Hebrews 10:23–39

²³Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. ²⁴Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. ²⁵Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

²⁶For there is no longer any sacrifice that will take away sins if we purposely go on sinning after the truth has been made known to us. ^27*Instead, all that is left is to wait in fear for the coming Judgement and the fierce fire which will destroy those who oppose God! ^28*Anyone who disobeys the Law of Moses is put to death without any mercy when judged guilty on the evidence of two or more witnesses. ^29*What, then, of those who despise the Son of God? who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God’s covenant which purified them from sin? who insult the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment they will deserve! ^30*For we know who said, “I will take revenge, I will repay”; and who also said, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

³²Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God’s light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. ³³You were at times publicly insulted and ill-treated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. ³⁴You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last for ever. ³⁵Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. ³⁶You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. ^37*For, as the scripture says:

“Just a little while longer,

and he who is coming will come;

he will not delay.

^38*My righteous people, however, will believe and live;

but if any of them turns back,

I will not be pleased with him.”

³⁹We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.