A Call to Maturity

1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ (the Anointed One) and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works (from acts that lead to death),a and of faith in God {Theon}, 2instruction {didachēn} about baptisms (cleansing rites),b the laying on of hands, the resurrection (rising again) of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do, if God {Theos} permits.

4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos}, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word {rhēma} of God {Theou} and the powers {dynameis} of the coming age— 6and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.

7For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God {Theou}. 8But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.

9Even though we speak like this, beloved {agapētoi}, we are convinced of better things in your⁺ case—things that accompany salvation. 10For God {Theos} is not unjust. He will not forget your⁺ work and the love {agapēs} you⁺ have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints (holy ones) and continue to do so.

11We want each of you⁺ to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12Then you⁺ will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

God’s Unchangeable Promise

13When God {Theos} made His promise to Abraham (father of many), since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, 14saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants <Gen 22:17>.”c 15And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.

16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. 17So when God {Theos} wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. 18Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God {Theon} to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul {psychēs}, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus (YHWH saves) our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever \to the age/ in the order of Melchizedek.