Bulletin Articles
HEBREWS 10:25 IN CONTEXT
HEBREWS 10:25 IN CONTEXT
There is still a great deal of misunderstanding about Hebrews 10:25. Some say that the verse only has reference to “the” assembly – which they define to mean “Sunday morning, when the Lord’s Supper is eaten.” Others claim it teaches that if you “willfully” miss ANY assembly, then “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (v.26). Both positions are extreme, and both positions are false. Let’s examine this passage in its proper context.
First, let’s dispense with the more liberal view. I call your attention to a specific word in the text: “assembling.” READ IT SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY! It is often misquoted as “not forsaking the assembly.” That is NOT what it says! The word used is “assembl-ing” – the ACT of gathering. There’s no reference to any particular “assembly.” Instead, it has reference to church meetings in general. It would include ANY and ALL such gatherings.
On the other hand, some go to the other extreme by suggesting that one is a total apostate if he misses any particular assembly. This is the ultra-conservative view. But it is not enough to SAY this is what the passage teaches! IF that is what it means, then we must discipline anyone who misses any assembly! But when you try this, be prepared for much heart-breaking division. And be prepared for “disputes and arguments over words” (1Tm.6:4), as you argue with your brethren about which work obligations are legitimate hindrances, how sick one must be before s/he can stay home, and just when it is acceptable to plan a vacation.
Now let’s try a sensible approach to the text. We must understand that Hebrews 10:25 does not appear in a vacuum! It has a context, which determines the meaning and extent of its admonition to assemble. Let’s examine that context.
First, notice that the writer is making an admonition to faithfulness. The entire paragraph begins with v.19, and continues through v.25. These verses do not speak of an individual act, but a lifestyle of faithfulness! This is crucial to understanding verse 25. The writer gives three commands which show how a life of faith is to be lived. First, he speaks of our obligation to God: “Let us draw near with a true heart” (v.22). Then, he speaks of our obligation to self: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (v.23). Finally, he speaks of our obligation to brethren: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (v.24) – which, in this text, is done during our “assembling” (v.25). A lifestyle of faithfulness will manifest itself in all three areas.
Then, notice the next two verses. “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (v.26-27). This is a strong warning! It does not refer to a single sin, but to persistence in sin. The NASV says, “If we go on sinning willfully.” While I do not defend staying home on Wednesday when you should be with the saints, these verses involve much more than that! The one who sins willfully in this text is one who: 1.) fails to “draw near” to God (v.22); 2.) fails to “hold fast” to his hope (v.23); 3.) fails to “consider” his brethren (v.24); and 4.) has quit “assembling” with his brethren (v.25; note: “forsaking” means “abandoning” – it does NOT mean “neglecting”). This context is describing a total apostasy!
Now, read this very carefully: I am NOT saying that deliberately missing some of the times of assembling is acceptable to God, for neglect of ANY obligation is dangerous (Hb.2:3). Those who neglect assembling are weak, unlearned, and sometimes stubborn; they endanger their own souls. We should love them enough to teach, exhort, admonish, reprove, and even rebuke. But they’re still not guilty of “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hb.10:25). I don’t believe that we should “withdraw” from brethren who are trying to be faithful, but are neglecting some opportunities to assemble. (Consider: Do we “withdraw” from one who neglects study, prayer, or visitation?) Further, despite all the big talk by some, I am not aware of any church that withdraws from brethren who habitually miss Sunday night worship, or Wednesday night Bible study.
Bottom line: should we assemble every time the local church of which we are a member meets? Yes, as often as possible. Are those who fail to do so in danger? Yes, if their absence lacks sufficient cause. But should we withdraw from them? I don’t think so. Every Christian has his or her weaknesses. No, this does not excuse anything; but it is a fact, nevertheless. Experience shows that if we expect “perfection or nothing,” we will get nothing! We cannot “whip” brethren into line, but must appeal to their better nature. The “hard-nosed” approach might gain short term results – at least in appearance. But the “obedience” that such tactics generate is not “from the heart” (cf. Rm.6:17). Brethren who assemble just to keep the preacher or elders off their back are doing it for the wrong reasons. We should assemble because we LOVE God, and WANT to be with our brethren!
--Lanny Smith
