¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding^(A) and separated from the life of God^(B) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.^(C)

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple^(A) was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split^(B)

A Call to Persevere in Faith

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence^(A) to enter the Most Holy Place^(B) by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way^(C) opened for us through the curtain,^(D) that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest^(E) over the house of God,^(F)

¹³ We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(A) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(B) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(C) is read.^(D) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(E) the veil is taken away.^{(F) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(G) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(H) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](I) the Lord’s glory,^(J) are being transformed into his image^(K) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

The Glory of Zion

⁸ For you were once^(A) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^(B)

³⁰ In the past God overlooked^(A) such ignorance,^(B) but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.^(C)

²⁴ For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one;^(A) he entered heaven itself,^(B) now to appear for us in God’s presence.^(C)