1FOR the law had in it a shadow of the good things to come, but was not the essence of the things themselves; hence although the same sacrifices were offered every year, they could not perfect those who offered them. 2For if they had once been perfected, they would have ceased from their offerings; for, from henceforth their minds would not have driven them into the sins from which they had once been cleansed. 3But in those sacrifices they remembered their sins every year. 4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sins.

5Therefore, when he entered into the world, he said: Sacrifices and offerings thou didst not desire, but a body thou hast prepared me:

6Burnt offering and sin offering thou has not required.

7Then said I, Lo, I come, in the beginning of the books, it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O God.

8Above when he said: Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and offerings for sins, thou wouldst not, the very ones which were offered according to the law: 9And after that he said, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. Thus he put an end to the first in order to establish the second. 10By this very will, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11For every high priest appointed ministered daily, offering the same sacrifices, which had never been able to cleanse sins: 12But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, sat down on the right hand of God for ever. 13From henceforth there he will remain until his enemies are placed as a foot-stool under his feet. 14For by one offering he has perfected for ever those who are sanctified. 15The Holy Spirit is also a witness to us: for he had said before,

16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts.

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

18For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is no need for offering for sins.

19Having therefore, my brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he has made new for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having a great high priest over the house of God: 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled and cleansed of evil thought, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us remain firm in the profession of our faith without wavering: for he who has promised us is faithful. 24And let us consider one another to arouse love and good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is customary for some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more when you see that day approaching.

26For if any man sin willfully after he has received the knowledge of the truth, then there is no more sacrifice to be offered for sins, 27But he is ready for the fearful judgment and the fiery indignation which shall consume the adversaries. 28He who transgressed the law of Moses, on the word of two or three witnesses; died without mercy: 29How much more punishment do you think he will receive who has trodden underfoot the Son of God, and has considered the blood of his covenant, through which he had been sanctified, as ordinary blood and has blasphemed the Spirit of Grace? 30For we know him who said, Vengeance is mine, and I will repay, saith the LORD. And again, The LORD shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32Remember, therefore, the former days, in which, after you received baptism, you endured a great fight of suffering. 33By reproach and trouble, you were made an object of ridicule; and you have also become companions of those men who have also endured these things. 34And you had pity on those who were prisoners, and you took the seizure of your property cheerfully, for you know in yourselves that you have a better and a more enduring possession in heaven. 35Do not lose, therefore, the confidence that you have, for it has a great reward. 36For you have need of patience in order that you may do the will of God and receive the promise.

37For the time is all too short, and he who is to come will come, and will not delay.

38But the righteous shall live by my faith: and if any draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39But we do not belong to those who draw back to perdition, but to the faith which restores our soul.