Shadow and reality
1 The Law was a shadow, an imperfect image, of better things to come. So it is never able to perfect those who bring the same sacrifices year after year. 2 Wouldn’t they have stopped making offerings if it could, since they would have stopped sinning? 3 Instead, the need for repeated sacrifices reminds people of their sins, 4 for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to eliminate them. 5 That is why the One who came into the world said:
“Sacrifice and offering were not what you wanted; instead, you prepared a body for me. 6 You have no pleasure in burnt offerings for sins. 7 Then I said, ‘Look! Here I am to do your will, God, as it is written about me in the heading of the book.’”
8 So when he said God didn’t want the prescribed sacrifices and offerings, 9 and then that he came to do God’s will, he was saying he takes away the first in order to establish the second. 10 And we are made holy by means of the offering of Jesus’ body, once for all. 11 Every priest performs the sacred service day after day and offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away our sins. 12 But this One, after making one final sacrifice, is seated at God’s right hand, 13 waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has finally completed the holy ones. 15 This is also affirmed by the Holy Spirit:
16 “This is the contract I will make with them after those days,” says the Master. “I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts, 17 and I will not remember their sins and lawlessness.”
18 Now if these have been acquitted, there is no more need of offerings for sins.
Encouragement to persevere in hope
19 So then, because of the blood of Jesus we can boldly enter the Holy Place, 20 via the new and living path he made so we could go through the curtain— that is, his flesh. 21 And since we have such a great Priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach him with a true heart in confident faith, with our hearts having been sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been bathed in clean water. 23 Let us hold tightly to the hope of our agreement without wavering, because the One who officially instructed us is trustworthy. 24 And let us think of ways to motivate each other toward love and good deeds. 25 Don’t give up meeting together as some have done, but encourage each other— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
26 If we choose to keep sinning after recognizing the truth, there is no sacrifice left for our sins, 27 but only the certain dread of judgment and the insatiable fire that consumes the hostile. 28 If anyone who rebelled against the law of Moses was condemned without pity on the basis of two or three witnesses, 29 how much worse punishment do you think awaits those who trample on the God-Man and treat the blood of the covenant that made them holy as nothing special? This is an outrage to the spirit of favor! 30 For we know the One who said, “‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’, says the Master,” and again, “The Master will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!
32 Think back to the earlier days when you were first enlightened, how you stood strong through all that was happening to you. 33 Sometimes you were put on public display, mocked, and oppressed; other times you suffered along with those who were being treated this way. 34 You sympathized with the imprisoned and accepted the confiscation of your property with joy, knowing you have better property that no one can ever take away. 35 So then, don’t throw away your boldness, which will bring you great reward. 36 You need to endure so that you can do the will of God and be awarded the promise:
37 “In a little while, he who is coming will arrive and not delay. 38 My just one will live by faith, and if they shrink back in fear I will not be happy with them.”
39 But we are not among the cowardly who are destroyed; rather, we can trust that our souls have been purchased.