[1] For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead
of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices
which are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who draw
near. [2] Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered? If the
worshipers had once been cleansed, they would no longer have any
consciousness of sin. [3] But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of
sin year after year. [4] For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and
goats should take away sins. [5] Consequently, when Christ came into the
world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body
hast thou prepared for me; [6] in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou
hast taken no pleasure. [7] Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O
God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book." [8] When he said
above, "Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and
offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered
according to the law), [9] then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will."
He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. [10] And by that
will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus
Christ once for all. [11] And every priest stands daily at his service,
offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
[12] But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins,
he sat down at the right hand of God, [13] then to wait until his enemies
should be made a stool for his feet. [14] For by a single offering he has
perfected for all time those who are sanctified. [15] And the Holy Spirit
also bears witness to us; for after saying, [16] "This is the covenant that
I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws
on their hearts, and write them on their minds," [17] then he adds, "I will
remember their sins and their misdeeds no more." [18] Where there is
forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. [19]
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the
blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way which he opened for us
through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a
great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil
conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the
confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful;
[24] and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
[25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
[26] For if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth,
there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [27] but a fearful prospect
of judgment, and a fury of fire which will consume the adversaries. [28] A
man who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy at the testimony
of two or three witnesses. [29] How much worse punishment do you think will
be deserved by the man who has spurned the Son of God, and profaned the
blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and outraged the Spirit
of grace? [30] For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay."
And again, "The Lord will judge his people." [31] It is a fearful thing to
fall into the hands of the living God. [32] But recall the former days
when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with
sufferings, [33] sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction,
and sometimes being partners with those so treated. [34] For you had
compassion on the prisoners, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of
your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession
and an abiding one. [35] Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which
has a great reward. [36] For you have need of endurance, so that you may do
the will of God and receive what is promised. [37] "For yet a little while,
and the coming one shall come and shall not tarry; [38] but my righteous
one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in
him." [39] But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but
of those who have faith and keep their souls.
