¹⁵ Therefore he is ^(A)the mediator of a new covenant, so that ^(B)those who are called may ^(C)receive the promised eternal inheritance, ^(D)since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.^{[a] 16} For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. ¹⁷ For ^(E)a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. ¹⁸ Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated ^(F)without blood. ¹⁹ For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took ^(G)the blood of calves and goats, ^(H)with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, ²⁰ saying, ^(I)“This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” ²¹ And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both ^(J)the tent and all the vessels used in worship. ²² Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and ^(K)without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

^28 (A)Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy ^(B)on the evidence of two or three witnesses. ²⁹ How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one ^(C)who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned ^(D)the blood of the covenant ^(E)by which he was sanctified, and has ^(F)outraged the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know him who said, ^(G)“Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, ^(H)“The Lord will judge his people.” ^31 (I)It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

³² But recall the former days when, after ^(J)you were enlightened, you endured ^(K)a hard struggle with sufferings, ³³ sometimes being ^(L)publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. ³⁴ For ^(M)you had compassion on those in prison, and ^(N)you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had ^(O)a better possession and an abiding one. ³⁵ Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has ^(P)a great reward. ³⁶ For ^(Q)you have need of endurance, so that ^(R)when you have done the will of God you may ^(S)receive what is promised. ³⁷ For,

³⁹ But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.