In light of the freedom that we have in Christ’s perfect and complete payment for sin on our behalf, the author of Hebrews discusses the danger of taking this grace lightly.
In The Cost of Discipleship Dietrich Bonhoeffer discusses two perspectives regarding grace: whether we view grace as cheap or costly. He writes, “Cheap grace is not the kind of forgiveness of sin which frees us from the toils of sin. Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves . . . Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
In contrast to the tendency to take God’s grace for granted, Bonhoeffer declares that true grace is costly; “it is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. . . Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.” May we value the costly grace that Christ offers us and in response live in obedience to Him.
Monica
The following guide is a resource for your personal time of abiding with the Lord and for your Community Group when you meet. It can also be used for times with family or friends around the table.
DISCOVER [ Hebrews 10:26-31 ]
WHAT is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that I/we learn?
(Use the questions to help make additional observations about the passage to clarify the main point)
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
+ v. 26-27 We might not be under the sacrificial system of the Old Testament anymore, however, what is still true regarding God’s attitude toward sin?
+ v. 28-29 What would have happened in the old system? How do we compare under Christ if we continue to deliberately live in sin? What does our lifestyle of sin say about the way we view God?
+ v. 30-31 We know that God’s character is unchanging. So these quotations about God’s character from Deuteronomy are still true. How can God be merciful to us in giving us Christ’s righteousness and still champion justice and payment for wrongdoing?
+ v. 31 What does it mean “to fall into the hands of the living God”?
+ What does this passage teach us about Jesus?, Power?, His Spirit?, or our calling as believers?
HOW is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
(Below are a couple of ideas to help prompt responses if needed)
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Do I see Christ’s grace to me as costly, requiring my full submission and obedience?
+ Do I need to confess for taking God’s grace lightly? Do I need to turn away from a sin I keep deliberately choosing?
+ Do I view God as living, powerful, perfect, and deserving of obedience, awe, and reverence?
WHO am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
(e.g., spend time with them, set-up an intentional time to share your story, begin a discovery study on the teachings of Jesus with them)
+ What is my next step?