A Call to Maturity

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ [and] go on to maturity, not laying again [the] foundation of repentance from dead works,[fn] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms,[fn] [the] laying on of hands, [the] resurrection of [the] dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits.

4 

[It is] impossible for those who vvv have once been enlightened, [who] have tasted the heavenly gift, [who] have shared in [the] Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted [the] goodness [of the] word of God and [the] powers [of the] coming age — 6 and then have fallen away — to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God {all over again} and subjecting [Him] to open shame.

7 

For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives [the] blessing of God. 8 But [land that] produces thorns and thistles [is] worthless, and [its] curse is imminent. [In] the end vvv it will be burned.

9 

Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are convinced of better [things] in your [case]— [things that] accompany salvation. 10 For God [is] not unjust. He will not forget your work and the labor of love[fn] you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to [do so].

11 

We want each of you to show [this] same diligence to [the very] end, in order {to make} [your] hope sure. 12 Then vvv you will not be sluggish, but vvv will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

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