26. Compare on this and following verses,
Heb 6:4,
&c. There the warning was that if there be not diligence in
progressing, a falling off will take place, and apostasy may ensue:
here it is, that if there be lukewarmness in Christian communion,
apostasy may ensue.
if we sin--Greek present participle: if we be found
sinning, that is, not isolated acts, but a state of sin
[ALFORD]. A violation not only of the law,
but of the whole economy of the New Testament
(Heb 10:28, 29).
wilfully--presumptuously, Greek "willingly." After
receiving "full knowledge (so the Greek, compare
1Ti 2:4)
of the truth," by having been "enlightened," and by having "tasted" a
certain measure even of grace of "the Holy Ghost" (the Spirit of truth,
Joh 14:17;
and "the Spirit of grace,"
Heb 10:29):
to fall away (as "sin" here means,
Heb 3:12, 17;
compare
Heb 6:6)
and apostatize
(Heb 3:12)
to Judaism or infidelity, is not a sin of ignorance, or error
("out of the way," the result) of infirmity, but a deliberate
sinning against the Spirit
(Heb 10:29;
Heb 5:2):
such sinning, where a consciousness of Gospel obligations not
only was, but is present: a sinning presumptuously and preseveringly
against Christ's redemption for us, and the Spirit of grace
in us. "He only who stands high can fall low. A lively reference
in the soul to what is good is necessary in order to be thoroughly
wicked; hence, man can be more reprobate than the beasts, and the
apostate angels than apostate man" [THOLUCK].
remaineth no more sacrifice--For there is but
ONE Sacrifice that can atone for sin; they, after
having fully known that sacrifice, deliberately reject it.
JFB.
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