We read in Hebrews 10:25 “as you see the day approaching.” What is that day?
The “day” of Hebrews 10:25 is none other than the day of judgment. If we continue reading in the context we find in verse 27 that those who sin willfully can expect judgment–condemnation. Verse 30 says that vengeance belongs unto the Lord and verse 31 declares, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
The word judgment in verse 27 comes from the Greek word that can often indicate condemnation. In the context of the book of Hebrews, the writer is urging Christians who are also of Jewish descent not to turn back to the worship and practice of Judaism. He sets forth much evidence not to do this. His theme is, “The way of Christ is the better way.” He reasons that the way of Christ has a better mediator than Moses (1-4). The way of Christ has a better priesthood than Aaron’s (5-7). The way of Christ has a better sacrifice than that of bulls and goats (10). The way of Christ has a better covenant than that of Moses (8,9). The way of Christ is the way of faith (11). During this discussion, the writer often admonishes and exhorts these Christians not to turn back to the old ways, but to stay with the way of Christ. It is in the midst of one of these exhortations that we find chapter 10 verse 25. Many Jewish Christians were leaving the faith and were thus forsaking the assembly of the saints. The writer exhorts them not to do this, but to continue to go to the assembly. Such a willful disregard for the faithfulness of other Christians is a willful sin and will be judged accordingly. A Christian ought not to fall into that way of life lest God’s wrath be executed against him.
There are some who say that the “day” that is approaching is referring to the day of judgment that God was going to visit upon the city of Jerusalem. While this passage may include that day of judgment it is not so specific as to exclude all days of judgment that God will execute upon the unfaithful. Jesus spoke of this day of judgment specifically in Matthew 24:1-34. But notice that he also spoke of the final day of the world as well which would occur at a later time period that has not been revealed (Matthew 24:36-51). Both days are days of judgment. The early Jewish Christian would be warned by the apostles and prophets to live so as to be ready for that first day of judgment which would come upon the Jewish nation in the form of the Roman General Titus. The Christian today is warned by the apostles and prophets to live so as to be ready for that final day of judgment which will come upon all nations. God’s principles of judgment are true whether revealed in an earthy judgment or in a heavenly one. So to answer the question, the day is “the day of judgment.” As it applies to us today, there is only one day of judgment which God has revealed to us for which we need to prepare. Peter says that this is the day when “the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” 2 Peter 3:11-14 qualify as good commentary on Hebrews 10:25 and following. Peter writes, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”