¹⁷ Because God wanted to make the unchanging^(A) nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised,^(B) he confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸ God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,^(C) we who have fled to take hold of the hope^(D) set before us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,^{(E) 20} where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.^(F) He has become a high priest^(G) forever, in the order of Melchizedek.^(H)

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope^(A) we profess,^(B) for he who promised is faithful.^(C)

⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born,^(A) I am!”^(B)

³ For you died,^(A) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed^(A) from the empty way of life^(B) handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood^(C) of Christ, a lamb^(D) without blemish or defect.^(E)

⁹ And they sang a new song, saying:^(A)