1Therefore, advancing beyond the beginning principles of the doctrines of Christ, we should go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And we will do this, if indeed God permits. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and who personally obtained the heavenly gift, and became partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5And who have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they have fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing that they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves, and are publicly holding Him in contempt. 7For the ground that soaks up rain coming often upon it, and also produces useful plants for those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God. 8But that which brings forth thorns and thistles is rejected and near to being cursed, the end of which is for burning.

9But, although we speak these things, beloved, we are persuaded of better things concerning you, even the fruits that accompany salvation. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work, and the labor of love by which you have showed honor to His name, in that you have served the saints and are continuing to serve them. 11But we earnestly desire that every one of you be demonstrating the same diligence, unto the full assurance of the hope until the end; 12So that you do not become lazy, but that you be imitators of those who through faith and steadfast endurance inherit the promises.

13For God, after promising Abraham, swore by Himself, since He could swear by none greater, 14Saying, "Surely in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply you." 15Now after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16For indeed, men swear by the greater, and confirmation by an oath puts an end to all disputes between them. 17In this way God, desiring more abundantly to show the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His own purpose, confirmed it by an oath; 18So that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to lay hold on the hope that has been set before us; 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both secure and steadfast, and which enters into the sanctuary within the veil; 20Where Jesus has entered for us as a forerunner, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchisedec.