Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice

1For the law being only an allusion to a future dispensation that was more excellent, and not an exact imitation of such a state, cannot by the anniversary sacrifices, which are offered, entirely purify those that present themselves. 2for then they would not have been repeated, because they who sacrificed being once purified, would not have been conscious of wanting any further atonement for their sins: 3whereas their annual sacrifices were accompanied with an anniversary commemoration of their sins. 4And indeed it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats, should take away the guilt of sin.

5wherefore at his appearing in publick, he saith, "sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

6in burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure:

7then said I, lo I come, as in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God."

8after having said, "victims, oblations, holocausts, and sacrifice for sin, thou wouldst not, neither hadst pleasure therein," tho' they are all prescrib'd by the law; 9he immediately adds, "lo, I come to do thy WILL, O God." he abolishes the first to establish the second: 10in consequence of which WILL we are sanctified by the oblation which Jesus Christ has made once for all of his own body.

11While the high priest in his daily administrations frequently repeated the same sacrifices which could by no means expiate sin; 12Christ, after he had offered one sacrifice for sin, sat down on the right hand of God for ever: 13expecting the only event still remaining, the entire subjection of his enemies. 14for by one single oblation he has purified for ever those that are sanctified. 15and this is what the holy spirit declares, when after having said,

16"this is the alliance that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their mind will I write them:

17he adds, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

18now where they are remitted, there is no need of any further oblation for sin.

A Call to Persevere
(Jude 1:17–23)

19Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies, 20by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh; 21and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God, 22let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us stedfastly maintain the hope which we have avow'd, since he is faithful that has promised: 24and let us animate one another to the mutual returns of love, and kind offices: not abandoning our assemblies, 25as some do; but encourage one another: even so much the more, as you see the day approaching.

26for if we wilfully apostatize, after having received the knowledge of the truth, it is as a sin for which there is no sacrifice appointed. 27and nothing is to be expected but that dreadful judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour all such adversaries. 28He that by two or three witnesses was convicted of violating Moses's law, was put to death without mercy. 29don't you think then that he deserves a much greater punishment, who hath despised the son of God, and counted the blood of the covenant wherewith be was sanctified, to have been justly shed, thereby offering an indignity to the spirit of grace? 30for we know who it is that has said, "vengeance belongeth unto me, I will repay." and again, "the Lord shall revenge his people." 31it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32Call to remembrance the former times, in which after ye were illuminated, you were forc'd to struggle with sufferings, 33some of you being expos'd to publick obloquy and persecution: whilst others had their share of affliction in seeing such treatment. 34for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting. 35don't therefore quit that resolution you have, which will be attended with so great a reward. 36for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised.

37only wait but a little while, and he that is to come, will come without delay.

38the just shall have life by trusting in me, but if he revolt, he will be the object of my displeasure.

39as for us, we are not such as desert to their own destruction; but such as persevere in the faith, to the saving of our souls.