²⁶ For ^(A)if we go on sinning deliberately ^(B)after receiving the knowledge of the truth, ^(C)there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

²⁰ For if, ^(A)after they have escaped the defilements of the world ^(B)through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, ^(C)the last state has become worse for them than the first. ²¹ For ^(D)it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from ^(E)the holy commandment delivered to them. ²² What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The ^(F)dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

⁴ For it is impossible, in the case of those ^(A)who have once been enlightened, who have tasted ^(B)the heavenly gift, and ^(C)have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and ^(D)have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ and ^(E)then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since ^(F)they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

⁴¹ Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, ^(A)you would have no guilt;^[a] but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

^47 (A)And that servant who ^(B)knew his master's will but ^(C)did not get ready ^(D)or act according to his will, will receive a ^(E)severe beating.

^17 (A)So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

⁴³ “When ^(A)the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through ^(B)waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. ⁴⁴ Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and ^(C)the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this ^(D)evil generation.”

^31 (A)Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but ^(B)the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² And whoever speaks a word ^(C)against the Son of Man ^(D)will be forgiven, but ^(E)whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in ^(F)this age or in the age to come.

¹⁶ If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and ^(A)God^[a] will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. ^(B)There is sin that leads to death; ^(C)I do not say that one should pray for that.