23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for rHe who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 snot forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and tso much the more as you see uthe Day approaching.

The Just Live by Faith

26 For vif we sin willfully wafter we have received the knowledge of the truth, there xno longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and yfiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three zwitnesses. 29 aOf how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, bcounted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, cand insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, d“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” 7says the Lord. And again, e“The Lord will judge His people.” 31 fIt is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But grecall the former days in which, after you were 8illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made ha spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while iyou became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on 9me jin my chains, and kjoyfully accepted the plundering of your 1goods, knowing that lyou have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves 2in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, mwhich has great reward. 36 nFor you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, oyou may receive the promise:

37 “For pyet a little while,

And qHe 3who is coming will come and will not 4tarry.

38 Now rthe 5just shall live by faith;

But if anyone draws back,

My soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those swho draw back to 6perdition, but of those who tbelieve to the saving of the soul.