Take Heed by H. A. Weaver

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 14, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 23.

“Take Heed”

By H. A. Weaver

[[FIGURE]] "FOR if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversary." Heb. 10: 26, 27. In reading this text many are in doubt as to the thought the apostle desires to convey thereby. By noting carefully the wording of the text, and comparing with other portions of Scripture, which reveal the nature of God’s dealings with fallen creatures, it will be seen that, as in all cases, the creature and not the Creator is the one who condemns himself for the sin he has committed. The individual who sins has it in his power to be forgiven, just as God has it in His power to forgive; but the forgiveness on God’s part is contingent on the true repentance of the sinner.

Genuine repentance for sin is a sacrifice. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit." Ps. 51: 17. Wilfulness and sacrifice are directly opposite conditions. They can not exist in the same heart at the same time. But because a wilful sin has been committed, it does not necessarily follow that at some subsequent time it will be impossible to repent. This is not implied in the text; tho many take this meaning from it. But if a sinful course is wilfully continued, it is improbable that the sin will be forgiven, since wilfulness and not repentance or sacrifice has possession of the heart.

Either wilfulness or willingness will have full possession of the heart; there is no neutral ground. Wilfulness is synonymous with stubbornness and rebellion, while willingness is equivalent to obedience, repentance, sacrifice, etc., etc. It would be just as impossible for repentance to come from a wilful heart, as it would be for a fountain to "send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter." Hence so long as we "sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth [in the wilful heart] no more sacrifice for sins." But there does remain a fear for the result of our sin, as manifested by a "certain fearful looking for of judgment."

The case of Cain might be cited in connection with this. The reason why God had "respect" to Abel, and unto Cain "He had no respect," was that in the case of the former a true repentance and sacrifice were offered, while in the latter case God said, "Sin lieth at the door [of the heart]." But God did not forsake Cain, tho Cain had wilfully sinned; but sought in many ways to reveal His love and long-suffering, in the hope that the latter would yet banish the wilfulness from his heart and thereby present "a broken and a contrite heart," which the Lord has said He will "not despise." Yet a determined and wilful course pursued led Cain, step by step, away from God, until a hardened and "seared" conscience could no longer hear the tender call of the Father.

Likewise in the case of Esau, the Scripture says, "He found no place of repentance, tho he sought it carefully with tears." In "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 181, we read: "Esau was not shut out from the privilege of seeking God by repentance; but he could find no means of recovering the birthright. His grief did not spring from conviction of sin; he did not desire to be reconciled to God. He sorrowed because of the results of his sin, but not for the sin itself."

Thus it will be seen that the statement, "There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," refers to the condition of the heart while wilful sin is being committed, and remains in force just so long as wilfulness is retained in the heart, whether it be for one minute, one year, or a lifetime. Therefore the apostle reasons, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience." Heb. 10: 22. And again: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back [again become a wilful sinner], My soul shall have no pleasure in him." Heb. 10: 38.

Esau "sought" a place of repentance, but could not find it. Why? — Because while seeking a "place," he still cherished a hatred for his brother in his heart; and thus the only place where true repentance could find a lodging place, already possessed a tenant, and that tenant was wilful sin.

Let us all profit by the admonition of the writer of this wonderful epistle to the Hebrews, by "looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."

Port Huron, Mich.