A Call to Persevere in the Faith

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with true hearts, in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

26 For if we continue sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume God's adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by someone who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will [fn]repay, says the Lord.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But remember the earlier days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle in the face of suffering. 33 At times you were publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and at other times you were partners with those who were treated that way. 34 For you sympathized with [fn]me when I was in prison, and you accepted the plundering of your possessions with joy, knowing [fn]that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession [fn]in heaven. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what was promised.

37 “For in just a little while,

he who is coming will come and not delay.

38 But [fn]the righteous one will live by faith;

and if he shrinks back,

my soul will take no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not among those who shrink back and are destroyed, but among those who have faith and preserve their souls.