Drawing Near to God in Enduring Faith

10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters,21 since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 10:20 by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us22 through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,23 10:21 and since we have a great priest24 over the house of God, 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings,25 because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience26 and our bodies washed in pure water. 10:23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 10:24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,27 10:25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day28 drawing near.29

10:26 For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us,30 10:27 but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury31 of fire that will consume God’s enemies.32 10:28 Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death33 without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.34 10:29 How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has contempt for35 the Son of God, and profanes36 the blood of the covenant that made him holy,37 and insults the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,”38 and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”39 10:31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

10:32 But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened. 10:33 At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. 10:34 For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison,40 and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly41 had a better and lasting possession. 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence, because it42 has great reward. 10:36 For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised.43 10:37 For just a little longer44 and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.45 10:38 But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I46 take no pleasure in him.47 10:39 But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.48