#hebrews 4

[in-gods-service]

[lamp-for-my-feet]

So there is a special rest waiting for the people of God.

Hebrews 4:9

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,   ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,   do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. — Hebrews 4 | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Genesis 2:2; Exodus 20:11; Deuteronomy 1:32; Joshua 11:23; Joshua 22:4; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Job 26:6; Psalm 45:3; Psalm 95:11; Psalm 149:6; Ezekiel 20:38; Matthew 4:1; Matthew 4:3; Luke 22:28; Acts 3:19; Romans 3:3; 2 Corinthians 9:13; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 3:6-7; Hebrews 3:11; Hebrews 3:15; Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 12:15; Hebrews 14:13; 2 Peter 2:6; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 14:13

[walkswithmyfather]

“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12 (AMPC)

“What does Hebrews 4:12 mean?” By Bibleref.com

“This is probably among the most-quoted verses in the Bible, and a highlight of the book of Hebrews.

To this point, chapter 4 has explained why Christians ought to put our best efforts into fulfilling God's will. Israel failed to trust in God at the borders of Canaan (Numbers 13—14), which led to an entire generation wandering the desert, rather than finding their "rest" in the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–17). Just as God rested only when His creative work was done (Hebrews 4:3–4), so too we can only "rest" in our greatest possible heavenly rewards if we "hold fast" our faith to the end (Hebrews 3:6). This means completing the work God has given us to do (Hebrews 3:10-–11). This is not about salvation, which is guaranteed to all who trust in Christ (John 6:39–40). Rather, this is about the heavenly rewards we stand to gain—or lose—on the basis of our trust in and obedience to God (Revelation 2:26–27).

Given the context of this passage, loaded with Old Testament references, this is clearly about the written Scriptures. Specifically, that the ultimate measuring stick for our obedience to God is His Word. Hebrews 3:12 warns Christians to "take care" against having a heart of unbelief. The only way to properly diagnose this condition is with the Bible.

The imagery used here in Hebrews is popular, but easily misunderstood by a modern reader. The Greek word translated "sword" is machairan, often used generically for a "sword" or "dagger" in the New Testament. However, the same word is also used to describe the blade wielded by Peter in Gethsemane (John 18:10). To modern eyes, Peter's weapon was less of a soldier's sword and more of a large fisherman's knife. In fact, a fisherman's machairan was primarily meant for cutting flesh—unlike true military "swords" which were tougher but less razor-sharp.

Whether military "sword" or meat-cutter's "knife," this perspective makes the metaphor of this verse all the more vivid. The "sword" is said to separate the "joints and marrow," probably a reference to tendons, ligaments, and other meaty parts. These are from the Greek words harmōn and myelōn. These tissues are hidden away, hard to reach, and seemingly indistinguishable. A sharp blade, such as a machairan, can uncover and separate these things.

In the same way, the Word of God can even separate spiritual things which seem completely intertwined, such as the soul and spirit. This is not meant to be literal, as the Bible often uses these terms interchangeably. Rather, this is a graphic explanation of how completely God's Word can distinguish between the godly and ungodly. To man, the soul and spirit seem indistinguishable, but the Word of God can—metaphorically—even discern between these. This incredible "cutting" power of Scripture is therefore a tool to separate our very thoughts into good and evil.

The Bible provides everything we need to know the difference between truly selfless, spiritual deeds, and acts which are actually selfish and ungodly (Matthew 7:21–23). Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees describes how outwardly pious behavior itself is not always obedience (Matthew 23). It is possible to read the Word and yet fail to follow God's will, due to rebellion (2 Peter 3:16) or pride (John 5:39–40).

The context of this verse is crucial. Verse 11 warned Christians to strive to obey God, lest we lose our heavenly rewards. Here in verse 12 we are reminded that the Word gives us all the power we need to learn the true will of God (Romans 12:2; Philippians 1:9). Verse 13 will point out that God's judgment is impossible to escape: nobody is beyond His sight (2 Corinthians 5:10). Even so, only in Christ do we find a God who truly understands our failures (Hebrews 4:14–16).

Context Summary

Hebrews 4:1–13 reassures Christians that they have not missed their opportunity to enjoy the ''rest'' promised by God. Chapter 3 warned about the dangers of losing faith and disobeying God. In this passage, the writer points out that psalmists like David, who came long after Moses, encouraged Israel to obtain God's rest ''today.'' Since God's rest on the seventh day of creation came only after His work was done, and Israel only suffered loss when they failed to complete their assigned work, Christians should strive to complete the work given them by God, in order to obtain the greater heavenly rewards. The most potent tool we have in this effort is the razor-sharp Word of God.

Chapter Summary

In Hebrews chapter 4, the author refines the theme of chapter 3. An entire generation of Israel lost out on their inheritance of the Promised Land due to a lack of faith. Here, the author points out that the rest promised by God is still offered, through Christ. The razor-sharp truth of the Word of God will separate what is truly spiritual from what is faithless. We should make every effort to obtain our inheritance in Christ, which is something separate from our eternal salvation. We can also be confident, knowing Jesus can uniquely sympathize with our temptations and sufferings.”

[human-perspective]

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV 

[jesuslovesus]

For the word of God is living and full of power, and is sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through and making a division even of the soul and the spirit, the bones and the muscles, and quick to see the thoughts and purposes of the heart. -  Hebrews 4:12

[godswordnkjv]

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering into His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

2 For indeed the Good News was brought to us as well as to them, but the word which they heard did not profit them, not having been mixed with belief in those who heard it.

3 For we who have believed do enter into that rest, as He has said, “As I swore in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest...” And yet His works have come into being from the foundation of the world.

4 For somewhere He has said thus about the seventh day, “And Elohim rested on the seventh day from all His works,”

5 and in this again, “If they shall enter into My rest...”

6 Since then it remains for some to enter into it, and those who formerly received the Good News did not enter in because of disobedience,a

7 He again defines a certain day, “Today,” saying through Dawiḏ so much later, as it has been said, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Yehoshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that.

9 So there remains a Sabbath-keeping for the people of Elohim.

10 For the one, having entered into His rest, has himself also rested from his works, as Elohim rested from His own.

11 Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.a

12 For the Word of Elohim is living, and working, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through even to the dividing of being and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all are naked and laid bare before the eyes of Him with whom is our account.

14 Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, יהושע the Son of Elohim, let us hold fast our confession.

15 For we do not have a High Priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was tried in all respects as we are, apart from sin.

16 Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of favour, in order to receive compassion, and find favour for timely help. — Hebrews 4 | The Scriptures 1998 (ISR 1998) The Scriptures 1998 Copyright © 1998 Institute for Scripture Research. All Rights reserved.