I do not think that Hebrews 10:27 is directed at unbelievers; rather, it seems to me, to be directed at believers who have apostatized.
Paul warns of the certain judgment awaiting the Hebrews that apostatize (10:26-31). This passage, similar to 6:4-8, is one of the most abused in the book of Hebrews. Arminians use it to great advantage to teach that sinning undoes salvation. Calvinists struggle hard here to find either (1) only false professors in the church or (2) a hypothetically impossible “if” exhorting the saints to faith. Unconditionalists follow the Calvinists or use presumptuous sinning to escape.
Note Paul using the hypothetical “IF” in warning several times (2:3; 6:6; 12:25).
The conjunction “for” connects the warning to the instruction of holding fast.
The reason for exhorting one another was to
avoid God’s certain judgment.
The approaching day that should motivate greater efforts is here described.
The “sin” considered here is apostasy from the gospel of Christ back to Judaism. The immediately preceding and connected context is holding our profession. The transgression here is set against receiving the knowledge of the truth.
It is a sin that is of such a nature that there remains no further sacrifice. “Sin” simply considered has a sacrifice remaining in Christ (
Ist John 2:1).
Peter “sinned” grievously and willfully, but Christ had mercy upon Him.
The N.T. offers greater mercy to repenting sinners (
Jn 8:11;
I Jn 1:9).
Hebrews rejecting Christ’s gospel had nothing left to save from wrath. It is a sin that leaves no escape but makes judgment certain (2:3; 12:25). It is a sin that directly despises Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (6:6). It is compared to “letting the gospel slip,” “neglecting so great salvation,” “falling away,” and “turning away from him that speaks from heaven.” It is a sin described as “casting away confidence” and “drawing back.”
Apostasy from Christ for Judaism rejects God’s Son, shows goats’ blood more holy than Christ’s, and despises the great covenant blessing of the Spirit.
The judgment waiting apostates
was certain, fearful, and used against adversaries It was certain – Paul has warned that escape for apostasy is impossible. It was fearful – Paul will describe falling into God’s hands as being fearful. It was for adversaries – the enemies of Christ had their doom guaranteed.
This cannot be lake of fire, because those under consideration are sanctified.
Daniel said it was “determined” (
Dan 9:26-27); Jesus Christ said it was more sure than the continued existence of heaven and earth (
Mat 24:35;
Lu 21:33). Jesus specially judged His enemies (
Mat 21:41;
22:7;
23:35;
24:21;
Luke 19:27 The severity of Moses’ law was inferior to Christ’s judgment (2:2-3; 12:25). Capital sins and apostasy received no mercy (
Nu 15:30-31;
De 13:6-11;
17:2-7).
The N.T. crime considered here is total apostasy from Christ and the Spirit. How else is Jesus Christ so openly despised and put to an open shame? Sinners confessing their frequent sins magnify the blood of Christ.
Legal humiliation of Christ is impossible since sanctification is finished.
Note how God’s Son has been identified from the very beginning (1:2; 2:3).
God is a God of vengeance upon His own people when they reject His blessings. God in vengeance will judge an ungrateful people (Deut 32:35 cp
Luke 21:22). God in vengeance will judge His own people (Deut 32:36 cp
Luke 19:41-44). God’s fury at the rejection of His blessings is a terrible thing to consider.
David once asked to fall into the hands of the Lord (
II Samuel 24:10-15).
God is to be feared in His great power (
Ps 76:7;
Matt 21:44;
Heb 12:29).
Paul had warned already of the consequences of missing God’s rest (4:1,11).
