11 Of whom we have many things to say and difficult to declare, seeing ye are hard of hearing. 12 For you should now be teaching others, if we look at the time, yet you need to be taught again which are the first elements of the oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong food. 13 For any one that uses milk is not qualified in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But strong food belongs to those that are perfect, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
1 Therefore, leaving now the word of the beginning of the establishment of the Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from works of death, and of faith in God, 2 of the doctrine of the baptisms, and of the laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will indeed do, if God permits. 4 For it is impossible that those who once received the light and tasted of that heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit 5 and likewise have tasted the good word of God and the virtue of the age to come, 6 and have backslidden, be renewed again by repentance, crucifying again for themselves the Son of God and putting him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it and brings forth herbs in season for those by whom it is dressed receives blessing from God; 8 but that which bears thorns and briers is rejected and is near unto cursing, whose end shall be by fire.
9 But, beloved, we expect better things than these of you, things near unto saving health, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of charity which ye have showed in his name, having helped the saints and helping them. 11 But we desire that each one of you show the same diligence until the end for the fulfillment of your hope, 12 that ye not become slothful, but imitators of those who by faith and patience inherit the promises.