Conclusion

14 Try earnestly to live at peace with everyone, and to attain to that purity without which no one will see the Lord. 15 Take care that no one fails to use the loving help of God, “that no bitterness is allowed to take root and spring up, and cause trouble,” and so poison the whole community. 16 Take care that no one becomes immoral, or irreligious like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he wished to claim his father’s blessing, he was rejected – for he never found an opportunity to repair his error – though he begged for the blessing with tears.

18 It is not to tangible “flaming fire” that you have drawn near, nor to “gloom, and darkness, and storm, 19 and the blast of a trumpet, and an audible voice.” Those who heard that voice entreated that they might hear no more, 20 for they could not bear to think of the command – “If even an animal touches the mountain, it is to be stoned to death;” 21 and so fearful was the sight that Moses said – “I tremble with fear.” 22 No, but it is to Mount Zion that you have drawn near, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels, 23 to the festal gathering and assemblage of God’s firstborn whose names are enrolled in heaven, to God the judge of all people, to the spirits of the righteous who have attained perfection, 24 to Jesus, the intermediary of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that tells of better things than the blood of Abel. 25 Beware how you refuse to hear him who is speaking. For, if the Israelites did not escape punishment, when they refused to listen to him who taught them on earth the divine will, far worse will it be for us, if we turn away from him who is teaching us from heaven. 26 Then his voice shook the earth, but now his declaration is –

“Still once more I will cause not only the earth to tremble, but also the heavens.”

27 And those words “still once more” indicate the passing away of all that is shaken – that is, of all created things – in order that only what is unshaken may remain. 28 Therefore, let us, who have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken, be thankful, and so offer acceptable worship to God, with awe and the deepest respect. 29 For our God is “a consuming fire.”

13 Let your love for the Lord’s followers continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality; for, through being hospitable, people have all unawares entertained angels. 3 Remember the prisoners, as if you were their fellow prisoners, and the oppressed, not forgetting that you also are still in the body. 4 Let marriage be honoured by all and the married life be pure; for God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery. 5 Do not let your conduct be ruled by the love of money. Be content with what you have, for God himself has said –

“I will never forsake you, nor will I ever abandon you.”

6 Therefore we may say with confidence –

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.

What can mere people do to me?”

7 Do not forget your leaders, who told you God’s message. Recall the close of their lives, and imitate their faith.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today – yes, and for ever! 9 Do not let yourselves be carried away by the various novel forms of teaching. It is better to rely for spiritual strength on the divine help, than on regulations regarding food; for those whose lives are guided by such regulations have not found them of service. 10 We are not without an altar; but it is one at which those who still worship in the tent have no right to eat. 11 The bodies of those animals whose blood is brought by the high priest into the sanctuary, as an offering for sin, are burnt outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus, also, to purify the people by his own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go out to him “outside the camp,” bearing the same reproaches as he; 14 for here we have no permanent city, but are looking for the city that is to be. 15 Through him let us offer, as our sacrifice, continual praise to God – an offering from lips that glorify his name. 16 Never forget to do kindly acts and to share what you have with others, for such sacrifices are acceptable to God. 17 Obey your leaders, and submit to their control, for they are watching over your souls, since they will have to render an account, so that they may do it with joy, and not in sorrow. That would not be to your advantage.Titleless Section Break

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that our consciences are clear, since our wish is to be occupied with what is good. 19 And I the more earnestly ask for your prayers, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 May God, the source of all peace, who brought back from the dead him who, “by virtue of the blood that rendered valid the unchangeable covenant, is the great shepherd of God’s Sheep,” Jesus, our Lord – 21 may God make you perfect in everything that is good, so that you may be able to do his will. May he bring out in us all that is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22 I beg you, friends, to bear with these words of advice. For I have written only very briefly to you.

23 You will be glad to hear that our friend, Timothy, has been set free. If he comes here soon, we will visit you together.Titleless Section Break

24 Give our greeting to all your leaders, and to all Christ’s people. Our friends from Italy send their greetings to you.Titleless Section Break

25 May God bless you all.