Bible Discussion Thread

In Hebrews 10.29, the writer anticipates a "much sorer punishment." Some throughout history have interpreted this as a loss of salvation and an eternity in hell (lake of fire). Is this accurate? If so, how do we reconcile this with verses dealing with security? If not, what does the passage teach?

I would add: the readers of Hebrews were Messianic Jews, living in Jerusalem & were being encouraged during persecution. The key verse re: Rebeca's question, is verse 26: "If we sin wilfully...". In Greek, this is written in the present, active tense; i.e. "If we go on sinning, or making it a continual habit". We understand by the Spirit's Work in our salvation, that it is a complete & perfect Work; i.e. we are not only forgiven completely but for all time & given the Power to live our new life. We can still sin, but the Spirit within checks us to draw us to repentance. But if we reject His pleas & prefer our 'other' lifestyle, then the question: were we even saved at all? God is our Judge.

This is not talking about a believer losing their salvation. The writer is speaking to unsaved Jews and telling them that if people died under the wrath of God for just violating the law of Moses, they will suffer greater punishment if they reject the Son of God, or consider the blood of the New Covenant of Christ to be an unholy thing, or insult the Holy Spirit when He comes and ministers the gospel of grace to them. This passage is talking about Jews who were hearing the message of salvation, but did not take the next step of receiving Christ for salvation, because if they did, they would be persecuted by their fellow Jews, kicked out of the temple, and even ostracized by their own kin.