1  Wherefore, leaving the word of the beginning of the Christ, let us go on to what belongs to full growth, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God, 2  of the doctrine of washings, and of imposition of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment; 3  and this will we do if God permit. 4  For it is impossible to renew again to repentance those once enlightened, and who have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5  and have tasted the good word of God, and the works of power of the age to come, 6  and have fallen away, crucifying for themselves as they do the Son of God, and making a show of him. 7  For ground which drinks the rain which comes often upon it, and produces useful herbs for those for whose sakes also it is tilled, partakes of blessing from God; 8  but bringing forth thorns and briars, it is found worthless and nigh to a curse, whose end is to be burned.

9  But we are persuaded concerning you, beloved, better things, and connected with salvation, even if we speak thus.