1 For the law being only an allusion to a future dispensation that was more excellent, and not an exact imitation of such a state, cannot by the anniversary sacrifices, which are offered, entirely purify those that present themselves.
2 for then they would not have been repeated, because they who sacrificed being once purified, would not have been conscious of wanting any further atonement for their sins:
3 whereas their annual sacrifices were accompanied with an anniversary commemoration of their sins.
4 And indeed it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats, should take away the guilt of sin.
5 wherefore at his appearing in publick, he saith, "sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 in burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure:
7 then said I, lo I come, as in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God."
8 after having said, "victims, oblations, holocausts, and sacrifice for sin, thou wouldst not, neither hadst pleasure therein," tho' they are all prescrib'd by the law;
9 he immediately adds, "lo, I come to do thy WILL, O God." he abolishes the first to establish the second:
10 in consequence of which WILL we are sanctified by the oblation which Jesus Christ has made once for all of his own body.
11 While the high priest in his daily administrations frequently repeated the same sacrifices which could by no means expiate sin;
12 Christ, after he had offered one sacrifice for sin, sat down on the right hand of God for ever:
13 expecting the only event still remaining, the entire subjection of his enemies.
14 for by one single oblation he has purified for ever those that are sanctified.
15 and this is what the holy spirit declares, when after having said,
16 "this is the alliance that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their mind will I write them:
19 Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies,
20 by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh;
21 and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us stedfastly maintain the hope which we have avow'd, since he is faithful that has promised:
24 and let us animate one another to the mutual returns of love, and kind offices: not abandoning our assemblies,
25 as some do; but encourage one another: even so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
26 for if we wilfully apostatize, after having received the knowledge of the truth, it is as a sin for which there is no sacrifice appointed.
27 and nothing is to be expected but that dreadful judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour all such adversaries.
28 He that by two or three witnesses was convicted of violating Moses's law, was put to death without mercy.
29 don't you think then that he deserves a much greater punishment, who hath despised the son of God, and counted the blood of the covenant wherewith be was sanctified, to have been justly shed, thereby offering an indignity to the spirit of grace?
30 for we know who it is that has said, "vengeance belongeth unto me, I will repay." and again, "the Lord shall revenge his people."
31 it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 Call to remembrance the former times, in which after ye were illuminated, you were forc'd to struggle with sufferings,
33 some of you being expos'd to publick obloquy and persecution: whilst others had their share of affliction in seeing such treatment.
34 for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting.
35 don't therefore quit that resolution you have, which will be attended with so great a reward.
36 for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised.