Nahum 1:2–3)

That word “jealous” may rub us the wrong way, but it’s not describing petty envy. It’s the holy jealousy of a faithful spouse—an unyielding commitment to exclusive relationship. God wants His people to be loyal to Him, and He fiercely defends them when they’re threatened. His vengeance is not impulsive rage but righteous justice against real evil.

And yet, God is also patient. He gave Nineveh a century to turn back. His slowness to anger is mercy—but mercy has limits. When it’s time to act, He will.

Nahum uses poetic, awe-inspiring imagery to make his point: rivers dry up, mountains quake, the very earth trembles in God’s presence. The message is clear: no empire is too powerful, no injustice too entrenched, no enemy too great for God.

“Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His fierce anger?” (Nahum 1:6)

The answer? No one.

The God Who Is Good, Even in Trouble

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)

This is the kind of verse that shows up on coffee mugs—and it should! But don’t forget: this word of comfort comes right in the middle of a storm of judgment.

God’s goodness doesn’t mean He always spares us from trouble. It means we can trust Him in the trouble. Like a hidden cave in a thunderstorm, He is a refuge when life gets overwhelming. His care is not based on our performance but on His covenant love. He remains faithful, even when the world falls apart.

And yet, verse 8 brings us back to the other side of the coin:

“With an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh.” (Nahum 1:8)

Just as Assyria once overwhelmed other nations, now they will be overwhelmed. God's judgment is always just—He gives time for repentance, but when mercy is rejected, He acts with righteous precision.

So What Do We Do With This?

Nahum 1:1–8 isn’t just about Nineveh. It’s about us. Here are three takeaways for today:

1. Trust in God’s Justice

We live in a world full of injustice—from playground bullying to international war, from daily corruption to systemic evil. It can be tempting to lose heart or take matters into our own hands. But Nahum reminds us: God sees, and God will act. His justice may not follow our timeline, but it will never fail.

2. Find Your Refuge in God

When life falls apart—when the diagnosis comes, when the marriage breaks, when the finances collapse—run to the refuge. God may not shield you from the storm, but He will walk through it with you. He is good. He cares for those who trust in Him.

3. Examine Your Heart

It’s easy to cheer for Nineveh’s downfall and forget that we, too, can be unfaithful. Nahum’s message comforts the oppressed but also warns the comfortable. Are we living in allegiance to King Jesus? Or are we pursuing our own way?

God of Justice, God of Mercy

Nahum gives us a clear and powerful vision of who God is:

• A righteous Judge who will not let sin go unpunished.
• A loving Refuge who cares for His people.
• A sovereign King who rules over all creation.

Because of the cross and the empty tomb, we know that Jesus embodies both justice and mercy. He took our judgment upon Himself, and now offers Himself as our eternal refuge. One day He will return to make all things right. Until then, we live in the tension—with trust, hope, and worship.

Let’s worship Him for who He is—the God who brings justice to the wicked and comfort to the faithful.

Let’s run to the refuge.

---

If this reflection encouraged you, share it or leave a comment below. And remember: in a world full of brokenness, Jesus is still King.

Are You Ready for the Journey?

We’re all on a quest—not just to exist, but to find life that matters. That’s why books, podcasts, and influencers promising purpose or fulfillment still capture our attention. Deep down, we crave something more than fleeting success or comfort.

The truth? 

True life comes from one source: God, the Creator of all things. Without anchoring our journey in Him, we’ll chase dead ends—wealth, status, or even spiritual highs. Real life is found in becoming who God created us to be.

Ephesians 2:10 says it clearly:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. (CSB)

Life is walking the path God created you to walk.

The book of James hints at this journey. Written to Jesus-followers scattered and tested, James is a raw, practical guide for people like us—striving to live out God’s call in a messy world. 

James starts with a gritty reality check:

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings. (James 1:1; CSB)

Biblical scholar J.A. Motyer explains this beautifully:

“The twelve tribes place the church firmly within the pressures and persecutions of this life… Their homeland is elsewhere, and they have not yet arrived. Their lot is to face life’s pressures, the pull of temptation, and a constant nudge to conform to the world’s standards… They are the Lord’s people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—but not yet home.” (The Message of James, p. 24-25)

Sound familiar? We’re pilgrims too—redeemed, but not home. Our journey isn’t about chasing success or ease. The life of a disciple is about faithful endurance in a world that lures us off course.

Living in a place like the United States our main obstacle is not persecution: facing imprisonment or violence for our faith. But our challenge is still real: the slow drift of compromise. Too often, the church mirrors the culture—battling the same rates of broken relationships, materialism, or addiction to screens and status. 

We settle for the world’s values instead of applying God’s truth.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t glamorous. A faithful life is often lived in obscurity, marked by sacrifice and a stubborn refusal to quit. Following Jesus isn’t about “thriving” by worldly standards. It’s about trusting Him through the wilderness, with all its trials and troubles.

The journey of discipleship starts when we surrender to Jesus. It ends in the joy of eternity. But the middle of journey? It’s a rugged road that tests our faith.

James offers a roadmap—not for an easy life, but for endurance, wisdom, and growth. It’s a call to choose the pilgrim path, even when it’s hard.