What is the purpose of the warning passages in Scripture?

from the old testament

• Warnings in the Old Testament acted like guardrails, guiding the people to trust the Lord and walk in His ways. For example, regarding God’s law, Moses said, “if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:17–19). His warning was meant to guide Israel away from serious consequences.
• Moses reminded them of those warnings because the first generation of Israelites had refused to heed them. Even though they saw God’s miracles firsthand in His rescue from Egypt, they responded with unbelief, grumbling, and sin. The result was that they were punished by being made to wander and then die in the wilderness (Numbers 14:22–23). Although the second generation of Israelites was more faithful, future generations again began to disobey and needed to be warned and punished, so they would obey once more. Because of this constant cycle between obedience and disobedience, much of the Old Testament is filled with repeated warnings about the consequences of sin (for example, Psalm 95:7–8; Jeremiah 2:11–13; Ezekiel 33:11). The purpose of these warnings was to expose the false security Israel found in being called God’s people despite living like His enemies.
• Though those warnings were mainly directed at the Israelites, we can learn a lot about obeying God from them. Additionally, the Old Testament includes general warnings that apply to everyone. Proverbs is an example of a book filled with warnings, starting with the warning to fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). It also warns against sexual sin, violence, and other destructive choices, helping to steer people away from paths that lead to ruin (Proverbs 5:1–14; 6:16–19; 7:21–27).
• Regardless of the type of warning, the primary purpose was to help people live holy lives. Being mainly for God’s people, they revealed unbelief when people didn’t listen to them, while also providing godly wisdom for those who did.

from the new testament

• In the New Testament, warning passages serve two primary purposes: they reveal false believers, and they steer believers toward obedience and spiritual growth. Jesus warned that outward religious words or actions are no replacement for truly knowing Him (Matthew 7:21–23). To illustrate this, He shared parables about those who appeared to be believers but fell away during trials (Luke 8:13). In these cases, He warned that it is possible to appear saved without actually having genuine salvation. Such warnings are meant to encourage individuals to examine themselves and confirm they truly belong to Him (2 Corinthians 13:5).
• Hebrews contains some of the most frightening warnings for someone who thinks he or she is saved. It describes those who have been deeply exposed to Christian teaching but resist a true response. It warns that ongoing disbelief in the face of the truth hardens a person (Hebrews 2:1; 3:12–13), making it nearly impossible for them to repent and be saved later (Hebrews 6:4–6). It also warns that persistent, willful rejection of Christ leaves no sacrifice for sins, only judgment (Hebrews 10:26–27). These passages are not about believers losing salvation, but about people turning away from their clear exposure to the gospel.
• Though these warnings are intended for believers, the New Testament states that God keeps true believers from falling. Part of the way He does this is by using warning passages that reveal hypocrisy. While they expose unbelievers, they also encourage believers to persevere in their faith. Additionally, He sustains them by holding them tight. For example, Jesus said His sheep are secure in His hand (John 10:28–29). Paul declared that nothing can separate believers from God’s love in Christ (Romans 8:38–39). Peter reminded Christians that God’s power guards them through faith (1 Peter 1:5). These promises of security work in tandem with the warnings. In short, God preserves His people, and He uses warnings to keep them alert and to motivate growth in Christ.
• The apostles also used warnings to help believers grow to be more godly. They urge believers to resist sin and stand firm against Satan, staying watchful against his attacks (Galatians 5:1; Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Peter 5:8–9). They call Christians to put off old ways and put on new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:5–14). By taking these warnings seriously, Christians grow in obedience and become more like Christ.

implications for today

Picture biblical warnings as loving guardrails along the winding road of life. If you are in Christ, your security rests on His finished work, His intercession, and the Spirit’s sealing (Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:13–14). Because of that, you don’t need to constantly fear that you might do something that causes you to lose your salvation. Let those “guardrails” remind you to take sin seriously, heed Scripture’s cautions, and keep holding fast to Jesus. When doubts come, remind yourself of Christ’s promises—He said He keeps all true believers. Then, ask Him for help and continue walking with His people because He uses these means to steady your faith.

While a true believer cannot lose his or her salvation, these warnings do encourage honest self-reflection. If you examine your life and find that your profession has been merely words, and deep down, you would rather not obey Him, then don’t assume you are saved. Those warnings about walking away when close to salvation could apply to you! Stop now, repent of your sin, and believe the good news of the gospel. No one is perfect, but genuine faith reveals itself over time through a desire to turn from sin, a persistent love for Christ, and a desire to serve and be with other believers.