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.
9. But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things for you, things that accompany salvation,
10. for God is not unjust so as to forget your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering.
11. We desire that every one of you show the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end,
12. so that you may not be lazy, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.