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.
13. For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could vow by no one greater, He vowed by Himself,
14. saying, “Surely I will bless you, and surely I will multiply you.”
15. So after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16. For men indeed swear by a greater authority than themselves, and for them an oath of confirmation ends all dispute.
17. So God, wanting to show more abundantly the immutability of His counsel to the heirs of promise, confirmed it by an oath.