Hebrews 6

1Let us move beyond basic beginner lessons about Christ! Let us press forward into spiritual maturity. We must stop laying the foundation over and over again. That foundation includes turning away from deeds leading to death.

2It includes faith in God and teachings about washings. It includes laying hands on people, resurrection, and eternal judgment.

3And with God's help, we will move forward!

4Think about those people who deliberately abandon the faith. They once saw and understood the light of truth. They directly tasted the sweet heavenly gift of salvation. They truly shared in the power of the Holy Spirit!

5They tasted the goodness of God's word and future powers. Yet they turned around and completely fell away!

6It is impossible to bring those people back to repentance. Why? They are nailing God's Son to the cross all over again! They are holding Him up to public disgrace and mocking Him!

7Good soil soaks up the frequent rain pouring down on it. It produces a rich harvest for the hardworking farmer. God pours His blessing over land like that!

8Other soil produces only prickly thorns, briars, and weeds. That useless land is under a curse and will burn with fire!

9Dear friends, even though we talk like this, we are sure of better things in your case, things that come with salvation.

10God is not unfair. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you helped His people, and as you keep on helping them.

11We want each of you to keep showing this same effort to the very end, so that you will be sure of your hope.

12We do not want you to become lazy. Instead, be like those who, through faith and patience, receive what God promised.

13When God made His promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself, because there was no one greater to swear by.

14He said: I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.

15And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath settles every argument.

17God wanted to make His unbreakable promise crystal clear to His heirs. He guaranteed His promise with a solemn oath!

18God cannot lie, and His oath can never change. We ran to God for safety, and these truths give us mighty courage!

19We hold this hope as an unbreakable anchor for our souls. This spiritual anchor hooks securely behind the heavenly temple curtain!

20Jesus has already gone inside that sacred place for us. He serves there forever as our high priest, like Melchizedek!