1The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming. It is not the real things themselves. The same sacrifices have to be offered over and over again. They must be offered year after year. That’s why the law can never make perfect those who come near to worship.

2If the law could, wouldn’t the sacrifices have stopped being offered? The worshipers would have been made “clean” once and for all time. They would not have felt guilty for their sins anymore.

3But those offerings remind people of their sins every year.

4It isn’t possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5So when Christ came into the world, he said,

11Day after day every priest stands and does his special duties. He offers the same sacrifices again and again. But they can never take away sins.

12Jesus our priest offered one sacrifice for sins for all time. Then he sat down at the right hand of God.

13And since that time, he waits for his enemies to be put under his control.

14By that one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

15The Holy Spirit also speaks to us about this. First he says,

19Brothers and sisters, we are not afraid to enter the Most Holy Room. We enter boldly because of the blood of Jesus.

20His way is new because he lives. It has been opened for us through the curtain. I’m talking about his body.

21We also have a great priest over the house of God.

22So let us come near to God with a sincere heart. Let us come near boldly because of our faith. Our hearts have been sprinkled. Our minds have been cleansed from a sense of guilt. Our bodies have been washed with pure water.

23Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The God who promised is faithful.

24Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works.

25And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching.

26What if we keep sinning on purpose? What if we do it even after we know the truth? Then there is no offering for our sins.

27All we can do is to wait in fear for God to judge. His blazing fire will burn up his enemies.

28Suppose someone did not obey the law of Moses. And suppose two or three witnesses made charges against them. That person would die without mercy.

29People who deserve even more punishment include those who have hated the Son of God. They include people who have said no to him. They include people who have treated as unholy the blood of the covenant that makes them holy. They also include people who have disrespected the Holy Spirit who brings God’s grace. Don’t you think people like this should be punished more than anyone else?

30We know the God who said, “I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back.” (Deuteronomy 32:35) Scripture also says, “The Lord will judge his people.” (Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 135:14)

31It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32Remember those earlier days after you received the light. You remained strong in a great battle that was full of suffering.

33Sometimes people spoke badly about you in front of others. Sometimes you were treated badly. At other times you stood side by side with people being treated like this.

34You suffered along with people in prison. When your property was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew that God had given you better and more lasting things.

35So don’t throw away your bold faith. It will bring you rich rewards.

36You need to be faithful. Then you will do what God wants. You will receive what he has promised.