Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 5/16/2007

Question
Please help me!!!
I am really concerned about Hebrews, verse 26 onwards and am very deeply troubled.
You see, I gave my life to Christ and decided to follow him about 3 months ago.
Before this I had been addicted to pornography and masturbation.
Everything as fine and I was so happy and enjoying being in the presence of God until one day I was tempted to go onto a porn website and masturbate.
I fought with the temptation for a few days but then I became weak and gave in.
I feel so guilty and bad about this and wish I hadn't done it, I am even still tempted to do it again even though I know how wrong it is.
I have asked Jesus for forgiveness and have said sorry, - and I really mean it from my heart.
I am really worried, I keep thinking that I have sinned wilfully (because I knew it was wrong but I still did it) after having known the light  , and so there is no more sacrifice for sin for me.
Please help and pray for me if you can, can I be forgiven, am I lost forever??? What Is Hebrews 10 talking about??
Im really afraid.
Alan (21 yrs old - UK).
P.S
I just recently overcame the fear that I had comitted the unpardonable sin and now this has new problem has come along.... I am in a mess right now.

Answer
Alan almost every sin is willful.  We don't just fall into sin. We may commit one ignorantly, especially if a new Christian and we barely know three verses of the Word.  

Remember, who this is written to, Hebrews or Jews.  There were many Jews who because of fear of persecution were tempted to return to Judaism.  Some Jews came to Christian services and were enlightened but not saved yet.  They heard but the truth was not yet mixed with faith.  

Paul is telling them that if you turn back there is no more sacrifice for sin because God is not accepting the blood of bulls and goats anymore because Jesus was the once and for all sacrifice for sins and if they turned away from that they were doomed.

"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"

What you did was a sin and immoral but do you consider the blood of His covenant an unholy thing?  Have you walked away from Christ as they did basically over His dead body and through His blood thus rejecting the pleading of the Spirit?  No and if you are saved you can't do that.

Context is everything in Scripture and you are new and will learn that as you go.  Verses taken out of context have created cults, made people discouraged and even mutilate themselves.  

Start memorizing Romans Chapter 6 yes the whole chapter and 2 Corinthians 10:5 for starters to help you with some victory over sin.  

We are in living in the last days and the devil and his minions are going to tempt you constantly.  We are in spiritual warfare.  God, in His mercy, will grant you some days of rest and relaxation but as we are told in Ephesians 6 we need to put on the whole armor of God.  That is another good passage to study and memorize.

I strongly urge you to use a King James Version.  There are textual reasons but also it is better for your memory since it is not everyday English.  It causes you to focus more.

If you are truly saved, your are His child by birth and adoption.  You won't be tossed out of the family.  You may lose fellowship when you sin but not sonship.

Ask your folks what you were like as a three month old child. I bet you couldn't walk, talk, eat by yourself and soiled a mess of nappies.  You are 3 months old again in Christ.  You have to grow in grace and learn just like you did before.  Be patient and stay in the Word and in prayer and church and God will grow you.  

Blessings to you, my little Brother!  Be strong and of a good courage!  Cheers!