1For since the law has but a shadow of the good things
to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the
same sacrifices which are continually offered year after year, make perfect
those who draw near. 2Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered?
If the worshipers had once been cleansed, they would no longer have any
consciousness of sin. 3But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin
year after year. 4For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats
should take away sins. 5Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he
said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast
thou prepared for me; 6in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken
no pleasure. 7Then I said, 'Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,' as it
is written of me in the roll of the book." 8When he said above, "Thou
hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and
burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to
the law), 9then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will." He
abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10And by that will
we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all. 11And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly
the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when Christ had
offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right
hand of God, 13then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for
his feet. 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those
who are sanctified. 15And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for
after saying, 16"This is the covenant that I will make with them after
those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write
them on their minds," 17then he adds, "I will remember their sins
and their misdeeds no more." 18Where there is forgiveness of these,
there is no longer any offering for sin. 19Therefore, brethren, since we
have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new
and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through
his flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let
us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts
sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure
water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for
he who promised is faithful; 24and let us consider how to stir up one another
to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit
of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day
drawing near.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.