1So let us leave behind the first lessons about Christ, and go on to be full grown. Let us not lay the foundation again: turning away from dead works, and faith toward God,
2and the teaching about baptisms, and the laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3And this is what we will do, if God allows it.
4For there are some who were once given light, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come.
6If such people fall away, it is impossible to bring them back to repentance again. For they crucify the Son of God all over again for themselves, and shame him in public.
7Land that drinks in the rain which often falls on it, and grows plants useful to those who farm it, receives blessing from God.
8But land that grows thorns and briers is worthless, and is close to being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9But dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are sure of better things about you, things that go with salvation.
10For God is not unrighteous. He will not forget your work and the love you laboured with, which you showed for his name when you served his holy people, and still serve them.
11And we want each one of you to show the same eagerness right to the end, so that you are fully sure of your hope.
12Do not be lazy. Instead, follow those who through faith and patience receive what God promised.
13When God made his promise to Abraham, there was no one greater for him to swear by, so he swore by himself.
14He said, "I will surely bless you, and I will surely give you many children."
15And so, after Abraham had waited patiently, he received what was promised.
16People swear by someone greater than themselves. An oath makes a thing certain, and puts an end to all argument.
17So God wanted to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose does not change. That is why he confirmed it with an oath.
18So there are two things that cannot change, and it is impossible for God to lie in either of them. By them we are strongly comforted, we who have run to him for safety and have taken hold of the hope set before us.
19This hope is like an anchor for the soul, sure and firm. It reaches inside, behind the curtain,
20where Jesus has gone ahead of us and entered for us. He has been made a high priest for ever, in the order of Melchisedec.