CHAPTER 4
Therefore,
while the promise
of entering
His
rest
still stands,
let us be careful
that none
of
you
be deemed
to have fallen short of it.
For
we
also
received the good news,
just as
they did;
but
the
message
they heard
was of no value
to them,
since they did not share
the
faith
of those who
comprehended it.
Now
we who
have believed
enter
that
rest.
As for the others, it is just as
God has said:
“So
I swore on oath
in
my
anger,
‘They shall never enter
My
rest.’”
And yet
His
works
have been finished
since
the foundation
of the world.
For
somewhere
He has spoken
about
the
seventh day
in this manner:
“And
on
the
seventh
day
God
rested
from
all
His
works.”
Since,
then,
it remains for
some
to enter
His rest,
and since
those who
formerly
heard the good news
did not enter
because of
their disobedience,
God again designated
a certain
day as
“Today,”
when a long
time
later
He spoke
through
David
as
was just stated:
“Today,
if
you hear
His
voice,
do not
harden
your
hearts.”
Let us, therefore, make every effort
to enter
that
rest,
so that
no
one
will fall
by following
the
same
pattern
of disobedience.
For
the
word
of God
is living
and
active.
Sharper
than
any
double-edged
sword,
it pierces
even
to
dividing
soul
and
spirit,
joints
and
marrow.
It judges
the thoughts
and
intentions
of the heart.
Nothing
in all creation
is
hidden
from God’s sight;
everything
is uncovered
and
exposed
before the
eyes
of Him
to
whom
we must give
account.
Therefore,
since we have
such a great
high priest
who has passed through
the
heavens,
Jesus
the
Son
of God,
let us hold firmly to
what
we profess.
For
we do not have
a high priest
who is unable
to sympathize
with
our
weaknesses,
but we have
one who was tempted
in
every way
that
we are,
yet was without
sin.
Let us then approach
the
throne
of grace
with
confidence,
so that
we may receive
mercy
and
find
grace
to
help us
in our time of need.