For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in with those who heard it in faith.

For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works,”

Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.

Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

so that we who have found refuge in him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.

Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We have such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

The Holy Spirit is making clear that the way into the holy place had not yet appeared as long as the old tabernacle was standing.

For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow sprinkled on those who are defiled consecrated them and provided ritual purity,

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

(the world was not worthy of them); they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and openings in the earth.

And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you.

Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?

For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.

Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.

For the bodies of those animals whose blood the high priest brings into the sanctuary as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp.

Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ,

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.

You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes.