11 We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end.
12 Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience.
13 God made a promise to Abraham. Since he had no one greater on whom to base his oath, he based it on himself.
14 He said, “I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants.”
15 So Abraham received what God promised because he waited patiently for it.
16 When people take oaths, they base their oaths on someone greater than themselves. Their oaths guarantee what they say and end all arguments.
17 God wouldn’t change his plan. He wanted to make this perfectly clear to those who would receive his promise, so he took an oath.