HebrewsChapter 6

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¹So let's move past the first lessons about Christ. Let's go on and grow up. Let's not lay the foundation again. That foundation is turning away from deeds that lead to death, and having faith in God. ²It also includes teaching about baptisms and laying hands on people. It includes the dead rising to life and the judgment that lasts forever. ³And we will move on, if God allows it. ⁴It is impossible for those who have once been given light, who have tasted the gift from heaven, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵who have tasted how good God's word is, and who have tasted the powers of the age to come, ⁶and then have fallen away. They cannot be brought back to repentance. That's because they are nailing the Son of God to the cross all over again. They are putting him to open shame. ⁷Think about land that soaks up the rain that often falls on it. It grows a crop that is useful to the people who farm it. That land receives God's blessing. ⁸But land that grows thorns and thistles is worthless. It is close to being cursed. In the end it will be burned. ⁹Dear friends, we talk like this. But we are sure of better things for you. These are things that go with salvation. ¹⁰God is fair. He will not forget your work. He won't forget the love you have shown for his name. You showed it by serving God's people, and you still serve them. ¹¹We want each of you to keep working just as hard to the very end. Then you will be sure of what you hope for. ¹²Then you won't be lazy. Instead, you will follow the example of those who receive what God promised. They received it through faith and patience. ¹³God made a promise to Abraham. There was no one greater for God to swear by. So he swore by himself. ¹⁴He said, "I will surely bless you. I will give you many, many descendants." ¹⁵So Abraham waited patiently. Then he received what God promised. ¹⁶People swear by someone greater than themselves. Their oath proves what they say and ends every argument. ¹⁷God wanted to make it very clear that his plan would never change. He wanted to show this to the people who would receive what he promised. So he backed up his promise with an oath. ¹⁸So there are two things that can never change. And God cannot lie about either of them. We have run to God to take hold of the hope he has set in front of us. So these two things can give us strong encouragement. ¹⁹This hope is like an anchor for our souls. It is firm and safe. It goes into the inner holy room, behind the curtain.a ²⁰Jesus went in there ahead of us for our sake. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.