Interviewer: Welcome, could you please introduce yourself?
Author: Certainly! My name is Paul, and I am the author of the Letter to the Hebrews in the Bible.
Interviewer: It’s a pleasure to have you, Paul. Today, we would like to discuss Hebrews 10:30-31, Could you assist us in exploring this passage?
Author: Absolutely, I’d be glad to dive into those verses.
Interviewer: Great! So, in Hebrews 10:30-31, you write, “For we know him 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.” Could you please explain the context and message you intended to convey?
Author: These verses build upon the preceding verses wherein I emphasize the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith. In Hebrews, I aim to show the supremacy of Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated, surpassing the old covenant established through Moses. While the recipients of this letter were most likely Jewish Christians facing persecution, it applies to any believer throughout history.
Interviewer: Fascinating. So, could you describe the significance behind the mention of God’s vengeance and judgment?
Author: Certainly. By quoting from Deuteronomy 32:35 and Psalm 135:14, I wanted to remind my readers that God, being the ultimate judge, will bring justice to all. The idea of vengeance might sound worrying, but it serves as a reminder that God is just and will eventually hold everyone accountable for their actions. This should prompt believers to strive toward holiness and righteousness, recognizing that falling into the hands of the living God without the covering of Christ’s sacrifice can indeed be a fearful thing.
Interviewer: That certainly brings a sense of awe and accountability. So, how does this verse connect to your overall message in the Book of Hebrews?
Author: Hebrews focuses on the supremacy of Christ and the necessity of faith in Him to obtain salvation. In these verses, I stress the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, regardless of the trials or persecutions we may face. By highlighting God’s vengeance and judgment, I aim to emphasize the eternal significance of our choices and actions, urging believers to persevere and maintain their trust in Christ, even when difficulties arise.
Interviewer: Thank you for providing this insightful explanation. Is there anything else you would like to add regarding Hebrews 10:30-31?
Author: Only to reiterate the gravity of falling into the hands of the living God without having embraced His Son, Jesus Christ. The fear mentioned here encourages believers to recognize the high stakes involved and to cling firmly to faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. God’s judgment should remind us of the seriousness of our beliefs and actions, pushing us to strive for righteousness in light of His justice and love.
Interviewer: Thank you once again, Paul, for sharing your thoughts on this passage. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.
Author: The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the opportunity to delve into Hebrews 10:30-31. May God’s Word continue to guide and inspire all who encounter it.