Warning Against Falling Away

6 Therefore, let us leave behind the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, 2 and of instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits. 4 For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 and yet have fallen away, since, to their own harm, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and exposing him to public shame. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But land that bears thorns and thistles is worthless and on the verge of being cursed; its end is to be burned.

9 Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that pertain to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the [fn]labor of love that you have shown toward his name by serving the saints, as you still do. 11 We want each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope to the very end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and patience.