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NASB | Romans 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
Bible Question:
I'm having a hard time reconciling Romans 8:39 with Hebrews 10:26. I'm thinking that one solution is that while it may be possible to walk away from the Lord, nothing external of that relationship can cause us to lose the love God has for us. Also, are the "love of God" and salvation necessarily the same thing? It's also possible that I'm not reading Hebrews 10:26 correctly. This "receiving the knowledge of the truth", is that knowledge about Christ, or is it the born again believer? Thanks for any insight you can give this puzzled believer. Huron |
Bible Answer: Hebrews 10:26-39 'This warning passage deals with the sin of apostasy, an intentional falling away, or defection. Apostates are those who move toward Christ, hear and understand His gospel, and are on the verge of saving belief, but then rebel and turn away. This warning against apostasy is one of the most serious warnings in all of Scripture. Not all of the Hebrews would respond to the gentle invitation of vv. 19-25. Some were already beyond response. '10:26 "we". The author is speaking rhetorically. In v. 39, he excludes himself and genuine believers from this category' (MacArthur Study Bible, Word Publishing, 1997). "But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul" (AMPLIFIED Hebrews 10:39). For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (NASB Hebrews 10:26). For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]' (AMPLIFIED Hebrews 10:26). '"there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins". If a person rejects the truth of Christ's death for sin, there is no other sacrifice for sin available and no other way to come to God. Only judgment remains (v. 27)' (Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Press, 1978). '"no longer". The apostate is beyond salvation because he has rejected the only sacrifice that can cleanse him from sin and bring him into God's presence. To turn away from that sacrifice leaves him with no saving alternative. This is parallel to Matt 12:31' (MacArthur Study Bible, Word Publishing, 1997). |