NOW the law, having a shadow of the good things which were to come, not
the very substance of the things, cannot possibly, by the same
sacrifices which they offer year by year continually, make those
perfect who approach _God_; (2)else they would have discontinued to
make the offering, because they who performed the service being once
made clean, would have had no more sense of sins on their conscience.
(3)But in these _sacrifices_ there is a commemoration of sins every
year. (4)For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should
take away sin. (5)Wherefore, coming into the world, he saith,
"Sacrifice and oblation thou hast not chosen, but thou hast exactly
fashioned a body for me: (6)thou hast had no delight in whole
burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin: (7)then I said, Here am I; (in
the volume of the book it is written of me) I come to do thy will, O
God[137]." (8)Having said before that sacrifice, and oblation, and
whole burnt-offerings and sin-offerings thou hast not chosen, nor
takest pleasure in, (which are offered according to the law,) (9)he
then added, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He abolishes the first
that he may establish the second. (10)By the which will we are
sanctified through the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ, once for
all.
(11)And every priest standeth indeed daily performing the divine
service, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which cannot
possibly take away sins: (12)but this person, having offered one
sacrifice for sins, for ever hath seated himself at the right hand of
God; (13)henceforth waiting till his enemies be put as a footstool for
his feet. (14)For by one oblation he hath made those perfect for ever
who are sanctified.
(15)Now the Holy Ghost also beareth this testimony to us: for after
declaring before, (16)"This is the testament which I will appoint to
them after those days, saith the Lord; giving my laws to their hearts,
even on their minds will I inscribe them;" (17)_he adds,_ "and their
sins and their iniquities I will in no wise remember any more." (18)Now
where there is remission of these, no more offering for sin _is
needed_.
(19)Having therefore, brethren, entire liberty of entrance into the
holies by the blood of Jesus--(20)a way, which he hath consecrated for
us, newly opened, and giving life, through the vail, that is, his
flesh; (21)and having a great priest over the house of God, (22)let us
come to him with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our
hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure
water: (23)let us hold fast the profession of hope unwavering, (for he
who promises is faithful.) (24)and let us attentively observe one
another, to excite an ardour of love and of good works: (25)not
deserting the assembling of ourselves together, as is the custom with
some, but exhorting to it; and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
(26)For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the
truth, no more sacrifice for sins remaineth; (27)but a certain terrible
expectation of judgment, and a burning indignation, ready to devour
these enemies.
(28)Any man who treated the law of Moses with neglect, was put to
death, without mercy, on the deposition of two or three witnesses:
(29)by how much, think ye, shall he be counted worthy of more condign
punishment who hath trampled on the Son of God, and regarded the blood
of his testament, by which he was sanctified, as an unclean thing, and
hath treated the gracious Spirit contumeliously? (30)For we know him
who declares, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord[138]."
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 past days in which, after ye had been illuminated,
ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; (33)partly while publicly
exposed to revilings and tribulations, partly as being in communion
with those who were treated in this manner. (34)For ye have been
fellow-sufferers with my bonds, and received with joy the plundering of
your properties, knowing in yourselves that you have in the heavens a
better substance, and permanent.
(35)Recede not therefore from your boldness of profession, which brings
a great recompence of reward. (36)For ye have need of patience, that
after ye have done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. (37)For
yet a little, very little while, and he that is coming will come, and
will not delay. (38)"The just man then will live by faith[139];" and if
he draw back, my soul shall have no delight in him. (39)But we are not
of those who turn back unto perdition; but of those who believe to the
salvation of the soul.