Salvation Confirmed

1Because of this, it behooves us to give heed more abundantly to the things we have heard, lest ever we should drift away. 2For if the word having been spoken by angels was unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3how shall we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a commencement declared by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard, 4God bearing witness with them both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles and distributions of the Holy Spirit, according to His will.

Jesus Like His Brothers

5For not to angels did He subject the world that is coming, of which we are speaking, 6but someone somewhere has testified, saying,

“What is man, that You are mindful of him,

or the son of man, that You care for him?

7You made him a little lowera than the angels;

You crowned him with glory and honor;b

8You have put in subjection all things under his feet.c

For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing unsubject to him. But at present not yet do we see all things having been subjected to him. 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, because of the suffering of death, having been crowned with glory and with honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

10For it was fitting to Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, having brought many sons to glory, to make perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11For both the One sanctifying and those being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praises.”d

13And again:

“I will be trusting in Him.”e

And again:

“Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.”f

14Therefore, since the children have partaken of blood and of flesh, He also likewise took part in the same things, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and might set free those who all their time to live were subject to slavery through fear of death.

16For surely He helps not the angels, but He helps the seed of Abraham. 17Therefore it behooved Him to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.