God,
who at sundry
times
and
in divers manners
spake
in time past
unto the fathers
by the prophets,
Hath
in these last days
spoken unto us
by his Son,
whom
he hath appointed heir
of all things,
by whom also
he made
the worlds;
Who being the brightness
of his glory,
and the express image
of his person,
and upholding all things
by the word
of his power,
when he
had by himself
purged
our sins,
sat down
on the right hand
of the Majesty
on high:
Being made
so much better
than the angels,
as he
hath
by inheritance
obtained
a more excellent name
than they.
For unto
which of the angels
said
he at any time,
Thou art my Son,
this day
have
I begotten thee?
And again,
I will be
to him a Father,
and he
shall be to me a Son?
And again,
when
he bringeth in the firstbegotten
into the world,
he saith,
And let all
the angels
of God
worship him.
And of the angels
he saith,
Who maketh his angels spirits,
and his ministers
a flame
of fire.
But unto the Son
he saith,
Thy throne,
O God,
is for ever
and ever:
a sceptre
of righteousness
is the sceptre
of thy kingdom.
Thou hast loved
righteousness,
and hated
iniquity;
therefore God,
even thy God,
hath anointed thee
with the oil
of gladness
above thy fellows.
And,
Thou, Lord,
in the beginning
hast laid
the foundation
of the earth;
and the heavens
are the works
of thine hands:
They shall perish;
but
thou remainest;
and
they all shall wax old
as doth a garment;
And as a vesture
shalt
thou
fold them up,
and
they shall be changed:
but
thou art
the same,
and thy years
shall not fail.
But
to which of the angels
said
he at any time,
Sit
on my right hand,
until I
make
thine enemies thy footstool?
Are
they not all ministering spirits,
sent forth
to minister
for them
who shall be heirs
of salvation?
Therefore we
ought to give
the more earnest
heed
to the things
which we
have heard,
lest at any time
we should let them slip.
For if the word
spoken
by angels
was stedfast,
and every transgression
and disobedience
received
a
just recompence
of reward;
How shall
we escape,
if we
neglect so great salvation;
which at the first began
to be spoken
by the Lord,
and was confirmed
unto us by them
that heard him;
God also bearing them witness,
both with signs
and wonders,
and
with divers miracles,
and gifts
of the Holy Ghost,
according to
his own will?
For unto the angels
hath
he not put in subjection
the world
to come,
whereof we speak.
But
one
in a certain place testified,
saying,
What is man,
that thou art mindful
of him?
or the son
of man
that thou
visitest him?
Thou madest him
a little lower
than the angels;
thou crownedst him
with glory
and honour,
and didst set him
over the works
of thy hands:
Thou hast put all things
in subjection
under his feet.
For in
that
he put all
in subjection
under him,
he left nothing
that is not put under him.
But now
we see not yet all things
put under him.
But we
see Jesus,
who was made
a little lower
than the angels
for the suffering
of death,
crowned with glory
and honour;
that he by the grace
of God
should taste death
for every man.
For it
became him,
for whom
are all things,
and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons
unto glory,
to make the captain
of their salvation perfect
through sufferings.
For both
he that
sanctifieth
and they
who are sanctified
are all of one:
for which
cause
he is not ashamed
to call them brethren,
Saying,
I will declare
thy name
unto my brethren,
in the midst
of the church
will
I sing
praise unto thee.
And again,
I will put
my trust
in him.
And again,
Behold I
and the children which God
hath given me.
Forasmuch
then as the children
are partakers
of flesh
and blood,
he also
himself likewise
took part
of the same;
that through death
he might destroy him
that
had the power
of death,
that is,
the devil;
And deliver them
who
through fear
of death
were all
their lifetime subject to bondage.
For verily
he took not
on him the nature
of angels;
but
he took on him
the seed
of Abraham.
Wherefore in all
things it
behoved him
to be made like
unto his brethren,
that he
might be
a merciful
and faithful high priest
in things
pertaining
to God,
to make reconciliation
for the sins
of the people.
For in
that he himself
hath suffered
being tempted,
he is able
to succour them
that are tempted.
Wherefore,
holy brethren,
partakers
of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle
and High Priest
of our profession,
Christ Jesus;
Who was faithful
to him
that appointed him,
as also Moses
was faithful
in all his house.
For this man
was counted worthy
of more glory
than Moses,
inasmuch as
he who
hath builded the house
hath more honour
than the house.
For every house
is builded
by some man;
but
he that
built all
things is God.
And Moses
verily was faithful
in all his house,
as a servant,
for a testimony
of those things
which were to be spoken after;
But Christ
as a son
over his own house;
whose house
are we,
if we
hold
fast the confidence
and the rejoicing
of the hope firm
unto the end.
Wherefore
(as the Holy Ghost saith,
To day
if ye
will hear
his voice,
Harden not
your hearts,
as in the provocation,
in the day
of temptation
in the wilderness:
When your fathers
tempted me,
proved me,
and saw
my works forty years.
Wherefore
I was grieved
with that generation,
and said,
They
do alway err
in their heart;
and
they have not known
my ways.
So I
sware in my wrath,
They
shall not enter
into my rest.)
Take heed,
brethren,
lest
there be
in any
of you an evil heart
of unbelief,
in departing
from the living God.
But exhort one
another daily,
while it
is called To day;
lest any of you
be hardened
through the deceitfulness
of sin.
For we
are made partakers
of Christ,
if we
hold the beginning
of our confidence
stedfast unto the end;
While it
is said,
To day
if ye
will hear
his voice,
harden not
your hearts,
as in the provocation.
For some,
when
they had heard,
did provoke:
howbeit not all
that came out of Egypt
by Moses.
But
with whom
was
he grieved forty years?
was it
not with them
that had sinned,
whose carcases
fell in the wilderness?
And
to whom
sware
he that
they should not enter
into his rest,
but to them
that believed not?
So we
see that
they could not enter in
because
of unbelief.
Let us
therefore fear,
lest,
a promise
being left us
of entering
into his rest,
any of you
should seem to
come short of it.
For unto us was
the gospel preached,
as well as unto them:
but the word
preached
did not profit them,
not being mixed
with faith
in them that
heard it.
For we
which have believed
do enter
into rest,
as he said,
As I
have sworn
in my wrath,
if they
shall enter
into my rest:
although the works
were finished from the foundation
of the world.
For he
spake in a certain place
of the seventh day
on this wise,
And God
did rest
the seventh day
from all his works.
And
in this place again,
If they
shall enter
into my rest.
Seeing therefore
it remaineth
that some must enter
therein,
and they
to whom it
was first preached
entered not in
because
of unbelief:
Again,
he limiteth
a certain day,
saying in David,
To day,
after so long a time;
as it is said,
To day
if ye
will hear
his voice,
harden not
your hearts.
For if Jesus
had given them rest,
then would
he not afterward have spoken
of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest
to the people
of God.
For he
that is entered
into his rest,
he also hath ceased
from his own works,
as God did from his.
Let us
labour
therefore
to enter
into that rest,
lest any man fall
after the same example
of unbelief.
For the word
of God
is quick,
and powerful,
and sharper
than any twoedged sword,
piercing even
to the dividing asunder
of soul
and spirit,
and
of the joints
and marrow,
and is a discerner
of the thoughts
and intents
of the heart.
Neither is there
any creature
that is not
manifest
in his sight:
but all things
are naked
and opened
unto the eyes
of him with whom
we have to do.
Seeing
then that
we have
a great high priest,
that is passed
into the heavens,
Jesus the Son
of God,
let us
hold
fast our profession.
For we
have not
an high priest
which cannot be touched
with the feeling
of our infirmities;
but was
in all points
tempted like
as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us
therefore come boldly
unto the throne
of grace,
that we
may obtain mercy,
and find
grace to help
in time
of need.
For every high priest
taken from
among men
is ordained
for men
in things
pertaining
to God,
that he
may offer both gifts
and sacrifices
for sins:
Who can have compassion
on the ignorant,
and on them that
are out of the way;
for that he himself
also is compassed
with infirmity.
And
by reason hereof
he ought,
as for the people,
so also for himself,
to offer
for sins.
And no man
taketh this honour
unto himself,
but
he that is called
of God,
as was Aaron.
So also Christ
glorified not
himself
to be made
an high priest;
but
he that
said unto him,
Thou art my Son,
to day
have
I begotten thee.
As he
saith also
in another place,
Thou art a priest
for ever after the order
of Melchisedec.
Who in the days
of his flesh,
when
he had offered
up prayers
and supplications
with strong crying
and tears
unto him that
was able
to save him
from death,
and was heard
in that
he feared;
Though he
were a Son,
yet learned
he obedience
by the things
which he suffered;
And being made perfect,
he became the author
of eternal salvation
unto all
them that
obey him;
Called
of God an high priest
after the order
of Melchisedec.
Of whom
we have many things
to say,
and hard
to be uttered,
seeing
ye are dull
of hearing.
For when
for the time
ye ought to be
teachers,
ye have
need that one
teach you again which
be the first principles
of the oracles
of God;
and are become
such as have
need of milk,
and
not of strong meat.
For every one
that useth
milk
is unskilful
in the word
of righteousness:
for he
is a babe.
But strong meat
belongeth
to them
that are of full age,
even those
who
by reason of use
have their senses
exercised
to discern both good
and evil.
Therefore leaving the principles
of the doctrine
of Christ,
let us
go on
unto perfection;
not laying again the foundation
of repentance
from dead works,
and of faith
toward God,
Of the doctrine
of baptisms,
and
of laying on
of hands,
and
of resurrection
of the dead,
and
of eternal judgment.
And this
will
we do,
if God permit.
For it
is impossible
for those
who were once enlightened,
and have tasted
of the heavenly gift,
and were made partakers
of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted
the good word
of God,
and the powers
of the world
to come,
If they
shall fall away,
to renew them again
unto repentance;
seeing
they
crucify
to themselves the Son
of God afresh,
and put him
to an open shame.
For the earth
which drinketh in the rain
that cometh oft
upon it,
and bringeth forth herbs meet
for them
by whom
it is dressed,
receiveth
blessing
from God:
But that which
beareth thorns
and briers
is rejected,
and is nigh
unto cursing;
whose end
is to be burned.
But,
beloved,
we are persuaded better things
of you,
and things that
accompany salvation,
though we thus speak.
For God
is not unrighteous
to forget your work
and labour
of love,
which ye
have shewed toward
his name,
in that
ye have ministered
to the saints,
and do minister.
And we
desire that every one
of you
do shew
the same diligence
to the full assurance
of hope
unto the end:
That ye
be not slothful,
but followers
of them
who through faith
and patience
inherit the promises.
For when God
made promise
to Abraham,
because
he could swear
by no greater,
he sware by himself,
Saying,
Surely
blessing
I will bless thee,
and multiplying
I will multiply thee.
And so,
after he
had patiently endured,
he obtained
the promise.
For men
verily swear
by the greater:
and
an oath
for confirmation
is to them
an end
of all strife.
Wherein God,
willing
more abundantly
to shew
unto the heirs
of promise
the immutability
of his counsel,
confirmed
it by an oath:
That by two immutable things,
in which it
was impossible
for God to lie,
we might have
a strong consolation,
who have fled
for refuge
to lay hold
upon the hope set
before us:
Which hope
we have
as an anchor
of the soul,
both sure
and stedfast,
and which
entereth
into that
within the veil;
Whither
the forerunner
is for us entered,
even Jesus,
made an high priest
for ever after the order
of Melchisedec.
For this Melchisedec,
king of Salem,
priest of the most high God,
who met
Abraham
returning
from the slaughter
of the kings,
and blessed him;
To whom
also Abraham
gave
a tenth part
of all;
first being
by interpretation King
of righteousness,
and
after that
also King
of Salem,
which is,
King of peace;
Without father,
without mother,
without descent,
having neither beginning
of days,
nor end of life;
but made like
unto the Son
of God;
abideth a priest continually.
Now consider how great
this man was,
unto whom even
the patriarch Abraham
gave
the tenth
of the spoils.
And verily
they
that are of the sons
of Levi,
who receive
the office
of the priesthood,
have
a commandment
to take
tithes of the people
according to the law,
that is,
of their brethren,
though they come
out of the loins
of Abraham:
But
he whose descent
is not counted
from them received
tithes of Abraham,
and blessed him
that had
the promises.
And
without all
contradiction the less
is blessed
of the better.
And here men
that die
receive tithes;
but there
he receiveth them,
of whom
it is witnessed that
he liveth.
And as I
may so say,
Levi also,
who receiveth tithes,
payed tithes in Abraham.
For he
was yet in the loins
of his father,
when Melchisedec
met him.
If therefore perfection
were by the Levitical priesthood,
(for under it
the people
received the law,)
what further need
was there
that another
priest
should rise
after the order
of Melchisedec,
and not be called
after the order
of Aaron?
For the priesthood
being changed,
there is made
of necessity
a change
also of the law.
For he of whom
these things
are spoken
pertaineth to another tribe,
of which no man
gave attendance
at the altar.
For it
is evident
that our Lord
sprang out of Juda;
of which
tribe Moses
spake nothing concerning priesthood.
And it
is yet
far more evident:
for that
after the similitude
of Melchisedec
there ariseth
another priest,
Who is made,
not after the law
of a carnal commandment,
but after the power
of an endless life.
For he testifieth,
Thou art a priest
for ever after the order
of Melchisedec.
For there is verily
a disannulling
of the commandment
going before
for the weakness
and unprofitableness
thereof.
For the law made nothing perfect,
but the bringing in
of a better hope did;
by the which
we draw nigh
unto God.
And
inasmuch as
not without an oath
he was made priest:
(For those priests
were made
without an oath;
but this
with an oath
by him that
said unto him,
The Lord
sware and will not repent,
Thou art a priest
for ever after the order
of Melchisedec:)
By so much
was
Jesus
made
a surety
of a better testament.
And
they truly were
many priests,
because
they were not suffered
to continue
by reason
of death:
But this man,
because
he continueth ever,
hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore
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.
For such
an high priest
became us,
who is holy,
harmless,
undefiled,
separate
from sinners,
and made higher
than the heavens;
Who needeth
not daily,
as those high priests,
to offer
up sacrifice,
first for his own sins,
and
then
for the people's:
for this
he did once,
when he
offered
up himself.
For the law
maketh men high priests
which have infirmity;
but the word
of the oath,
which was
since the law,
maketh the Son,
who is consecrated
for evermore.
Now of the things which
we have spoken this
is the sum:
We have
such an high priest,
who is set
on the right hand
of the throne
of the Majesty
in the heavens;
A minister
of the sanctuary,
and
of the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched,
and not man.
For every high priest
is ordained
to offer gifts
and sacrifices:
wherefore
it is of necessity
that this man
have somewhat also
to offer.
For if
he were on earth,
he should not be
a priest,
seeing
that there are
priests that offer gifts
according to the law:
Who serve
unto the example
and shadow
of heavenly things,
as Moses
was admonished
of God
when he
was about
to make the tabernacle:
for, See,
saith he,
that thou
make all things
according to
the pattern
shewed
to thee
in the mount.
But now hath
he obtained
a more excellent ministry,
by how much also
he is the mediator
of a better covenant,
which was established
upon better promises.
For if
that first covenant
had been faultless,
then should
no place
have been sought
for the second.
For finding
fault with them,
he saith,
Behold,
the days come,
saith the Lord,
when I
will make
a new covenant
with the house
of Israel
and with the house
of Judah:
Not according to
the covenant that
I made
with their fathers
in the day
when I
took them
by the hand
to lead them
out of the land
of Egypt;
because
they continued not
in my covenant,
and
I regarded them not,
saith the Lord.
For this
is the covenant that
I will make
with the house
of Israel
after those days,
saith the Lord;
I will put my laws
into their mind,
and write them
in their hearts:
and I
will be
to them a God,
and they
shall be
to me a people:
And
they shall not teach every man
his neighbour,
and every man
his brother,
saying,
Know the Lord:
for all shall know me,
from the least
to the greatest.
For I
will be merciful
to their unrighteousness,
and their sins
and their iniquities
will
I remember no more.
In that
he saith,
A new covenant,
he hath made
the first old.
Now that which
decayeth and waxeth old
is ready
to vanish away.
Then verily
the first covenant
had also ordinances
of divine service,
and a worldly sanctuary.
For there was
a tabernacle made;
the first,
wherein was
the candlestick,
and the table,
and the shewbread;
which is called
the sanctuary.
And
after the second veil,
the tabernacle which
is called the Holiest
of all;
Which had
the golden censer,
and the ark
of the covenant overlaid round about
with gold,
wherein was
the golden
pot that
had manna,
and Aaron's rod
that budded,
and the tables
of the covenant;
And over it
the cherubims
of glory
shadowing
the mercyseat;
of which
we cannot now speak
particularly.
Now
when these things
were thus ordained,
the priests
went always
into the first tabernacle,
accomplishing the service
of God.
But into the second
went the high priest alone
once every year,
not without blood,
which he
offered
for himself,
and
for the errors
of the people:
The Holy Ghost this signifying,
that the way
into the holiest
of all was not
yet made manifest,
while as the first tabernacle
was yet standing:
Which was a figure
for the time
then present,
in which
were offered both gifts
and sacrifices,
that could not make him
that did
the service perfect,
as pertaining
to the conscience;
Which stood only
in meats
and drinks,
and divers washings,
and carnal ordinances,
imposed on them
until the time
of reformation.
But Christ
being come
an high priest
of good things
to come,
by a greater
and more perfect tabernacle,
not made
with hands,
that is to say,
not of
this building;
Neither by the blood of goats
and calves,
but by his own
blood
he entered in
once into the holy place,
having obtained
eternal redemption
for us.
For if
the blood
of bulls
and of goats,
and the ashes
of an heifer
sprinkling
the unclean,
sanctifieth to the purifying
of the flesh:
How much more
shall the blood
of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself
without spot
to God,
purge your conscience
from dead works
to serve
the living God?
And
for this cause
he is the mediator
of the new testament,
that by means
of death,
for the redemption
of the transgressions
that were under the first testament,
they which
are called
might receive
the promise
of eternal inheritance.
For where
a testament is,
there must also
of necessity
be the death
of the testator.
For a testament
is of force
after men
are dead:
otherwise
it is of no strength
at all
while the testator liveth.
Whereupon
neither
the first testament
was dedicated
without blood.
For when
Moses had spoken every precept
to all the people
according to the law,
he took the blood
of calves
and of goats,
with water,
and scarlet wool,
and hyssop,
and sprinkled
both the book,
and all
the people,
Saying,
This
is
the blood
of the testament which God
hath enjoined
unto you.
Moreover he
sprinkled
with blood both
the tabernacle,
and all
the vessels
of the ministry.
And
almost all things
are
by the law
purged
with blood;
and
without shedding
of blood
is no remission.
It was therefore necessary
that the patterns
of things
in the heavens
should be purified
with these;
but the heavenly things themselves
with better
sacrifices than these.
For Christ
is not entered
into the holy places
made with hands,
which are the figures
of the true;
but into heaven
itself,
now to appear in the presence
of God for us:
Nor yet
that he
should offer himself often,
as the high priest
entereth into the holy place every year
with blood of others;
For then
must
he often have suffered
since the foundation
of the world:
but now once in the end
of the world
hath
he appeared
to put
away
sin
by the sacrifice
of himself.
And as it
is appointed
unto men once
to die,
but after this
the judgment:
So Christ
was once offered
to bear the sins
of many;
and unto them that
look for him
shall
he appear
the second time
without sin
unto salvation.
For the law
having a shadow
of good things
to come,
and
not the very
image
of the things,
can never
with those sacrifices
which they
offered
year by year
continually make the comers
thereunto perfect.
For then
would
they not have ceased
to be offered?
because
that the worshippers once purged
should have had
no more conscience
of sins.
But in those sacrifices
there is
a remembrance
again made
of sins every year.
For it
is not possible
that the blood
of bulls
and of goats
should take away sins.
Wherefore
when
he cometh into the world,
he saith,
Sacrifice
and offering
thou wouldest not,
but a body
hast
thou prepared me:
In burnt offerings
and sacrifices
for sin
thou hast had
no pleasure.
Then said I,
Lo,
I come
(in the volume
of the book
it is written of me,)
to do
thy will,
O God.
Above
when he said,
Sacrifice
and offering
and burnt offerings
and offering
for sin
thou wouldest not,
neither hadst pleasure
therein;
which are offered
by the law;
Then said he,
Lo,
I come to do
thy will,
O God.
He taketh away
the first,
that he
may establish
the second.
By the which
will
we are sanctified
through the offering
of the body
of Jesus Christ
once for all.
And every priest
standeth
daily ministering
and offering oftentimes
the same sacrifices,
which can never take away sins:
But this man,
after he
had offered
one
sacrifice
for sins
for ever,
sat down
on the right hand
of God;
From henceforth expecting till
his enemies
be made
his footstool.
For by one
offering
he hath perfected
for ever
them
that are sanctified.
Whereof
the Holy Ghost
also is a witness to us:
for after that
he had said before,
This is
the covenant that
I will make
with them
after those days,
saith the Lord,
I will put my laws
into their hearts,
and in their minds
will
I write them;
And their sins
and iniquities
will
I remember no more.
Now
where remission of these is,
there is
no more offering
for sin.
Having therefore,
brethren,
boldness
to enter
into the holiest
by the blood
of Jesus,
By a new
and living way,
which he
hath consecrated for us,
through the veil,
that is to say,
his flesh;
And having
an high priest
over the house
of God;
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.
Let us
hold
fast the profession
of our faith
without wavering;
(for he
is faithful
that promised;)
And let us
consider one
another
to provoke
unto love
and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling
of ourselves
together,
as the manner
of some is;
but exhorting one
another:
and so much
the more,
as ye
see the day approaching.
For if we
sin wilfully
after that
we have received
the knowledge
of the truth,
there remaineth
no more
sacrifice
for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for
of judgment
and fiery indignation,
which shall devour
the adversaries.
He that
despised
Moses' law
died
without mercy
under two
or three witnesses:
Of how much
sorer punishment,
suppose ye,
shall
he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden
under foot
the Son
of God,
and hath counted
the blood
of the covenant,
wherewith
he was sanctified,
an unholy thing,
and hath done despite
unto the Spirit
of grace?
For we
know him
that hath said,
Vengeance
belongeth unto me,
I will recompense,
saith the Lord.
And again,
The Lord
shall judge
his people.
It is
a fearful thing
to fall
into the hands
of the living God.
But call
to remembrance
the former days,
in which,
after ye
were illuminated,
ye endured
a great fight
of afflictions;
Partly,
whilst ye
were made
a gazingstock both
by reproaches
and afflictions;
and partly,
whilst ye
became companions
of them that
were so used.
For ye
had compassion of me
in my bonds,
and took joyfully
the spoiling
of your goods,
knowing in yourselves
that ye
have in heaven
a better
and an enduring substance.
Cast not away therefore your confidence,
which hath great recompence
of reward.
For ye
have
need
of patience,
that,
after ye
have done the will
of God,
ye might receive
the promise.
For yet
a little while,
and he
that shall come
will come,
and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live
by faith:
but
if any man draw back,
my soul
shall have no pleasure
in him.
But we
are not
of them
who draw
back unto perdition;
but of them that
believe
to the saving
of the soul.
Now faith
is the substance
of things
hoped for,
the evidence
of things not seen.
For by it
the elders
obtained a good report.
Through faith
we understand
that the worlds
were framed
by the word
of God,
so that
things
which are seen
were not made
of things
which do appear.
By faith
Abel
offered
unto God
a more excellent
sacrifice
than Cain,
by which
he obtained
witness that
he was righteous,
God testifying
of his gifts:
and by it
he being dead
yet speaketh.
By faith Enoch
was translated
that he
should not see death;
and was not found,
because God
had translated him:
for before his translation
he had
this testimony,
that he
pleased God.
But without faith
it is impossible
to please him:
for he
that
cometh to God
must believe that
he is,
and that he
is a rewarder
of them that
diligently seek him.
By faith Noah,
being warned
of God of things
not seen as yet,
moved with fear,
prepared an ark
to the saving
of his house;
by the which
he condemned
the world,
and became heir
of the righteousness
which is by faith.
By faith Abraham,
when
he was called to go out
into a place
which he
should after
receive
for an inheritance,
obeyed;
and he went out,
not knowing whither
he went.
By faith
he sojourned
in the land
of promise,
as in a strange country,
dwelling
in tabernacles
with Isaac
and Jacob,
the heirs
with him
of the same promise:
For he
looked for
a city which
hath foundations,
whose builder
and maker
is God.
Through faith also
Sara herself
received
strength to conceive seed,
and was delivered
of a child
when
she was past age,
because
she judged him faithful
who had promised.
Therefore sprang there
even of one,
and him
as good as dead,
so many
as the stars
of the sky
in multitude,
and
as the sand which
is by the sea shore innumerable.
These all died
in faith,
not having received
the promises,
but
having seen them afar off,
and
were persuaded of them,
and embraced them,
and confessed that
they were strangers
and pilgrims
on the earth.
For they
that
say such things
declare plainly that
they seek
a country.
And truly,
if they
had been mindful
of that country
from whence
they came out,
they might have had
opportunity
to have returned.
But now
they desire
a better country,
that is,
an heavenly:
wherefore God
is not ashamed
to be called their God:
for he
hath prepared
for them a city.
By faith Abraham,
when
he was tried,
offered up Isaac:
and
he that
had received
the promises
offered
up his only begotten son,
Of whom
it was said,
That in Isaac
shall
thy seed
be called:
Accounting that God
was able
to raise him up,
even from the dead;
from whence also
he received him
in a figure.
By faith Isaac
blessed Jacob
and Esau concerning things
to come.
By faith Jacob,
when he
was a dying,
blessed both
the sons
of Joseph;
and worshipped,
leaning
upon the top
of his staff.
By faith Joseph,
when he died,
made mention
of the departing
of the children
of Israel;
and gave
commandment
concerning
his bones.
By faith Moses,
when he
was born,
was hid three months
of his parents,
because
they saw
he was a proper child;
and
they were not afraid
of the king's commandment.
By faith Moses,
when he
was come
to years,
refused
to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather
to suffer affliction
with the people
of God,
than
to enjoy the pleasures
of sin
for a season;
Esteeming the reproach
of Christ greater riches
than the treasures
in Egypt:
for he
had respect
unto the recompence
of the reward.
By faith
he forsook Egypt,
not fearing the wrath
of the king:
for he endured,
as seeing him
who is invisible.
Through faith
he kept
the passover,
and the sprinkling
of blood,
lest
he that
destroyed
the firstborn
should touch them.
By faith
they passed
through the Red sea
as by dry land:
which the Egyptians
assaying to do
were drowned.
By faith the walls
of Jericho fell down,
after they
were compassed
about seven days.
By faith
the harlot Rahab
perished not
with them that
believed not,
when
she had received
the spies
with peace.
And
what shall
I more say?
for the time
would fail me
to tell
of Gedeon,
and of Barak,
and of Samson,
and of Jephthae;
of David also,
and Samuel,
and
of the prophets:
Who through faith
subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness,
obtained promises,
stopped
the mouths
of lions.
Quenched
the violence
of fire,
escaped
the edge
of the sword,
out of weakness were made strong,
waxed valiant
in fight,
turned
to flight
the armies
of the aliens.
Women
received
their dead raised
to life again:
and others
were tortured,
not accepting deliverance;
that they
might obtain
a better resurrection:
And others
had trial
of cruel mockings
and scourgings,
yea,
moreover of bonds
and imprisonment:
They were stoned,
they were sawn asunder,
were tempted,
were slain
with the sword:
they wandered about
in sheepskins
and goatskins;
being destitute,
afflicted,
tormented;
(Of whom
the world
was not worthy:)
they wandered
in deserts,
and in mountains,
and
in dens and caves
of the earth.
And these all,
having obtained
a good report
through faith,
received not
the promise:
God having provided
some better thing
for us,
that
they without us should not be made
perfect.
Wherefore seeing
we also are compassed about
with so great
a cloud
of witnesses,
let us
lay aside every weight,
and the sin which
doth so easily beset us,
and let us
run
with patience
the race
that is set
before us,
Looking unto Jesus
the author
and finisher
of our faith;
who for the joy
that was set
before him
endured the cross,
despising
the shame,
and is set down
at the right hand
of the throne
of God.
For consider him that
endured
such contradiction
of sinners
against himself,
lest
ye be wearied
and faint
in your minds.
Ye have not yet resisted
unto blood,
striving against sin.
And
ye have forgotten
the exhortation
which speaketh unto you as
unto children,
My son,
despise not
thou the chastening
of the Lord,
nor faint
when
thou art
rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord
loveth
he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom
he receiveth.
If ye
endure chastening,
God dealeth with you as
with sons;
for what son
is
he whom
the father
chasteneth not?
But
if ye
be
without chastisement,
whereof all are
partakers,
then are
ye bastards,
and not sons.
Furthermore
we have had
fathers
of our flesh which
corrected us,
and
we gave them reverence:
shall
we not much rather
be in subjection
unto the Father
of spirits,
and live?
For they
verily for a
few days
chastened us
after their own pleasure;
but
he for our profit,
that we
might be partakers
of his holiness.
Now no
chastening
for the present
seemeth
to be joyous,
but grievous:
nevertheless afterward
it yieldeth
the peaceable fruit
of righteousness
unto them which
are exercised
thereby.
Wherefore lift
up the hands
which hang down,
and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths
for your feet,
lest
that which
is lame
be turned
out of the way;
but let it
rather be healed.
Follow peace
with all men,
and holiness,
without which no man
shall see
the Lord:
Looking diligently
lest any man
fail of the grace
of God;
lest any root
of bitterness
springing
up trouble you,
and thereby many
be defiled;
Lest
there be
any fornicator,
or profane person,
as Esau,
who for one morsel
of meat
sold his birthright.
For ye
know how
that afterward,
when
he would have inherited
the blessing,
he was rejected:
for he
found
no place
of repentance,
though he
sought it
carefully with tears.
For ye are not come
unto the mount
that might be touched,
and that
burned
with fire,
nor
unto blackness,
and darkness,
and tempest,
And the sound
of a trumpet,
and the voice
of words;
which voice
they
that heard
intreated
that the word
should not be spoken
to them any more:
(For they
could not endure
that which
was commanded,
And
if so much as
a beast
touch the mountain,
it shall be stoned,
or thrust through
with a dart:
And so terrible
was the sight,
that Moses said,
I exceedingly fear
and quake:)
But ye
are come
unto mount Sion,
and unto the city
of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem,
and
to an innumerable company
of angels,
To the general assembly
and church
of the firstborn,
which are written
in heaven,
and
to God the Judge
of all,
and
to the spirits
of just men
made perfect,
And
to Jesus
the mediator
of the new covenant,
and to the blood
of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things
that that
of Abel.
See that ye
refuse not him
that speaketh.
For if
they escaped not
who refused him
that
spake on earth,
much more
shall not
we escape,
if we
turn away
from him that
speaketh from heaven:
Whose voice
then shook the earth:
but now
he hath promised,
saying,
Yet once more
I shake not
the earth only,
but also heaven.
And this word,
Yet once more,
signifieth
the removing
of those things
that are shaken,
as of things
that are made,
that those things
which cannot be shaken
may remain.
Wherefore
we receiving
a kingdom which
cannot be moved,
let us
have grace,
whereby
we may serve God
acceptably with reverence
and godly fear:
For our God
is
a consuming fire.
Be not forgetful
to entertain strangers:
for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares.
Remember them that
are in bonds,
as bound with them;
and them which
suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also
in the body.
Marriage is honourable
in all,
and the bed undefiled:
but whoremongers
and adulterers God
will judge.
Let your conversation
be without covetousness;
and be content
with such things
as ye have:
for he
hath said,
I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee.
So that
we may boldly say,
The Lord
is my helper,
and
I will not fear
what man
shall do unto me.
Remember them which
have the rule
over you,
who have spoken
unto you
the word of God:
whose faith follow,
considering the end
of their conversation.
Jesus Christ
the same yesterday,
and to day,
and for ever.
Be not carried about
with divers
and strange doctrines.
For it
is a good thing
that the heart
be established
with grace;
not with meats,
which have not profited them
that have been occupied
therein.
We have an altar,
whereof
they
have
no right
to eat which
serve the tabernacle.
For the bodies
of those beasts,
whose blood
is brought
into the sanctuary
by the high priest
for sin,
are burned
without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also,
that he
might sanctify
the people
with his own blood,
suffered
without the gate.
Let us
go forth therefore unto him
without the camp,
bearing his reproach.
For here
have
we no
continuing city,
but
we seek one
to come.
By him therefore let us offer
the sacrifice
of praise
to God continually,
that is,
the fruit
of our lips
giving
thanks
to his name.
But
to do good and
to communicate
forget not:
for with such sacrifices God
is well pleased.
Obey them that
have the rule
over you,
and submit yourselves:
for they watch
for your souls,
as they
that must give
account,
that they
may do it
with joy,
and not with grief:
for that is unprofitable
for you.
Pray for us:
for we
trust
we have
a good conscience,
in all
things willing
to live honestly.
But I
beseech
you the rather
to do this,
that I
may be restored
to you the sooner.
Now the God
of peace,
that brought again
from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd
of the sheep,
through the blood
of the everlasting covenant,
Make you
perfect in every good work
to do his will,
working in you
that which
is wellpleasing
in his sight,
through Jesus Christ;
to whom
be glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
And
I beseech you,
brethren,
suffer the word
of exhortation:
for I
have written a letter
unto you
in few words.
Know
ye that
our brother Timothy
is set
at liberty;
with whom,
if he come shortly,
I will see you.
Salute all
them that
have the rule
over you,
and all
the saints.
They of Italy
salute you.
Grace be
with you all.
Amen.