1Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of instructions about baptisms, and of the laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this we will do, if God permits. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to be brought back again to repentance; for they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and hold him up to public disgrace. 7For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful for those by whom it is farmed, receives a blessing from God: 8But that which bears thorns and thistles is worthless, and is near to being cursed; its end is to be burned. 9But, beloved, though we speak thus, we are persuaded of better things concerning you, things that accompany salvation. 10For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget the work and love which you have shown for his name's sake in having ministered to the saints, as you continue to do. 11And we desire that every one of you show the same diligence in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end: 12That you may not grow slothful, but be followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13For when God made a promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, 14Saying, Surely I will bless you and I will multiply you. 15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16For truly, men swear by one who is greater than themselves: and an oath given for confirmation puts an end to all disputes. 17Therefore God, wanting to show more clearly to the heirs of the promise the immutable nature of his purpose, confirmed it by an oath: 18That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us might have a strong encouragement. 19This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which enters within the veil; 20Where Jesus, the forerunner, has entered for us, having become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.