¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the mediator^(A) of a new covenant,^(B) that those who are called^(C) may receive the promised^(D) eternal inheritance^(E)—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.^(F)

¹⁶ In the case of a will,^[a] it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, ¹⁷ because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. ¹⁸ This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.^{(G) 19} When Moses had proclaimed^(H) every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves,^(I) together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.^{(J) 20} He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”^{[b](K) 21} In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. ²² In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood,^(L) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.^(M)

²⁸ Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.^{(A) 29} How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God^(B) underfoot,^(C) who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant^(D) that sanctified them,^(E) and who has insulted the Spirit^(F) of grace?^{(G) 30} For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](H) and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”^{[b](I) 31} It is a dreadful thing^(J) to fall into the hands^(K) of the living God.^(L)

³² Remember those earlier days after you had received the light,^(M) when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.^{(N) 33} Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution;^(O) at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.^{(P) 34} You suffered along with those in prison^(Q) and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.^{(R) 35} So do not throw away your confidence;^(S) it will be richly rewarded.

³⁶ You need to persevere^(T) so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.^{(U) 37} For,

³⁸ And,

³⁹ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.