A Call to Maturity

1Therefore omitting for the present the principles of the christian doctrine, we shall proceed to something more sublime, without mentioning those fundamental articles of repentance from destructive vices, and of divine faith: 2the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment: 3of which we shall treat another time, if God permit. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit, 5and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible, 6if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame. 7for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land: 8but that which bears thorns and briars, is look'd upon as lying under a curse; whose end will be to be burnt.

9But though we speak in this manner, my dear brethren, we expect better things of you, and such as are more suitable to your salvation. 10for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give. 11but we desire that every one of you may shew the same concern, continuing to discharge the condition upon which your hopes are founded: that ye be not unactive, 12but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them.

God’s Unchangeable Promise

13For when God gave his promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, 14"surely I will heap blessings upon thee, and will give thee a numerous posterity." 15and after he had patiently waited, he obtained what was promised. 16for when men swear by a superior, the ratifying what they say with an oath, puts an end to all further debate. 17wherefore God was willing to give the heirs of promise a stronger proof of the immutability of his counsel, by the intervention of an oath: 18that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to deceive us, we, who have no other refuge to fly to, but to maintain our present hopes, 19might have strong consolation to serve as a sure and stedfast anchor to the soul: till it arrives within the veil, 20where Jesus is gone to usher us in, having been made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.