TOPIC: “You Need To Take Heed” (DCLM Daily Manna 2 July 2024)

KEY VERSE: “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).

TEXT: Hebrews 10:19-28 (KJV)

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

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.

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

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

MESSAGE:

One wonders why many in Christendom think erroneously that once a person becomes converted, irrespective of how he lives and what he does, he remains in fellowship with God. Some even go as far as presuming that Christ’s atoning sacrifice already covers their misdeeds before committing them, so there is no need to watch and pray because their sins are covered. But they are utterly wrong!

Believers must beware of carelessness because there are consequences for falling away. Those who indulge in wilful sin after salvation lose the chance of getting restored. This is because they chose to slight God and take His offer of grace and mercy for granted, trampling on them. The inspired writer in the text, therefore, cautions the believers of the danger of falling into such a state and calls for watchfulness.

The Scripture has numerous examples of people who, at one time, had been in fellowship with God but fell away and were judged. Satan was, at a time, an archangel, but he fell. Sadly, Samson, Solomon, Judas Iscariot, Demas and others did not take heed. Therefore, they faltered, fell out of grace and mercy and were defeated. God’s people must watch and pray constantly to avoid falling away from the faith through wilful sinning.

The need to take heed, however, does not imply that believers should cringe and live in doubt of God’s power to keep His own. The grace of God is sufficient for all, empowers God’s people to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously and godly in this world. However, the grace of God must not be taken as licence to sin. We must examine our lives and ensure we have not returned to the world.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There is no eternal security for backsliders or sinning Christians.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 4-6

Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.