After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets,

in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.

For if the message spoken through angels proved to be so firm that every violation or disobedience received its just penalty,

how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him,

For it was fitting for him, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil),

So God again ordains a certain day, "Today," speaking through David after so long a time, as in the words quoted before, "O, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts."

Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered.

so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.

so that we who have found refuge in him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.

And it could be said that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid a tithe through Abraham.

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?

for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

But now Christ has come as the high priest of the good things to come. He passed through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation,

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

By his will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith he still speaks, though he is dead.

By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

God had told him, "Through Isaac descendants will carry on your name,"

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

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.

So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe.

Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name.

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.