1Therefore, let us move beyond fundamental teachings about Christ, toward maturity; not again laying the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, but of faith toward God,
2You don’t need more teaching on the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3And God willing, this we will do.
4For it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, and tasted of the heavenly gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5And have tasted the goodness of the word of God, and the powers of the age to come,
6And have then fallen away and rejected the Son of God, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God all over again, and putting Him to public shame.
7For the land soaks up the rain that falls upon it, and brings forth crops for the farmer who tilled it, and they are received as a blessing from God;
8But the land that bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is near to cursing. In the end, it will be burned.
9But though we speak of these things, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, things that come with salvation,
10For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward Him, as you have and continue to minister to and serve God’s saints.
11And we want each of you to show the same diligence to the very end, when your hope will be fully realized;
12And that you do not become complacent or slothful, but follow the example of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises of God.
13For when God made His promise to Abraham, because He could swear by nothing greater, He swore by Himself,
14Saying, “Surely, I will bless you, and I will multiply your descendants”.
15And so, after Abraham had patiently waited, he received what God had promised.
16For people swear by someone greater than they, and the oath confirms what is said, and puts an end to any question.
17In this case, God, also wanted to bind Himself by an oath to show to those He of the promise the immutability (unchangeable nature) of His purpose,
18So God, by two immutable things - both His promise and His oath, gives us, who have fled to Him for refuge, great confidence in what He has promised us, because it was impossible for God to lie.
19We have this hope, as a sure anchor for the soul, firm, safe and secure, as it leads us through the veil into God’s inner sanctuary,
20Where our Forerunner, Jesus, has already entered on our behalf, as a High Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedec. (Ps.110:4) Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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