[1] Therefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let
us press on to perfection -- not laying again a foundation of repentance
from dead works, of faith toward God, [2] of the teaching of baptisms, of
laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] This will we do, if God permits. [4] For concerning those who were once
enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the
Holy Spirit, [5] and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age
to come, [6] and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to
repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and
put him to open shame. [7] For the land which has drunk the rain that comes
often on it, and brings forth a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is
also tilled, receives blessing from God; [8] but if it bears thorns and
thistles, it is rejected and near a curse, whose end is to be burned. [9]
But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we speak like this, [10] for God is not
unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you
showed toward his name, in that you served to the saints, and still do
serve them. [11] We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence
to the fullness of hope even to the end, [12] that you won`t be sluggish,
but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the
promises. [13] For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear
by none greater, he swore by himself, [14] saying, "Most surely I will
bless you, and I will surely multiply you." [15] Thus, having patiently
endured, he obtained the promise. [16] For men indeed swear by a greater
one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
[17] Wherein God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of
the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath; [18]
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we
may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of
the hope set before us, [19] which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope
both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
[20] where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high
priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
