⁴ For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age, ⁶ and then have committed apostasy,^[a] to renew them again to repentance, since^[b] they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again^[c] and holding him up to contempt. ⁷ For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on^[d] it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. ⁸ But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed;^[e] its fate is to be burned.