Hebrews 10:31
“It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
This isn’t an often referred to passage. In fact, it’s usually a good thing to be in God’s hands. There is a hymn which speaks of the strength gained by “Leaning on the everlasting arms”. However, this is referring to those who reject Him. In the end, there will be judgement.
God is a just God. He can’t deny His nature. That’s why He sent His Son to die for us, to clear us the charges against us. If one isn’t “in Christ”, it’s like getting an xray without the lead shield, we’re exposed to the harmful radiation. Those not under the shield of Christ are exposed to judgement.
God sees the rejection in harsh terms. Two verses prior to 31 says “trample underfoot the Son of God” and “seeing the blood of the covenant as unclean” and “insulting the spirit of grace”. He doesn’t see it as one of many preferrcnces. It’s the one way out; very costly. It’s not as mild as telling a solicitor, “no, thank you”. If we say “no” or just put off, God sees us as answering in the above manner: insulting. Just as a chef whose patrons don’t care for the food is insulted, so it God.
From God’s perspective, He sees doom It’s like an air traffic controller trying to convince a pilot that the mass on the radar is a mountain and that if he doesn’t change the elevation, there will be a crash. The controller would be out of his mind with emotion, if the pilot ignored him.
This is not a popular message in today’s culture. We are seen as narrow and ignorant, if we believe this way. God isn’t intimidated by our culture’s shaming ways. Neither should we.
I’m not sure how to respond. Am I to pass on this message? I’m also unsure of my attitude. Are we to be jealous for God and adopt the same attitude? On some level I feel we should see His redemption as so valuable that we are shocked when it’s refused.
Lord, give us wisdom as to how to deal with these issues.