1. Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2. of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3. This we will do if God permits.
4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,
5. and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
6. if they fall away, to be renewed once more to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and subject Him to public shame.
7. For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God.
8. But land that bears thorns and thistles is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.