Hebrews 6:11-18

11We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end.

12Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience.

13God made a promise to Abraham. Since he had no one greater on whom to base his oath, he based it on himself.

14He said, “I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants.”

15So Abraham received what God promised because he waited patiently for it.

16When people take oaths, they base their oaths on someone greater than themselves. Their oaths guarantee what they say and end all arguments.

17God wouldn’t change his plan. He wanted to make this perfectly clear to those who would receive his promise, so he took an oath.

18God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given.