AUV(i)
25 We should not neglect our assembling together [as a church], as some people are in the habit of doing, but we should encourage one another [spiritually], and [do it] all the more [diligently] as you see the day [of judgment] coming closer.
26 For if we go on sinning intentionally, after we have received the full knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for [our] sins.
27 Instead, [there will be] a fearful expectation of [coming] judgment and of [God’s] raging fire which will consume His enemies.
28 The person who has disregarded the law of Moses is put to death without being shown mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 How much more severely do you think a person deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God and has regarded the blood of the [New] Agreement, with which he was set apart for God, an unholy thing and has insulted the Holy Spirit, through whom God’s unearned favor is shown?
30 For we know God, who said [Deut. 32:35], “Revenge belongs to me; I will pay back [for wrongdoing].” And again [Deut. 32:36], “The Lord will judge His people.”
31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But remember the earlier days when, after you were enlightened [to the truth], you endured a difficult struggle by having to suffer [much].
33 Sometimes you were subjected to public ridicule and abuse, and at other times you shared [vicariously] with those people who were treated that way.
34 For you showed sympathy for those who were in prison and accepted it joyfully when your [own] possessions were taken away, [because] you knew that you yourselves had a better and more permanent possession [in heaven].
35 [So], do not throw away your confidence, because it pays a rich reward.
36 For you need to be steadfast so that, after you have done what God wants, you will receive the promise [of an inheritance. See 9:15].
37 [Hab. 2:3-4 LXX says], “For [it will be] only a short time [before] He [i.e., Christ], who is coming, will be here without delay.