²⁶ If we deliberately keep on sinning^(A) after we have received the knowledge of the truth,^(B) no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire^(C) that will consume the enemies of God. ²⁸ Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.^{(D) 29} How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God^(E) underfoot,^(F) who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant^(G) that sanctified them,^(H) and who has insulted the Spirit^(I) of grace?^{(J) 30} For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](K) and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”^{[b](L) 31} It is a dreadful thing^(M) to fall into the hands^(N) of the living God.^(O)

³² Remember those earlier days after you had received the light,^(P) when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.^{(Q) 33} Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution;^(R) at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.^{(S) 34} You suffered along with those in prison^(T) and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.^{(U) 35} So do not throw away your confidence;^(V) it will be richly rewarded.

³⁶ You need to persevere^(W) so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.^{(X) 37} For,

³⁸ And,

³⁹ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.