Bible verse by verse

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 7:1-28

This Melchisedek, king of Salem, a Priest of Most High God, met Abraham on his way back from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him;

also Abraham gave Him a 10th of everything.

Now first off, through translation of His name, He is “King of Righteousness”; and secondly He is king of Salem --- meaning “King of Peace.”

There is no record of His father, mother, ancestry, birth or death; rather, like the Son of God, He remains a priest for all time.

Just imagine how great he was! Even the Patriarch ABraham gave Him a 10th of the choicest spoils.

Now Levi's descendants --- who became priests have a commandment in the Law to take a 10th of the income of the people, that is, from their own brothers, despite the fact that they are also Abraham's descendents.

But Melchisedec, even though not descended from Levi, took a 10th from Avraham.

Also, he blessed Abraham, the man who received God’s promises;

and it is beyond all dispute that the one who blesses has higher status than the one who is blessed.

Additionally, in the case of the priests, the 10th is received by men who die; while in the case of Melchisedek, it is received by someone who is testified to be still alive.

One might go even further and say that Levi, who himself receives 10th, paid a 10th by means of Abraham;

being that he was still a future descendant from Abraham's gene pool when Melchisedek met him.

Therefore, if it had been possible to reach the goal through the system of priests derived from Levi (since in connection with it, the people were given the Law), what need would there have been for another, different kind of priest, the one spoken of as to be compared with Melchisedek and not to be compared with Aharon?

For if the system of priests is transformed, there must of necessity occur a transformation of the Law.

The one about whom these things are revealed belongs to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.

For everyone knows that our Lord arose out of Judah, and that Moses said nothing about this tribe when he spoke about priests.

It becomes even clearer if a “different form of priest,” one like Melchisedek, appears,

one who became a cohen not by virtue of a rule in the Torah concerning physical descent, but by virtue of the power of an indestructible life.

For it is stated, “You are a Priest FOREVER, to be compared with Melchizedek.”

Thus, on the one hand, the earlier rule is set aside because of its weakness and inefficacy.

For the Torah did not bring anything to the goal. And, on the other hand, a hope of something better is introduced, through which we are drawing closer to God.

Additionally, God swore an oath. For no oath was sworn in connection with those who become priests presently;

but Jesus became a cohen by the oath which God swore when he said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a cohen forever.’”

Also this shows how much better is the covenant of which Jesus has become obigated.

To top it off, the present priests are many in number, because they are prevented by death from continuing in office.

But because Jesus lives forever, His position as Priest does not pass on to someone else;

Consequently, he is absolutely able to deliver those who approach God through Him; since he lives forever and thus forever able to intercede on their behalf.

This is the kind of High Priest that meets our need — holy, without evil, unstained, set apart from sinners and raised higher than the heavens;

one who does not have the daily chore, as other High Priests, of offering up sacrifices first for their own sins and only then for those of the people; because He offered one sacrifice, once and for all, by offering up Himself.

For the Law appoints as high priests men who have weakness; but the scripture which speaks about the swearing of the oath, a text written later than the Torah, appoints a Son who has met the goal forever.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who did meet Abraham turning back from the smiting of the kings, and did bless him,

2 to whom also a tenth of all did Abraham divide, (first, indeed, being interpreted, `King of righteousness,' and then also, King of Salem, which is, King of Peace,)

3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, and being made like to the Son of God, doth remain a priest continually.

4 And see how great this one [is], to whom also a tenth Abraham the patriarch did give out of the best of the spoils,

5 and those, indeed, out of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood, a command have to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though they came forth out of the loins of Abraham;

6 and he who was not reckoned by genealogy of them, received tithes from Abraham, and him having the promises he hath blessed,

7 and apart from all controversy, the less by the better is blessed --

8 and here, indeed, men who die do receive tithes, and there [he], who is testified to that he was living,

9 and so to speak, through Abraham even Levi who is receiving tithes, hath paid tithes,

10 for he was yet in the loins of the father when Melchisedek met him.

11 If indeed, then, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood -- for the people under it had received law -- what further need, according to the order of Melchisedek, for another priest to arise, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?

12 for the priesthood being changed, of necessity also, of the law a change doth come,

13 for he of whom these things are said in another tribe hath had part, of whom no one gave attendance at the altar,

14 for [it is] evident that out of Judah hath arisen our Lord, in regard to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15 And it is yet more abundantly most evident, if according to the similitude of Melchisedek there doth arise another priest,

16 who came not according to the law of a fleshly command, but according to the power of an endless life,

17 for He doth testify -- `Thou [art] a priest -- to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;'

18 for a disannulling indeed doth come of the command going before because of its weakness, and unprofitableness,

19 (for nothing did the law perfect) and the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw nigh to God.

20 And inasmuch as [it is] not apart from oath, (for those indeed apart from oath are become priests,

21 and he with an oath through Him who is saying unto him, `The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest -- to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;')

22 by so much of a better covenant hath Jesus become surety,

23 and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining;

24 and he, because of his remaining -- to the age, hath the priesthood not transient,

25 whence also he is able to save to the very end, those coming through him unto God -- ever living to make intercession for them.

26 For such a chief priest did become us -- kind, harmless, undefiled, separate from the sinners, and become higher than the heavens,

27 who hath no necessity daily, as the chief priests, first for his own sins to offer up sacrifice, then for those of the people; for this he did once, having offered up himself;

28 for the law doth appoint men chief priests, having infirmity, but the word of the oath that [is] after the law [appointeth] the Son -- to the age having been perfected.

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 8:1-13

Here's the point of what we've been saying: we do have just such a High Priest as has been described. He sits at the right hand of the heavenly throne.

There He serves in the Holy Place ---- in the real Tent of Meeting, the one erected by the Lord alone.

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so this High Priest also has to have something he can offer.

Now if He were on earth, he wouldn’t be a priest, since there already are priests offering gifts as required by the Law.

But they are serving only as an illustration and foreshadow of the heavenly original; for when Moses was about to erect the Tent, God warned him, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was revealed to you on the mountain.”

But now the work of Jesus is provided to outshine theirs, just as the covenant He mediates is better. For this covenant has been given as Law on the basis of better promises.

In fact, if the first covenant had not given founded in faultfinding, there would have been no need for a 2nd one.

For God does find fault with the people when He says, “‘See! The days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will establish over the house of Israel and Judah a new covenant.

“‘It will not be like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by their hand and led them from Egypt; because they, for their part, did not remain faithful to my covenant; so I, for my part, stopped concerning myself with them,’ says the Lord.

“‘For this is the covenant which I will make with Israel patterned after days past,’ says the Lord: ‘I will put My Law in their minds and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

“‘None of them will teach his fellow-citizen or his brother, saying, “Know God!" For all will know Me, from those at the bottom to the top,

because I will be merciful toward their wickedness and forget them.’”

By applying the term, “new,” He has made the first covenant “old”; and something being obsolete, is on its way to vanishing altogether.


Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And the sum concerning the things spoken of [is]: we have such a chief priest, who did sit down at the right hand of the throne of the greatness in the heavens,

2 of the holy places a servant, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord did set up, and not man,

3 for every chief priest to offer both gifts and sacrifices is appointed, whence [it is] necessary for this one to have also something that he may offer;

4 for if, indeed, he were upon earth, he would not be a priest -- (there being the priests who are offering according to the law, the gifts,

5 who unto an example and shadow do serve of the heavenly things, as Moses hath been divinely warned, being about to construct the tabernacle, for `See (saith He) thou mayest make all things
according to the pattern that was shewn to thee in the mount;') --

6 and now he hath obtained a more excellent service, how much also of a better covenant is he mediator, which on better promises hath been sanctioned,

7 for if that first were faultless, a place would not have been sought for a second.

8 For finding fault, He saith to them, `Lo, days come, saith the Lord, and I will complete with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, a new covenant,

9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day of My taking [them] by their hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt -- because they did not remain in My covenant, and I did not regard them, saith the Lord, --

10 because this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord, giving My laws into their mind, and upon their hearts I will write them, and I will be to them for a God, and they shall be to Me for a people;

11 and they shall not teach each his neighbour, and each his brother, saying, Know thou the Lord, because they shall all know Me from the small one of them unto the great one of them,

12 because I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawlessnesses I will remember no more;' --

13 in the saying `new,' He hath made the first old, and what doth become obsolete and is old [is] nigh disappearing.

[_Brackite]

4 for [it is] impossible for those once enlightened, having tasted also of the heavenly gift, and partakers having became of the Holy Spirit,

5 and did taste the good saying of God, the powers also of the coming age,

6 and having fallen away, again to renew [them] to reformation, having crucified again to themselves the Son of God, and exposed to public shame.

Here is Hebrews 6:4-6 from the New King James Version.

Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV)

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away,[b] to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.


Here is an LDS Apologist's commentary and interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-6.

Some evangelicals claim that Hebrews 6:4 does not indicate that the people in question had received the Holy Ghost. The evidence is decidedly against this assertion. Equally untenable is the related claim that verses 4- 6 are not talking about genuine Christians. If anything, the author of Hebrews seems to go out of his way to make it clear that he is talking specifically about mature members of the church, hence his veritable laundry list of all the things these people knew and experienced.

For one thing, the end of the verse itself says the people in question had "become partakers of the Holy Spirit." The fact that these individuals had become "partakers" of the Spirit logically implies they did not receive it only once. Someone who has become a "partaker" of something has obviously experienced it more than once, and will do so again.

Furthermore, the use of the word "enlightened" is clear evidence that we are talking about people who were baptized members of the church. In early Christian sources (e.g. Justin Martyr), baptism is called "illumination" (Buchanan 106). The Syriac text of Hebrews 6:4 reads "those who have once descended for baptism" (Buchanan 106). Moreover, four chapters later, the author of Hebrews clearly applies the word "enlightened" to experienced, tested members of the church (Hebrews 10:32-39).

...

Surprisingly, a few anti-Mormons claim that Hebrews 6:4-6 refers to unbelievers. In all seriousness, one anti-LDS writer told me that in Hebrews 6:4 the ancient author "utilizes geuomai [tasted] within the context of unbelievers." How could an unbeliever experience the heavenly gift? And be a partaker of the Holy Spirit? And experience the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age? And how could an unbeliever be described as having once been "enlightened" when the author of Hebrews uses this term for seasoned Christians elsewhere in the epistle?

Let's recap what Hebrews 6:4-6 says about the Christians in question:

* They were "once enlightened." This same term is applied to experienced, tested members of the church in Hebrews 10:32-39.

* They had "tasted the heavenly gift." Some commentators weakly opine that in verse 4 the author does not mean "tasted" in its normal New Testament theological sense of "to fully experience something" (p. 3). They suggest that in this case the act of experiencing was brief or superficial in nature. Why the arbitrary switch in meanings? As we have seen, even the editors of the staunchly conservative Liberty Bible Commentary acknowledge that the Christians referenced in verse 4 "have partaken of the heavenly gift and of the Holy Spirit" in the same sense that Jesus "tasted" death, i.e., fully (Falwell 683; see also, Lenski 118- 125).

* They had become "partakers" of the Holy Spirit. Again, the fact that these individuals had become "partakers" of the Spirit indicates they did not receive it only once. Someone who has become a "partaker" of something has obviously experienced it more than once, and will do so again unless he chooses to stop partaking. Myles M. Bourke points out that the phrase "sharers in the Holy Spirit" refers to "those who possess the Spirit as a guarantee of the full possession . . . of the eschatological blessings" (in Brown, Fitzmyer, and Murphy 2:391).

* They had "tasted" the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age. As noted above, Warren Quanbeck observes that this statement "implies, not sampling, but a genuine experience of the reality" (in Laymon 905, emphasis added).

Not surprisingly, Theognostus of Alexandria (ca. A.D. 200-270), a highly regarded ancient Christian theologian, viewed Hebrews 6:4 as a warning to spiritually experienced Christians (Roberts and Donaldson 6:156). Theognostus served in the presidency of the Christian academy in Alexandria and was a respected theologian and writer. He was even praised by Athanasius. Theognostus made a clear distinction between the Christians of Hebrews 6:4 and those who were "not yet able to receive what is perfect" (Roberts and Donaldson 6:156). He said that such "imperfect" members could be forgiven for serious spiritual apostasy but that "for those who have tasted the heavenly gift, and been made perfect, there remains no plea or prayer of pardon" (Roberts and Donaldson 6:156).

- http://miketgriffith.com/files/eternalsecurity.htm

[_Brackite]

24 and he, because of his remaining -- to the age, hath the priesthood not transient,

Yes, Hebrews Chapter Seven Verse 24.

Hebrews 7 (NKJV)

24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.


Hebrews 7:24 is used by Evangelical Christians to point out to Mormons that only Jesus Christ holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.

38. Hebrews 7:24-25: "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Comment: This is an extremely important passage to get down. Of course, I would suggest getting the context of the entire discussion of the priesthood in Hebrews down first. Then, get specific with this passage. The "man" is, of course, Jesus Christ. The writer says that because he continueth ever, he has an unchangeable priesthood. Now, first notice that the basis of the priesthood is the fact that "he continueth ever" - He is eternal. How can a Mormon claim this? Next, the word translated "unchangeable" is very important. Since it is used only here in all the Bible, it is hard to be dogmatic about the translation. At the same time, it is clear that the meaning is "intransferrable," (Strong's) and "unchangeable, and therefore not liable to pass to a successor" (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). A. T. Robertson commented "God placed Christ in this priesthood and no one else can step into it," and the Expositor's commentary says "...that the new priest is sole and perpetual occupant of the office, giving place to no successor." Some Mormons would argue this meaning (very few know anything about it at all) and would say that it is referring to the eternal nature of the priesthood more than inviolability. Fine. Then the question must be asked, if Jesus holds this eternal, unchangeable priesthood, why should anyone else? Is not Jesus' work sufficient? That is the whole point of this passage. The very next verse goes on to proclaim the fact that because of Jesus being our one high priest after the order of Melchizedek, He is able to save "to the uttermost" (completely) those who come unto God by Him. Can the Mormon elder claiming to hold the Melchizedek priesthood claim to save people completely, to the uttermost? I certainly hope not. The Mormon claim to the priesthood is based on a complete misunderstanding of what the priesthood did and now does.

- http://vintage.aomin.org/MEMVER.html


And of course, there is an LDS Response to the Evangelical Christian interpretation of Hebrews 7:24.

In Bauer's Greek-English lexicon, we read:

Aparabatos, on (see parabaino; belonging to later Greek [Phryn. 313 Lob];not LXX) Hebrews 7:24 usually interpreted 'without a successor'. But this meaning is found nowhere else. Aparabatos rather has the sense of permanent, unchangeable" [followed by citations].[1]

Thus, it is the priesthood which is unchangeable, rather than being non-transferable. Claims that the priesthood is not transferable are not supported by the Biblical text. Rather, the priesthood is a permanent and necessary part of the Church—any Church claiming it is unnecessary does not meet the Biblical model.

The ten-volume Theological Dictionary of the New Testament agrees, in which the word aparabatos is discussed:

This is a rare word found only in later Greek.... Its usual sense is 'unchangeable,' 'immutable.'"

[after giving examples from secular literature: Plutarch, Josephus, Epictetus, etc]

Hebrews 7.24 says of Christ that because He remains to eternity He has an unchangeable and imperishable priesthood. Instead of the passive 'unchangeable' [743] many expositors suggest the active sense 'which cannot be transferred to another;" 'Christ has a priesthood which cannot be transferred to anyone else' [citing Bengel]. This is a natural interpretation and yields a good sense, but it does not really fit the context. We should keep to the rendering 'unchangeable,' the more so as the active sense is not attested elsewhere." (742-3).[2]

The statement 'yields a good sense' suggests that those who choose that translation are probably doing so for theological reasons, not grammatical or linguistic reasons; and the TDNT author is voting against such a choice.

- https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Ques ... _Church%3F

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 9:1-28

Now the first covenant contained regulations for both worship and the Holy Place upon earth.

A tent was set up, the outer one, which was called the Holy Place were the menorah, the table and the Bread of the Presence were.

Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holiest Place,

containing the golden altar for burning incense and the Ark of the Covenant, plated in gold. Within the Ark were the gold jar containing Aharon’s rod that sprouted and the stone Tablets of the Covenant;

and above it were the cherubim representing God's glory, casting their shadow on the lid of the Ark — but this is not the moment to discuss such detail.

With things so arranged, the priest go into the outer tent all the time to accomplish their tasks;

but only the high priest enters the inner sanctuary --- once a year, and he must always bring blood, which he offers both for himself and for the sins committed in ignorance by the people.

By this arrangement, the Holy Spirit showed that so long as the first Tent stood, the way into the Holiest Place was still closed.

This symbolizes the present age and indicates that the conscience of the person performing the service cannot be brought to the goal by the gifts and sacrifices he offers.

For they involve only food and drink and various ceremonial washings — regulations concerning the outward life, imposed until the time for God to redevelop the entire porcedure.

But when the Messiah appeared as High Priest of the good things that are happening now, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (meaning, not of this created world),

He entered the Holiest Place once and for all.

And hHe entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus setting people free forever.

For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity;

then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself to God as a sacrifice blemish free, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!

It is because of this death that He is mediator of a new covenant [or will].

Because a death has occurred which sets people free from the transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

For where there is a will, there must necessarily be produced evidence of its maker’s death,

since a will goes into effect only upon death; it never has force while its maker lives.

This is why the first covenant too was inaugurated with blood.

After Moses proclaimed every command of the Law to all the people, he took the blood of the calves with some water and used scarlet wool and hyssop to spatter both the scroll itself and all the people.

And he said, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has ordained for you.”

And again, he spattered with the blood both the Tent and all the things used in its ceremonies.

Actually, according to the Law, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Now this is how the representations that the heavenly things had to be purified, but heavenly things themselves require more perfect sacrifices than such.

For the Messiah has entered the Holiest Place which is not man-made and merely representational, but into heaven itself, in order to appear now on our behalf in the very presence of God.

Further, He did not enter heaven to offer Himself over and over again, like the high priest who enters the Holiest Place year after year with blood that is not his own;

for then He would have had to suffer death continually — from the founding of the universe on. But as it is, He appeared once at the end of the ages in order to do away with sin through sacrificing Himself.

Exactly as humans have to die once, but after this judgment comes,

so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 It had, indeed, then (even the first tabernacle) ordinances of service, also a worldly sanctuary,

2 for a tabernacle was prepared, the first, in which was both the lamp-stand, and the table, and the bread of the presence -- which is called `Holy;'

3 and after the second vail a tabernacle that is called `Holy of holies,'

4 having a golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid all round about with gold, in which [is] the golden pot having the manna, and the rod of Aaron that budded, and the tables of the covenant,

5 and over it cherubim of the glory, overshadowing the mercy-seat, concerning which we are not now to speak particularly.

6 And these things having been thus prepared, into the first tabernacle, indeed, at all times the priests do go in, performing the services,

7 and into the second, once in the year, only the chief priest, not apart from blood, which he doth offer for himself and the errors of the people,

8 the Holy Spirit this evidencing that not yet hath been manifested the way of the holy [places], the first tabernacle having yet a standing;

9 which [is] a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving,

10 only in victuals, and drinks, and different baptisms, and fleshly ordinances -- till the time of reformation imposed upon [them].

11 And Christ being come, chief priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands -- that is, not of this creation --

12 neither through blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, did enter in once into the holy places, age-during redemption having obtained;

13 for if the blood of bulls, and goats, and ashes of an heifer, sprinkling those defiled, doth sanctify to the purifying of the flesh,

14 how much more shall the blood of the Christ (who through the age-during Spirit did offer himself unblemished to God) purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 And because of this, of a new covenant he is mediator, that, death having come, for redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, those called may receive the promise of the age-during inheritance,

16 for where a covenant [is], the death of the covenant-victim to come in is necessary,

17 for a covenant over dead victims [is] stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,

18 whence not even the first apart from blood hath been initiated,

19 for every command having been spoken, according to law, by Moses, to all the people, having taken the blood of the calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, he both the book itself and all the people did sprinkle,

20 saying, `This [is] the blood of the covenant that God enjoined unto you,'

21 and both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the service with blood in like manner he did sprinkle,

22 and with blood almost all things are purified according to the law, and apart from blood-shedding forgiveness doth not come.

23 [It is] necessary, therefore, the pattern indeed of the things in the heavens to be purified with these, and the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these;

24 for not into holy places made with hands did the Christ enter -- figures of the true -- but into the heaven itself, now to be manifested in the presence of God for us;

25 nor that he may many times offer himself, even as the chief priest doth enter into the holy places every year with blood of others;

26 since it had behoved him many times to suffer from the foundation of the world, but now once, at the full end of the ages, for putting away of sin through his sacrifice, he hath been manifested;

27 and as it is laid up to men once to die, and after this -- judgment,

28 so also the Christ, once having been offered to bear the sins of many, a second time, apart from a sin-offering, shall appear, to those waiting for him -- to salvation!

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 10:1-39

For the Law contains a shadow of the good things to come, but not the actual realization of the originals. Therefore, it can never, by means of repeated sacrifices endlessly year after year, bring to the goal those who approach the Holy Place to offer them.

Otherwise, wouldn’t the offering of those sacrifices have concluded? For if the people performing the service had been cleansed once and for all, they would no longer have sins on their conscience.

No, it is quite the opposite — in these sacrifices is a reminder of sins, year after year.

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to remove sins.

This is why, on coming into the world, He says, “It has not been your will to have an animal sacrifice and a meal offering; rather, you have prepared for me a body.

No, you have not been pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings.

Then I said, ‘Look! In the scroll of the book what is written concerning Me. I have come to do your will.’”

Firstly, “You neither wanted nor were pleased with animal sacrifices, meal offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings,” things being offered in accordance with the Law;

and then, “See, I have come to do your will”. He removes the first system in order to set up the next.

It is in connection with this will that we have been separated for God and made holy, once and forever, through the offering of Jesus the Messiah’s body.

In our day every priest stands daily doing his service, offering over and over the same sacrifices, which can never remove sins.

But this One, after He had offered for forever a single sacrifice for sins, sat down by the right hand of God,

from then on to wait until His enemies become a footstool under His feet.

For by a single offering He has brought to the goal for eternity those being separated for God and made holy.

And the Holy Spirit too bears witness to us; for after saying,

“ ‘This is the covenant which I will make with them after those days,’ says The Lord: ‘I will put my Law on their hearts, and write it on their minds . . . ,’ ”

He adds, “ ‘And their sins and their wickedness I will forget.’ ”

Now where there is forgiveness for these, an offering for sins is no longer necessary.

Brethren, we (all believers) have confidence to step into the Holiest Place opened by the blood of Jesus.

He inaugurated it for us as a new and living way through the curtain, by means of his flesh.

We also have a Great Priest over God’s household.

So, let's approach the Holiest Place with a sincere heart, with full assurance that comes from trusting — with our hearts spattered clean from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us continue holding fast to the hope we acknowledge, without wavering --- for the One who made the promise is trustworthy.

And let's keep paying attention to one another, in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds,

not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other.

And let us do this all the more as you witness the time coming.

For if we deliberately continue to sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there remains no other sacrifice for sins,

but only the terrifying prospect of Judgment, of raging fire that will consume the enemies.

Someone who disregards the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the word of 2 or 3 witnesses.

Think how much worse will be the punishment deserved by someone who has thrown the Son of God under the bus; who has treated as something common the blood of the covenant which made him holy; and who has rejected the Spirit, giver of God’s grace!

For the One we know is the One who said, “Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay,” and then said, “The Lord will judge his people.”

It is a horrific to fall into the hands of the living God!

But remember the early days, when, after you received the light, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings.

Occasionally you were publicly disgraced and persecuted, while at other times you stood loyally by those who were treated this way.

For you shared the sufferings of those who had been put in prison. Also when your possessions were seized, you accepted it gladly; since you knew that what you possessed was better and would last an eternity.

So don’t toss out that courage of yours, which carries with it such a great reward.

Because you need to hold out; so that, by having done what God wills, you may receive what he has promised. For

“There is so very little time! The One coming will in fact come, He will come in due time.

But the righteous person will live his life through trusting, and if he hides back, I will not be pleased with him.”

However, we are not the kind who hide and are destroyed; quite the contrary, we keep trusting and thus preserve our lives!

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 For the law having a shadow of the coming good things -- not the very image of the matters, every year, by the same sacrifices that they offer continually, is never able to make perfect those coming near,

2 since, would they not have ceased to be offered, because of those serving having no more conscience of sins, having once been purified?

3 but in those [sacrifices] is a remembrance of sins every year,

4 for it is impossible for blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5 Wherefore, coming into the world, he saith, `Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not will, and a body Thou didst prepare for me,

6 in burnt-offerings, and concerning sin-offerings, Thou didst not delight,

7 then I said, Lo, I come, (in a volume of the book it hath been written concerning me,) to do, O God, Thy will;'

8 saying above -- `Sacrifice, and offering, and burnt-offerings, and concerning sin-offering Thou didst not will, nor delight in,' -- which according to the law are offered --

9 then he said, `Lo, I come to do, O God, Thy will;' he doth take away the first that the second he may establish;

10 in the which will we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once,

11 and every priest, indeed, hath stood daily serving, and the same sacrifices many times offering, that are never able to take away sins.

12 And He, for sin one sacrifice having offered -- to the end, did sit down on the right hand of God, --

13 as to the rest, expecting till He may place his enemies [as] his footstool,

14 for by one offering he hath perfected to the end those sanctified;

15 and testify to us also doth the Holy Spirit, for after that He hath said before,

16 `This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, giving My laws on their hearts, and upon their minds I will write them,'

17 and `their sins and their lawlessness I will remember no more;'

18 and where forgiveness of these [is], there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having, therefore, brethren, boldness for the entrance into the holy places, in the blood of Jesus,

20 which way he did initiate for us -- new and living, through the vail, that is, his flesh --

21 and a high priest over the house of God,

22 may we draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having the hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having the body bathed with pure water;

23 may we hold fast the unwavering profession of the hope, (for faithful [is] He who did promise),

24 and may we consider one another to provoke to love and to good works,

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as a custom of certain [is], but exhorting, and so much the more as ye see the day coming nigh.

26 For we -- willfully sinning after the receiving the full knowledge of the truth -- no more for sins doth there remain a sacrifice,

27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery zeal, about to devour the opposers;

28 any one who did set at nought a law of Moses, apart from mercies, by two or three witnesses, doth die,

29 of how much sorer punishment shall he be counted worthy who the Son of God did trample on, and the blood of the covenant did count a common thing, in which he was sanctified, and to the Spirit
of the grace did despite?

30 for we have known Him who is saying, `Vengeance [is] Mine, I will recompense, saith the Lord;' and again, `The Lord shall judge His people;' --

31 fearful [is] the falling into the hands of a living God.

32 And call to your remembrance the former days, in which, having been enlightened, ye did endure much conflict of sufferings,

33 partly both with reproaches and tribulations being made spectacles, and partly having become partners of those so living,

34 for also with my bonds ye sympathised, and the robbery of your goods with joy ye did receive, knowing that ye have in yourselves a better substance in the heavens, and an enduring one.

35 Ye may not cast away, then, your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward,

36 for of patience ye have need, that the will of God having done, ye may receive the promise,

37 for yet a very very little, He who is coming will come, and will not tarry;

38 and `the righteous by faith shall live,' and `if he may draw back, My soul hath no pleasure in him,'

39 and we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of those believing to a preserving of soul.

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 11:1-40

Trusting is being confident of what we are expecting, convinced about things we do not yet observe.

It was for this that Scripture certified the merit of the people in times past.

Through trusting, we understand that the universe was created through a spoken word by God, so that what is seen did not come into being out of pre-existing phenomena.

Through trusting, Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain; because of this, he was certified as righteous, with God giving him this testimony on the ground of his gifts. By having trusted, he still continues to speak, even though he is deceased.

Through trusting, Enoch was raptured from this life without being visited by death — “He was not to be found, because God took him away” — for he has been certified as having been, prior to being raptured, well pleasing to God.

Plus without trusting, it is impossible to be pleasing to God, because whoever approaches Him must trust that He is real and that He becomes a Rewarder to those who search for Him.

By trusting, Noah, after receiving divine warning about things as yet unobserved, was filled with holy regard and constructed an ark to save his household. Through this trusting, he condemned the world and received the righteousness that comes from trusting.

Through trusting, Abraham obeyed, after being called to go out to a place which God would give him as a possession. Actually, he went out without knowing where he was headed.

Through trusting, he actually lived as a temporary resident in the Land of the promise, as if it were not his, staying in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to receive what was promised along with him.

For he foresaw the city with permanent foundations, of which the architect and builder is God.

Through trusting, he received potency to father a child, even when he was past the age for it, as was Sarah herself; because he regarded the One who had made the promise as trustworthy.

Therefore this one man, who was nearly deceased, fathered descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and as countless as the grains of the sand at the beach.

All these people kept on trusting until they passed on, without receiving what had been promised. They had only visualized it and welcomed it from a distance, while acknowledging that they were aliens and temporary citizens of earth.

For people who speak as such make it clear that they are looking for a fatherland.

Now if they were to keep recalling the one they departed from, they would have an opportunity to return;

but as it is, they aspire to go to a better fatherland, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has designed a city for them.

Through trusting, Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered up Isaac as a sacrifice. Yes, he offered up his only son, he who had received the promises,

to whom it had been said, “What is called your ‘seed’ will be in Isaac.”

For Abraham concluded that God could even raise people from the dead! And, figuratively speaking, he did so receive him.

Through trusting, Isaac in his blessings over Jacob and Esau referenced events yet to come.

Through trusting, Jacob, while dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, leaning on his cane as he bowed in prayer.

Through trusting, Joseph, near the end of his life, regarded the Exodus of the people of Israel and gave instructions about what to do with his bones.

Through trusting, the parents of Moses hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they weren’t afraid of the pharoah's decree.

Through trusting, Moses, as an adult, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

He chose being mistreated along with God’s people rather than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

He had come to regard abuse suffered on behalf of the Messiah as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes fixed on the reward.

Through trusting, he left Egypt, not fearing the pharaoh's anger; he persevered as one who observes the invisible.

Through trusting, he obeyed the requirements for Passover, including the smearing of the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

Through trusting, they walked through the Red Sea as through dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the sea swallowed them up.

Through trusting, the walls of Jericho fell down — after the people had marched around them for 7 days.

Through trusting, Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies and therefore did not die along with the disobedient.

What more should I say? There isn’t time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel plus the prophets;

who, through trusting, conquered kingdoms, worked righteousness, received what was promised, shut the mouths of lions,

quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, had their weakness turned to power, grew mighty in battle and chased away foreign armies.

Women received back their resurrected dead ; other people were stretched on the rack and beaten to death, refusing to be ransomed, so that they would gain a better resurrection.

Others underwent the trials of being mocked and whipped, then chained and imprisoned.

They were stoned, sawed in half, murdered by the sword; they went about clothed in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, mistreated,

wandering about in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground! The world was not worthy of them!

All of these had their merit certified through their trusting. Regardless, they were not the recipients of what had been promised,

because God had planned something better that would involve us, so that only with us would they reach the goal.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And faith is of things hoped for a confidence, of matters not seen a conviction,

2 for in this were the elders testified of;

3 by faith we understand the ages to have been prepared by a saying of God, in regard to the things seen not having come out of things appearing;

4 by faith a better sacrifice did Abel offer to God than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and through it, he being dead, doth yet speak.

5 By faith Enoch was translated -- not to see death, and was not found, because God did translate him; for before his translation he had been testified to -- that he had pleased God well,

6 and apart from faith it is impossible to please well, for it behoveth him who is coming to God to believe that He is, and to those seeking Him He becometh a rewarder.

7 By faith Noah, having been divinely warned concerning the things not yet seen, having feared, did prepare an ark to the salvation of his house, through which he did condemn the world, and of the righteousness according to faith he became heir.

8 By faith Abraham, being called, did obey, to go forth to the place that he was about to receive for an inheritance, and he went forth, not knowing whither he doth go;

9 by faith he did sojourn in the land of the promise as a strange country, in tabernacles having dwelt with Isaac and Jacob, fellow-heirs of the same promise,

10 for he was looking for the city having the foundations, whose artificer and constructor [is] God.

11 By faith also Sarah herself did receive power to conceive seed, and she bare after the time of life, seeing she did judge Him faithful who did promise;

12 wherefore, also from one were begotten -- and that of one who had become dead -- as the stars of the heaven in multitude, and as sand that [is] by the sea-shore -- the innumerable.

13 In faith died all these, not having received the promises, but from afar having seen them, and having been persuaded, and having saluted [them], and having confessed that strangers and sojourners they are upon the earth,

14 for those saying such things make manifest that they seek a country;

15 and if, indeed, they had been mindful of that from which they came forth, they might have had an opportunity to return,

16 but now they long for a better, that is, an heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He did prepare for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham hath offered up Isaac, being tried, and the only begotten he did offer up who did receive the promises,

18 of whom it was said -- `In Isaac shall a seed be called to thee;'

19 reckoning that even out of the dead God is able to raise up, whence also in a figure he did receive [him].

20 By faith, concerning coming things, Isaac did bless Jacob and Esau;

21 by faith Jacob dying -- each of the sons of Joseph did bless, and did bow down upon the top of his staff;

22 by faith, Joseph dying, concerning the outgoing of the sons of Israel did make mention, and concerning his bones did give command.

23 By faith Moses, having been born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw the child comely, and were not afraid of the decree of the king;

24 by faith Moses, having become great, did refuse to be called a son of the daughter of Pharaoh,

25 having chosen rather to be afflicted with the people of God, than to have sin's pleasure for a season,

26 greater wealth having reckoned the reproach of the Christ than the treasures in Egypt, for he did look to the recompense of reward;

27 by faith he left Egypt behind, not having been afraid of the wrath of the king, for, as seeing the Invisible One -- he endured;

28 by faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that He who is destroying the first-born might not touch them.

29 By faith they did pass through the Red Sea as through dry land, which the Egyptians having received a trial of, were swallowed up;

30 by faith the walls of Jericho did fall, having been surrounded for seven days;

31 by faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disbelieved, having received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I yet say? for the time will fail me recounting about Gideon, Barak also, and Samson, and Jephthah, David also, and Samuel, and the prophets,

33 who through faith did subdue kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the mouth of the sword, were made powerful out of infirmities, became strong in battle, caused to give way camps of the aliens.

35 Women received by a rising again their dead, and others were tortured, not accepting the redemption, that a better rising again they might receive,

36 and others of mockings and scourgings did receive trial, and yet of bonds and imprisonment;

37 they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tried; in the killing of the sword they died; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins -- being destitute, afflicted, injuriously treated,

38 of whom the world was not worthy; in deserts wandering, and [in] mountains, and [in] caves, and [in] the holes of the earth;

39 and these all, having been testified to through the faith, did not receive the promise,

40 God for us something better having provided, that apart from us they might not be made perfect.

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 12:1-29

So then, as we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every hindrance — the sin which easily hampers our forward movement. And continue running with endurance in the contest set before us,

looking off to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting, Jesus. Who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution upon a tree as a criminal, ignoring the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.

Yes, think about Him who endured such hostility upon Himself from sinners, so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent.

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in the battle against sin.

Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons: “My son, don’t despise the discipline of the Lord nor despondent when He corrects you.

For the Lord disciplines those He loves and whips everyone He accepts as a son.”

Regard your endurance as discipline; God is dealing with you as children. For what son goes undisciplined by his dad?

All legitimate children undergo discipline; so if you don’t, you’re but a bastard and not a son!

Additionally, we had physical fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them; how much more should we submit to our spiritual Father and live!

For they disciplined us only for a short time and only as best they could; however, He disciplines us in a way that provides real benefit to us and allows us to share in His holiness.

Now, all reality, while it occurs, does indeed seem painful, not enjoyable; but for those who have been trained by it, it later produces its peaceful fruit, which is righteousness.

So, strengthen your drooping arms, and steady your tottering knees.

Make a level path for your feet; so that what has been injured will not get wrenched out of joint but rather will heal.

Continue pursuing peace with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

See to it that no one misses out on God’s grace, that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble and thus contaminates many,

and that no one is sexually immoral, or godless like Esau, who exchanged his rights as the firstborn for a single meal.

For you realize that later, when Esau desired to get his father’s blessing, he was rejected. In fact, even though he sought it with tears, his change of heart changed nothing.

For you have not arrived at a physical mountain, to a lighted fire, to darkness, to murk, to a tornado,

to the sound of a trumpet, and to a voice whose words made the hearers plead that no further message be given to them...

They simply couldn’t bear what was being commanded them, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it is to be stoned to death”;

and so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I shiver with dread.”

Quite the contrary, you have come to Mount Zion, that is, the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem; to innumerable angels in festive assembly;

to a community of the firstborn whose names have been recorded in heaven; to a Judge who is God of everyone; to spirits of righteous people who have been brought to the goal;

to the mediator of a new covenant, Jesus; and to the spattered blood that speaks better things than that of Abel.

See that you don’t reject the One speaking! For if those did not escape who rejected Him while He gave divine warning while on earth, think how much less we will escape if we turn away from Him when He warns from heaven.

Even then, His voice shook the earth; but presently, He has made this promise: “One more time I will shake not only the earth, but heaven also!”

And this phrase, “one more time," clarifies that the things shaken are removed, since they are created things, so that the things not shaken may stay.

Therefore, since we have received an unshakeable Kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service pleasing to God, with reverence and regard.

For in fact, “Our God is a consuming fire!”

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us,

2 looking to the author and perfecter of faith -- Jesus, who, over-against the joy set before him -- did endure a cross, shame having despised, on the right hand also of the throne of God did sit down;

3 for consider again him who endured such gainsaying from the sinners to himself, that ye may not be wearied in your souls -- being faint.

4 Not yet unto blood did ye resist -- with the sin striving;

5 and ye have forgotten the exhortation that doth speak fully with you as with sons, `My son, be not despising chastening of the Lord, nor be faint, being reproved by Him,

6 for whom the Lord doth love He doth chasten, and He scourgeth every son whom He receiveth;'

7 if chastening ye endure, as to sons God beareth Himself to you, for who is a son whom a father doth not chasten?

8 and if ye are apart from chastening, of which all have become partakers, then bastards are ye, and not sons.

9 Then, indeed, fathers of our flesh we have had, chastising [us], and we were reverencing [them]; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of the spirits, and live?

10 for they, indeed, for a few days, according to what seemed good to them, were chastening, but He for profit, to be partakers of His separation;

11 and all chastening for the present, indeed, doth not seem to be of joy, but of sorrow, yet afterward the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those exercised through it -- it doth yield.

12 Wherefore, the hanging-down hands and the loosened knees set ye up;

13 and straight paths make for your feet, that that which is lame may not be turned aside, but rather be healed;

14 peace pursue with all, and the separation, apart from which no one shall see the Lord,

15 looking diligently over lest any one be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up may give trouble, and through this many may be defiled;

16 lest any one be a fornicator, or a profane person, as Esau, who in exchange for one morsel of food did sell his birthright,

17 for ye know that also afterwards, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was disapproved of, for a place of reformation he found not, though with tears having sought it.

18 For ye came not near to the mount touched and scorched with fire, and to blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

19 and a sound of a trumpet, and a voice of sayings, which those having heard did entreat that a word might not be added to them,

20 for they were not bearing that which is commanded, `And if a beast may touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or with an arrow shot through,'

21 and, (so terrible was the sight,) Moses said, `I am fearful exceedingly, and trembling.'

22 But, ye came to Mount Zion, and to a city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of messengers,

23 to the company and assembly of the first-born in heaven enrolled, and to God the judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men made perfect,

24 and to a mediator of a new covenant -- Jesus, and to blood of sprinkling, speaking better things than that of Abel!

25 See, may ye not refuse him who is speaking, for if those did not escape who refused him who upon earth was divinely speaking -- much less we who do turn away from him who [speaketh] from heaven,

26 whose voice the earth shook then, and now hath he promised, saying, `Yet once -- I shake not only the earth, but also the heaven;'

27 and this -- `Yet once' -- doth make evident the removal of the things shaken, as of things having been made, that the things not shaken may remain;

28 wherefore, a kingdom that cannot be shaken receiving, may we have grace, through which we may serve God well-pleasingly, with reverence and religious fear;

29 for also our God [is] a consuming fire.

[_Maksutov]

The most interesting about this letter is that it is considered by many scholars to be anonymous.

[_LittleNipper]

Hebrews 13:1-25

Continue loving one another as brothers and sisters.

Do not forget to be hospitable to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without realizing it.

Continue to remember those confined to prison as if you were stuck with them in there, and those being mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Marriage should be respected by everyone, and the marriage bed held in purity, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually depraved.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you possess, because God has said, “Never will I desert you nor will I forsake you.”

So we say confidently,

“The Lord assists me; I will not fear. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Remember those leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the result of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Do not be carried away by various kinds of peculiar teachings. It is good for our hearts to be nourished by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do.

We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering; however, the carcases are burned outside the camp.

And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through His own blood.

Let us, then, go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He carried.

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for that city that is yet to come.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Be confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be enjoyable, not a burden, for that would not benefit you.

Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

I particularly urge you to pray so that I may come back to you soon.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good to perform His will. And may He work in us what is pleases Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory eternially. Amen.

Brethren, I beg you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you rather briefly.

I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy are extending you their greetings.

Grace to you all.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 Let brotherly love remain;

2 of the hospitality be not forgetful, for through this unawares certain did entertain messengers;

3 be mindful of those in bonds, as having been bound with them, of those maltreated, as also yourselves being in the body;

4 honourable [is] the marriage in all, and the bed undefiled, and whoremongers and adulterers God shall judge.

5 Without covetousness the behaviour, being content with the things present, for He hath said, `No, I will not leave, no, nor forsake thee,'

6 so that we do boldly say, `The Lord [is] to me a helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.'

7 Be mindful of those leading you, who did speak to you the word of God, whose faith -- considering the issue of the behaviour -- be imitating,

8 Jesus Christ yesterday and to-day the same, and to the ages;

9 with teachings manifold and strange be not carried about, for [it is] good that by grace the heart be confirmed, not with meats, in which they who were occupied were not profited;

10 we have an altar, of which to eat they have no authority who the tabernacle are serving,

11 for of those beasts whose blood is brought for sin into the holy places through the chief priest -- of these the bodies are burned without the camp.

12 Wherefore, also Jesus -- that he might sanctify through [his] own blood the people -- without the gate did suffer;

13 now, then, may we go forth unto him without the camp, his reproach bearing;

14 for we have not here an abiding city, but the coming one we seek;

15 through him, then, we may offer up a sacrifice of praise always to God, that is, the fruit of lips, giving thanks to His name;

16 and of doing good, and of fellowship, be not forgetful, for with such sacrifices God is well-pleased.

17 Be obedient to those leading you, and be subject, for these do watch for your souls, as about to give account, that with joy they may do this, and not sighing, for this [is] unprofitable to you.

18 Pray for us, for we trust that we have a good conscience, in all things willing to behave well,

19 and more abundantly do I call upon [you] to do this, that more quickly I may be restored to you.

20 And the God of the peace, who did bring up out of the dead the great shepherd of the sheep -- in the blood of an age-during covenant -- our Lord Jesus,

21 make you perfect in every good work to do His will, doing in you that which is well-pleasing before Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom [is] the glory -- to the ages of the ages! Amen.

22 And I entreat you, brethren, suffer the word of the exhortation, for also through few words I have written to you.

23 Know ye that the brother Timotheus is released, with whom, if he may come more shortly, I will see you.

24 Salute all those leading you, and all the saints; salute you doth those from Italy:

25 the grace [is] with you all! Amen.