Warnings in Hebrews (4)—Don’t Cast Away Your Confidence - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
Hebrews 10:35–36 NKJV

Warnings in Hebrews (4)—Don’t Cast Away Your Confidence
We have previously considered some warnings in Hebrews 2, 4, and 6. In chapter 10, the possibility is raised that someone might intentionally sin after receiving “the knowledge of the truth”—and if so, “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” but only the prospect of judgment (vv. 26–27). This expression has sometimes raised doubts for believers. If a Christian chooses to sin, is the sacrifice of Christ no longer effective?

The Bible is consistently clear that salvation rests solely on Christ’s finished work. Therefore, a believer falling into sin is not the issue here. Instead, this willful sinner “has trampled the Son of God underfoot” (v. 29). That person was once “sanctified” by the blood of the covenant because he claimed to stand on Christian ground; but it was only an outward position, not an inward reality. As if to prove this, he has now scorned the blood of Christ and “insulted the Spirit of grace.” Such a person never belonged to Christ in the first place.

By contrast, the readers are reminded of the struggles they had already endured for the sake of Christ. Some had faced trials themselves; others had helped in those trials by sharing their possessions. They joyfully sacrificed their material goods because “a better and an enduring possession” awaited in heaven (v. 34). Thus they are told, “Do not cast away your confidence” (v. 35).

A Christian’s changing priorities give evidence that faith is real (cf. 1 Jn. 3:14). Some may have turned away from the Son of God, but “we are not of those who draw back to perdition” (Heb. 10:39). As we do the will of God, confidence and endurance will deepen and His promised blessing will be enjoyed.

-- Stephen Campbell