Hebrews

Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and advance to a deeper understanding, without having to repeat the foundation, which is: turning away from dead works and faith in God, 

the teachings about baptisms and laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment. 

This is what we will do, God willing.

In any case, it would be impossible to renew again, through penance, those who have once been enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift, and received the Holy Spirit, 

tasted the beauty of the word of God, and the wonders of the supernatural world. 

If, despite this, they have ceased to believe and have fallen away, it is impossible to move them a second time to repentance, when they are crucifying, on their own account, the Son of God, and spurning him publicly. 

Soil that absorbs the rain falling continually on it and produces profitable grass for those who till it, receives the blessings of God, 

but the soil that produces thorns and bushes is poor soil, and in danger of being cursed. In the end, it will be burned.

Yet, even though we speak in this way, we are more optimistic, dear friends, about you and your salvation. 

10 God is not unfair, and will not forget everything you have done for the sake of his name; you have helped, and continue to help, the believers. 

We want each of you to maintain the same zeal until the end for achieving what you have hoped for. 

Do not become complacent, but imitate those who, through their faith and perseverance, inherit the promise.

Remember God’s promise to Abraham. God wanted to confirm it with an oath, and, since no one is higher than God, 

he swore by himself: I will bless you and multiply you. 

By patiently waiting, Abraham received the promise. 

People are used to swearing by someone greater than themselves, and their oath confirms everything that could otherwise be denied. 

So God guaranteed it by an oath to assure those waiting for his promise that he would never change his mind. 

Thus, we have two certainties in which it is impossible that God be proved false: promise and oath. That is enough to encourage us strongly when we leave everything to hold to the hope set before us. 

This hope is like a steadfast anchor of the soul, secure and firm, thrust beyond the curtain of the temple into the inner shrine, 

where Jesus has entered ahead of us—Jesus, high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.