Study Desk

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.

When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?

For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.

For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.

If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.

But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.