Hebrews 6:1-12 - A Serious Warning Against Falling Away
1 Let us pass on then to what is mature, leaving elementary Christian doctrine behind, instead of laying the foundation over again with repentance from dead works, with faith in God, 2 with instruction about ablutions and the laying on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal punishment. 3 With God's permission, we will take this step.
4 For in the case of people who have been once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly Gift, who participated in the holy Spirit, 5 who tasted the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away ??6 it is impossible to make them repent afresh, since they crucify the Son of God in their own persons and hold him up to obloquy. 7 For land which absorbs the rain that often falls on it, and bears plants that are useful to those for whom it is tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 whereas, if it produces thorns and thistles, it is reprobate and on the verge of being cursed ??its fate is to be burned.
9 Though I say this, beloved, I feel sure you will take the better course that means salvation. 10 God is not unfair; he will not forget what you have done, or the love you have shown for his sake in ministering, as you still do, to the saints. 11 It is my heart's desire that each of you would prove equally keen upon realizing your full hope to the very end, 12 so that instead of being slack you may imitate those who inherit the promises by their stedfast faith.