 1 Therefore, leaving the first+ principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection~, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment. 3 This we will do, if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit 5 and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the world to come, 6 if they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they themselves crucify the Son of God all over again and put Him to an open shame. 7 For the earth that drinks in the rain that often comes upon it and brings forth herbs fit+ for those by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God. 8 But the land that bears thorns and briers is rejected and is near to being cursed, and the end of that is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things about you, things that accompany salvation. And it is about that, we speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love that you have shown toward His name in that you have ministered to the saints and still do minister to them. 11 We desire that everyone of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end. 12 Do not be lazy+, but be followers of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. 13 For when God made His promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He swore by Himself. 14 He said: Surely blessing I will bless you and multiplying I will multiply you. Genesis 22:17 15 Therefore, after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For indeed+, men swear with a great oath to confirm an end to all their strife. 17 In this, God was willing, more abundantly, to show to the heirs of promise the unchangeableness+ of His counsel and He confirmed it by an oath. 18 Now, by two unchangeable+ things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we have a strong consolation, those of us who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. 19 In this hope we have an anchor for the soul that is both sure and steadfast and enters into that area within the veil~. 20 There, the forerunner has entered for us: Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.
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