1. Therefore we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God,
2. teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3. And this is what we intend to do, if God permits.
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, to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again and holding him up to contempt.
7. For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on 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; its fate is to be burned.
9. But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation.