Letters to the Churches

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised):

And let us consider one another, to provoke unto charity and to good works:

Not forsaking our assembly, as some are accustomed: but comforting one anther, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

For if we sin wilfully after having the knowledge of the truth, there is now left no sacrifice for sins:

But a certain dreadful expectation of judgment, and the rage of a fire which shall consume the adversaries.

A man making void the law of Moses dieth without any mercy under two or three witnesses:

How much more, do you think he deserveth worse punishments, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath esteemed the blood of the testament unclean, by which he was sanctified, and hath offered an affront to the Spirit of grace?

For we know him that hath said: Vengeance belongeth to me, and I will repay. And again: The Lord shall judge his people.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions.

And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort.

For you both had compassion on them that were in bands and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance.

Do not therefore lose your confidence which hath a great reward.

For patience is necessary for you: that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise.

For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come will come and will not delay.

But my just man liveth by faith: but if he withdraw himself, he shall not please my soul.

But we are not the children of withdrawing unto perdition, but of faith to the saving of the soul.

Now, faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that appear not.

For by this the ancients obtained a testimony.

By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God: that from invisible things visible things might be made.

By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts. And by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Henoch was translated that he should not see death: and he was not found because God had translated him. For before his translation he had testimony that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is: and is a rewarder to them that seek him.

By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house: by the which he condemned the world and was instituted heir of the justice which is by faith.

By faith he that is called Abraham obeyed to go out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing whither he went.