18Now where there is [absolute] forgivenessand complete cancellation of the penalty of these things, there is no longer any offering [to be made to atone] for sin.A New and Living Way
19Therefore,[c]believers, since we have confidenceand full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus,20by this new and living way which He initiatedand opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh,21and since we have a greatand wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God,22let us approach [God] with a trueand sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkledclean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.23Let us seizeand hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliableand trustworthyand faithful [to His word];24and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds,25not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouragingone another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
Christ or Judgment
26For if we go on willfullyand deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate],27but a kind of awfuland terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and THE FURY OF A FIREand BURNING WRATH WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES [those who put themselves in opposition to God].28Anyone who has ignoredand set aside the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy onthe testimony of two or three witnesses.29How much greater punishment do you think he will deserve who has rejectedand trampled under foot the Son of God, and has considered uncleanand common the blood of the covenant that[d]sanctified him, and has insulted the Spirit of grace [who imparts the unmerited favor and blessing of God]?30For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I WILL REPAY [the wrongdoer].” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”31It is a fearfuland terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath].
32But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings,33sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated.34For you showed sympathyand deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the [unjust] seizure of your belongingsand the confiscation of your property, conscious of the fact that you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven].35Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a gloriousand great reward.36For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receiveand enjoy to the full what is promised.37FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.38BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE [the one justified by faith] SHALL LIVE BY FAITH [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him];AND IF HE DRAWS BACK [shrinking in fear], MY SOUL HAS NO DELIGHT IN HIM.39But[e]our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah]and by this confident faith preserve the soul.
[a]1 I.e. achieve the goal of perfection.
[b]11 Emphatic in Greek with the sense “to deliver completely.”
[c]19 Litbrethren.
[d]29 All believers are sanctified, that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes.
[e]39 Emphatic in Greek.