Hebrews 6:1–12

Warning against Regression

6Therefore, leaving the elementary message about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, ^r2teaching about ritual washings, ^slaying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. ^t3And we will do this if God permits.

⁴For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit, ^u5tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, ⁶and who have fallen away, because, ^vto their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding Him up to contempt. ^w7For ground that has drunk the rain that has often fallen on it and that produces vegetation useful to those it is cultivated for receives a blessing from God. ⁸But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and will be burned at the end. ^x

⁹Even though we are speaking this way, dear friends, in your case we are confident of the better things connected with salvation. ¹⁰For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love ^yyou showed for His name when you served the saints—and you continue to serve them. ^z11Now we want each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the final realization of your hope, ¹²so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. ^a