New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 10:11-25 (NRSV)
11 And every priest stands day after day at
his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that
can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for
all time a single sacrifice for sins, "he sat down at the
right hand of God," 13 and since then has been waiting "until
his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet." 14
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who
are sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies 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 in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,"
17 he also adds,
"I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."
18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any
offering for sin. 19 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence
to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and
living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is,
through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over
the house of God, 22 let us approach 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. 23 Let us hold
fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who
has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke
one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.