Certainly there is forgiveness of willful sin under the new covenant.. But we are dealing here with humans havin wills and emotions and a pyschology ..
the very reason the verses are mentioned is that though we may be once saved, there is a danger of falling away.
Its all over the scriptures
After a willful sin, there needs to be genuine repentance. But if we continue to commit willful sin, there is a danger of the conscience become 'depraved' and a certain coldness may begin... leading to backsliding... many Christians are in this state. But God who is rich in mercy gives unlimited grace to restore us back. Many of us jump back and forth!
But if the matter has gone too far.. our conscience itself becomes dead and we feel unable to repent.
Just think about it... why does the scripture speak of verses like........
"work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" -- after we are sealed for salvation by pure grace, we need to WORK OUT with a God fearing life.
carry your cross daily... hold fast that you have, lest it be taken away..etc.
in the OT in Ez 18
"The soul that sins shall die." though the man was righteous once but does not WORK OUT good God fearing deeds, he is in danger of dying.
Also,
"Whosoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." Exo 32:33
Though the name was once writen in the book of life, there are chances for the name to be blotted.
According to me, there are 2 kinds of 'saved' people.
1. those who are drawn heaven ward
2. those who jump heaven ward
the first category are drawn by the enuine love of Christ and sell out their heart for his love. they are no more alive, but Christ lives in them.
the second category, inorder to escape judgement, problems, curses, diseases and the fire of hell, choose to follow Jesus Christ. These people will no doubt enjoy every blessing God has kept for them, because they are obedient to the Word, they may have tasted, experienced and have knowledge... but is thier foundation sure? their love relation with God? there is a certain chance of falling away...
We need to check ourselves ... whether we are drawn to salvation because of the love of Christ or otherwise.
Though the first category falls sometimes ..cos the flesh is not yet redeemed, God will lift him up..
Prov 24:16 a just man falls seven times and riseth again
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless ...
comforting words... lets concentrate more on these than the fear of falling away!