Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice

1For the law having the shadow of good things to come, not the real image of the things, annually with the same sacrifices which they offer continually, is by no means able to make perfect those coming to it: 2since in that case would they not have ceased being offered, because the worshipers having once been purified would have had no more conscience of sins? 3But in the same sacrifices there is a remembrance of sins annually; 4for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

5Therefore, coming into the world, he says; Sacrifice an offering thou willest not, but thou hast perfected for me a body:

6whole burnt offerings and offerings for sins thou wast not pleased with:

7then I said, Lo, I come in the volume of the Book it has been written of me to do thy will, O God.

8Saying above, that Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and offerings for sin thou didst not will, neither wast well pleased with; whatsoever are offered according to law; 9then he has said, Lo, I come to do thy will. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second; 10by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11And every high priest indeed stands daily ministering, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which are never able to take away sins: 12and he, having offered up one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down on the right hand of God; 13finally waiting until his enemies may be made the foot-stool of his feet. 14For by one offering he has forever perfected the sanctified. 15And the Holy Ghost truly does witness to us: for afterward he said,

16This is the covenant that I will make unto them after these days, says the Lord; having given my laws on their hearts, and I will also write them in their mind;

17and I will remember their sins and iniquities no more.

18But where there is removal of these, there is no more offering for sin.

A Call to Persevere
(Jude 1:17–23)

19Then, brethren, having boldness unto the entering in of the holies through the blood of Jesus, 20by which he has opened unto us a new and living way, through the veil, that is, of his flesh, 21and having a great high priest over the house of God; 22let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, having been sprinkled as to our hearts from an evil conscience, 23and washed as to our body with purifying water: let us hold fast the testimony of hope steadfast; for the one having promised is faithful; 24and let us recognize one another in the provocation of divine love and good works: 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the custom to some; but exhorting: and this the more, as you see the days drawing nigh.

26For we sinning willingly after we have received the perfect knowledge of the truth, there is left no more sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain fearful anticipation of judgment and violence of fire, about to devour the adversaries. 28The one having rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy before two or three witnesses: 29of how much more terrible punishment, do you think, the one having trodden under foot the Son of God, and counted the blood of the covenant, by which he was sanctified, common, and insulted the Spirit of grace; be counted worthy! 30For we know him who said, Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay; and again, The Lord will judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32But remember the former days, in which, you being illuminated by the Spirit, endured a great fight of afflictions; 33both indeed in reproaches and tribulations being exposed as a theater, and having become the companions of those being thus exercised. 34For you suffered along with the prisoners, and received with joy the spoliation of your goods, knowing that you have a better and abiding possession. 35Therefore cast not away your confidence, which has great reward. 36For you have need of patience, in order that, having done the will of God, you will inherit the promise.

37For yet a little while, the one coming will come, and will not tarry.

38My righteous man shall live by faith: and if he may draw back, my soul has no pleasure in him.

39But we are not of the drawing back unto perdition; but of faith unto the salvation of the soul.