We know the one who said: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” and again: “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31 NABRE
The letter to the Hebrew community is attributed to someone called the preacher. In this section of the letter, with the quoted verse, the preacher is warning those who have come to understand the message of Jesus and even become a follower only later to ignore their faith. If someone sins purposely being unfaithful and forgetting what they know they will have severe punishment at the time of judgement. The preacher quotes from the final speech of Moses to make this point. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” A warning from God, in the end He will have the last word and those who have not followed the truth will be looked upon harshly. “The Lord will judge his people” also indicating God will have the final word. Both statements are assurances that no one will get away with evil. People hearing these words can be reassured that if they have been treated unfairly by some oppressive power God will have the final word and their oppression will be vindicated. But it also indicates if an individual sins they too will meet a difficult assessment from God. It is fearful to fall into the hands of God, as judgement, if you know the truth but choose to ignore it. However, we recall God is a God of mercy and it is better to be judged by God than our human brothers and sisters who do not know our hearts or freely give mercy.
We shouldn’t live out of fear of judgment but we should be aware our choices have consequences. God wants us to live with Jesus indwelling because it will make life better and makes us better at life, not out of fear for some future judgement.
Do you fear your final judgment? Are there ways you can change to be closer to God?
God wants us to live with Jesus indwelling because it will make life better and makes us better at life, not out of fear for some future judgement. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #judge #repay #Hebrews #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion