Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Instead someone testified somewhere: "What is man that you think of him or the son of man that you care for him?

And this is what we intend to do, if God permits.

So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood -- for on that basis the people received the law -- what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron's order?

He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all.

Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We have such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

When he speaks of a new covenant, he makes the first obsolete. Now what is growing obsolete and aging is about to disappear.

For you need endurance in order to do God's will and so receive what is promised.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.

Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, shut the mouths of lions,

And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.

Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.

For they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned."

Now this phrase "once more" indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain.

Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you."

So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.