By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.

By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave instructions about his burial.

He regarded abuse suffered for Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on the reward.

By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the one who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.

By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace.

And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

For you have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind

and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more.

Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.”

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.

But there is only one who is lawgiver and judge – the one who is able to save and destroy. On the other hand, who are you to judge your neighbor?

You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed – not by perishable things like silver or gold,

For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps.

But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.

I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.

But concerning the one who lacks such things – he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin.

And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation pronounced long ago is not sitting idly by; their destruction is not asleep.