1 The Law is a shadow of the good things to come. It is not the actual things. The continual yearly sacrifices can never make those who worship perfect.

2 If it could, it would cease to be offered. Once the worshipers were cleansed they would have no awareness of sin anymore.

3 These sacrifices are an annual reminder of sin.

4 It is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins.

5 When Christ came into the world he said: »‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but you have prepared a body for me.

6 »‘You have no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.’

7 »Then I said: ‘I have come in the scroll of the book. It is written about me, to do your will, O God.’«

8 Then he said: »You did not want nor did you approve of sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin;« which are offered by the Law.

9 He also said: »I come to do your will, O God.« He takes away the first in order to establish the second.

10 We are sanctified by his »will« through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 Every priest stands daily, serving and offering time after time the same sacrifices. Yet they can never take away sins.

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

13 waiting until his enemies are placed as a stool for his feet.

14 With one offering he has perfected those who are sanctified forever.

15 The Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after that he said:

16 »‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,’ says Jehovah; ‘I will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.’ (Jeremiah 31:33)

17 »I will not remember their sins and unrighteousness.«

18 Where there is forgiveness for these, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

20 by a new and living way, which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh,

21 having a high priest over the house of God,

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.

24 Let us consider one another to encourage love and good works:

25 Not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and even more, as you see the day approaching.

26 If we continue to practicedeliberately persist in sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins.

27 But there remains a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fiery indignation, which will devour God’s enemies.

28 He that despised Moses’ Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.

29 What about those who despise the Son of God? Those who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God’s covenant that purified them from sin? Those who insult the Spirit of grace? Think how much worse the punishment they deserve will be!

30 We know who said: »Vengeance is mine; I will repay« ; and who also said, »Jehovah will judge his people.« (Deuteronomy 32:35)

31 It is a dreadful terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 Remember the former days in which, after being enlightened, you endured great struggle with afflictions.

33 You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated. Other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way.

34 You shared the sufferings of prisoners. When all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly. This is because you knew that you possessed something much better, which would last forever.

35 Do not lose your courage confidenceboldness. It brings a great reward with it.

36 You need to persevere in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.

37 »In just a little while, he who is coming will come. He will not delay!«

38 »My righteous people will live by faith. If any of them turn back, I will not be pleased with them.«

39 We are not people who turn back and are destroyed. Instead, we have faith and are saved.