Hebrews 10

₁The Law of Moses is like a shadow of the good things to come. This shadow isn't the good things themselves, because it cannot free people from sin by the sacrifices that are offered year after year. ₂If there were worshippers who already have their sins washed away and their consciences made clear, there would not be any need to go on offering sacrifices. _3-4But the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins. It only reminds people of their sins from one year to the next.

₅When Christ came into the world, he said to God,

₇Then Christ said,

₈The Law teaches that offerings and sacrifices must be made because of sin. But why did Christ mention these things and say that God did not want them? ₉Well, it was to do away with offerings and sacrifices and to replace them. That is what he meant by saying to God, “I have come to do what you want.” ₁₀So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered himself once for all.

₁₁The priests do their work each day, and they keep on offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. ₁₂But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good for ever. Now he is sitting at God's right side, ₁₃and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. ₁₄By his one sacrifice he has for ever set free from sin the people he brings to God.

₁₅The Holy Spirit also speaks of this by telling us that the Lord said,

₁₈When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices.

₁₉My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place ₂₀by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself.

₂₁We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house. ₂₂So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. ₂₃We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. ₂₄We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. ₂₅Some people have got out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.

₂₆No sacrifices can be made for people who decide to sin after they find out about the truth. ₂₇They are God's enemies, and all they can look forward to is a terrible judgment and a furious fire. ₂₈If two or more witnesses accused someone of breaking the Law of Moses, that person could be put to death. ₂₉But it is much worse to dishonour God's Son and to disgrace the blood of the promise that made us holy. And it is just as bad to insult the Holy Spirit, who shows us mercy. ₃₀We know that God has said he will punish and take revenge. We also know that the Scriptures say the Lord will judge his people. ₃₁It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

₃₂Don't forget all the hard times you went through when you first received the light. ₃₃Sometimes you were abused and ill-treated in public, and at other times you shared in the sufferings of others. ₃₄You were kind to people in jail. And you gladly let your possessions be taken away, because you knew you had something better, something that would last for ever.

₃₅Keep on being brave! It will bring you great rewards. ₃₆Learn to be patient, so that you will please God and be given what he has promised. ₃₇As the Scriptures say,