Hebrews 12:25-13:9

New International Reader's Version

²⁵ Be sure that you don’t say no to the one who speaks. People did not escape when they said no to the one who warned them on earth. And what if we turn away from the one who warns us from heaven? How much less will we escape! ²⁶ At that time his voice shook the earth. But now he has promised, “Once more I will shake the earth. I will also shake the heavens.” (Haggai 2:6) ²⁷ The words “once more” point out that what can be shaken can be taken away. I’m talking about created things. Then what can’t be shaken will remain.

²⁸ We are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. Let us worship him with deep respect and wonder. ²⁹ Our “God is like a fire that burns everything up.” (Deuteronomy 4:24)

Final Appeals

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. ² Don’t forget to welcome outsiders. By doing that, some people have welcomed angels without knowing it. ³ Keep on remembering those in prison. Do this as if you were together with them in prison. And remember those who are treated badly as if you yourselves were suffering.

⁴ All of you should honor marriage. You should keep the marriage bed pure. God will judge the person who commits adultery. He will judge everyone who commits sexual sins. ⁵ Don’t be controlled by love for money. Be happy with what you have. God has said,

⁶ So we can say boldly,

⁷ Remember your leaders. They spoke God’s word to you. Think about the results of their way of life. Copy their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

⁹ Don’t let all kinds of strange teachings lead you astray. It is good that God’s grace makes our hearts strong. Don’t try to grow strong by eating foods that the law requires. They have no value for the people who eat them.