⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted ^(A)the heavenly gift, and ^(B)have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,

The Just Live by Faith

²⁶ For ^(A)if we sin willfully ^(B)after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there ^(C)no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and ^(D)fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. ²⁸ Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three ^(E)witnesses. ^29 (F)Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, ^(G)counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, ^(H)and insulted the Spirit of grace?

²⁰ For if, after they ^(A)have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are ^(B)again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. ²¹ For ^(C)it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. ²² But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ^(D)“A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Believers Are Salt and Light^(A)

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; ^(B)but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, ^(A)he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

An Unclean Spirit Returns^(A)

^24 (B)“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ ²⁵ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. ²⁶ Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and ^(C)the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

⁴⁵ Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; ^(A)and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

³² But ^(A)recall the former days in which, after you were ^[a]illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:

I Never Knew You^(A)

²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ^(B)‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who ^(C)does the will of My Father in heaven. ²² Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we ^(D)not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’