Book of Common Prayer

He continues with the thing that he began in the latter end of chapter 5, and exhorts them not to faint, but to be steadfast and patient, seeing as God is trustworthy and faithful in his promise.

6 Therefore let us leave the questions that belong to the beginning of a Christian life, and let us go on to maturity, and not now again lay the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, ² of baptism, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death, and of eternal judgment. ³ And so will we do, if God permits.

⁴ For it is not possible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted of the good word of God and of the power of the world to come, ⁶ if they fall, to be renewed again to repentance, seeing they have (as concerning themselves) crucified the Son of God afresh, making a mock of him. ⁷ For that earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for those who tend it, receives blessing from God. ⁸ But that ground which bears thorns and briars is reproved, and is near to cursing: whose end is to be burned.

  ⁹ Nevertheless, dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we speak this way. ¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous, that he should forget your work and labour that proceeds of love – which love you have shown in his name, you who have ministered to the saints, and still minister. ¹¹ Yea and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence to secure your hope right to the end: ¹² that you faint not, but follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

⁵¹ And it followed, when the time was come that he should be received up, then he set his face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before him. ⁵² And they went and entered into a city of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. ⁵³ But the Samaritans would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. ⁵⁴ When his disciples James and John saw that, they said, Lord, would you have us call fire down from heaven to consume them, even as Elijah did?

⁵⁵ Jesus turned about and rebuked them, saying, You know not what manner of spirit you are of. The Son of man has not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.

⁵⁶ And they set off for another town. ⁵⁷ And as he walked in the road, a certain man said to him, I will follow you wherever you go. ⁵⁸ Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.

⁵⁹ And he said to another, Follow me. And the man said, Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father. ⁶⁰ Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead; but as for you, go and preach the kingdom of God.

⁶¹ And another said, I will follow you, Lord, but let me first go and bid farewell to the people who are at home at my house. ⁶² Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.