CHAPTER FOUR

OVERVIEW:

Commentary on Hebrews, by John Gill

the punishment inflicted on the unbelieving Hebrews, who died in the wilderness, and entered not into the land of rest made mention of in the preceding chapter, the apostle proceeds to caution the present Hebrews of his time, and who professed faith in Christ, lest any seeing there was rest, and a promise of entering into it, they should seem to come short of it (v. 1), and the rather, since they that fell in the wilderness had the Gospel preached to them as well as they: and the reason why it did not profit was, because it was not received by faith (v. 2), as also seeing it is by faith that believers now enter into rest (v. 3), which rest is not the rest of the seventh day, on which God rested; not the rest of the land of Canaan, which Joshua led the Israelites into; for if he had entered them into rest the apostle means, David, so many hundred years after him, would not have made mention of another rest (v.4, 5, 6, 7, 8), wherefore it follows that there is another rest for the people of God, which he that enters into ceases from his own works, as God did from his (vv.9, 10), and this is the rest that every one that professes faith in Christ, should be solicitous and diligent to enter into, lest he should fall short of it through unbelief; as the unbelieving Israelites did of their rest (v. 11), and the arguments engaging to such a concern are taken from the properties and perfections of Christ, the essential Word of God; particularly from his omnipotence and his omniscience (v. 12, 13).

 And seeing he is by nature the Son of God, and by office a great high-priest that is entered into heaven for his people, the encouragement is great to hold fast the profession of faith in him they have made (vv. 14), and the rather since he is a sympathizing high-priest, as he must needs be, since he has been tempted, afflicted, and has suffered every way as his people, as in all respects like them, expecting that he has no sin (vv. 15), and this consideration should engage believers to come to the throne of grace with all boldness, and in expectation of having grace and mercy bestowed on them for the supply of their daily wants (vv. 16).

Hebrews 4:1‑16

Part Two: The Superiority of Christ’s Work (4:14-10:18)

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 4:1-11

Chapter Four continues the warning of Chapter Three with a focus on the promised “rest” which awaits the faithful Christian. This promised “rest” is actually one of several “rests” found in the Scriptures. It is a “rest” that Moses and Joshua did not provide, which is another reason why the Hebrew Christian should not forsake Jesus and return to Judaism. It is “the rest that remains” for the people of God today!

1.      This “rest” is alluded to:

Þ      Deuteronomy 3:20— “20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.”

Þ      Deuteronomy 12:9&10— “9 For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you. 10 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;”

2.      This “rest” was given as God promised: [ONLY Temporal]

Þ      Joshua 1:13-15— “13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; 15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.”

3.      In this chapter “His rest” [or “My rest”, “God’s rest”] is clearly delineated from that which was provided by Joshua.

Þ      Hebrews 4:8— “8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.”

Þ      Psalm 95:7-8— “ 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:”

Psalm 95 was written long after the death of Joshua and shows that there is another “rest” that God intends for His people.

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

·                    “Let us therefore fear,” - This is not with a “fear” of wrath or damnation nor with a fear of diffidence [hesitant to assert oneself due to the lack of confidence] and distrust of the power, grace, and goodness of God. This “fear” is one of caution or a careful circumspection and watchfulness. Unbelief forfeits rest…this is the “writers” thought…the old life still had an appeal. There is only reverential fear for the Christian; not trusting in God is something to be feared!

·                    “Lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest,” - Not Canaan, but heaven itself our ultimate glory; our rest of the soul in the arms of Christ. Heaven is the place of God’s rest whereby, the possession and enjoyment of the heavenly glory is signified by entering into it.

Þ      Isaiah 66:1&2— “1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

There is also the “rest” under which we now exist; that is, the rest we find ourselves in under the Gospel. This is a freedom from a spirit of bondage to fear, and from the yoke of carnal ordinances (Law) and the enjoyment of Gospel privileges and ordinances. Entering into God’s rest means to be at peace with God...to possess the perfect peace He gives. To “rest” in something or in someone means to maintain our confidence in it or Him. To enter God’s rest means to enjoy the perfect, unshakable, confidence of salvation in our Lord...it also means that we are to lean on the Lord with complete confidence of His finished work. For the remainder of our lives and for all eternity we can lean on the Lord. And let us never forget that as long as the promise is left we must preach and teach the gospel for the opportunity remains for those that are yet to be saved…they may still enter into the confident rest of God.

Þ      Hebrews 4:3— “3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

[katapausiV; katapausis] the Greek word for “rest” means a ceasing from work or any type of action. That is, no more self effort as far as salvation is concerned.

·                    “Any of you should seem to come short of it.” - This is to be understood as the heavenly glory and the sense of this is that true believers shall not come short of that promised glory, although to others they may seem to do so. Therefore, we are to be careful of our lives and conversations in order not to present such a picture. The saints should be concerned so to behave, that they might not seem to fail concerning the doctrine of the grace of God.

Rest is still available! Some were talking themselves out of coming because they thought it to be to late.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

·                    “For unto us was the gospel preached,” - The Gospel is the “good news” and glad tidings of salvation in Christ. This is not a man invented message (law and works) but it is the preached message about Christ and salvation by Him alone. This was being told to the Hebrews so that they might compare the Gospel with the Law. There was now present a spirit of liberty, in opposition to that of a spirit of bondage; based on faith in Christ alone. All peace and comfort is derived from Christ and not from works...there can be no peace within the law...only bondage. NOTE: the “gospel” or the word of God is the method by which one may enter the promised “rest.”

Hearing the gospel is essential, but, not enough. The ancient Hebrews heard but did not believe. They did not trust in, have confidence of, nor rest in the God of their salvation. It is of no benefit to hear if there is not belief. Hearing must be united with faith or there is works without faith.

·                    “As well as unto them:” - Although the Gospel was preached to the Israelites in the wilderness, they were not evangelized by it. “It was preached unto them” shows the antiquity of the Gospel and the same method, is now, and has been, required for salvation to all.

·                    “But the word preached did not profit them,” - That is, the Gospel did not profit them (the word of hearing). There was a necessity for “hearing” the word to have faith in Christ. Yet, to some such a message is unprofitable...it has no effect upon them and is even a message of death unto them. The Word of God is essential for at least two reasons:

1.      Without it we would not even know about the promised “rest.”

2.      Without it we would not know how to receive our promised “rest.”

·                    “Not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].” - This is the very reason why the Gospel message was unprofitable to the Israelites. The Gospel is the food of life but it must be mixed with faith to receive it...faith is the hand that grasps hold of it, tastes it, eats it, and digests it; when this is the case it is profitable and nourishing; but when it is otherwise it is not. Therefore, the Word of God did not profit many in Israel because they did not receive it with faith. As powerful as the Word of God is (Heb. 4:12), its power in our lives is hindered unless we receive and accept it by faith.

Þ      John 8:39— “39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.”

Þ      Romans 2:25, 29— “25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

If we do not hearken to the Lord, and receive and obey His word, the word will become useless to us. There should be a union or conjunction of the saints...the bond of this union is love and is the very thing in which we are to unite, faith...believing in Christ and the doctrines of faith...this will make the word profitable to us and to others who are not of the communion of saints. Without faith, then, the promise of God’s rest will not be experienced by us [if faith is a “gift of God” then those that have not the gift given will never in fact enter God’s “rest”].

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

·                    “For we which have believed do enter into rest,” - (“have believed” pres. tense) Expresses the idea “we are already in the process of entering,” therefore, this is not a future eternal rest but a spiritual rest in Christ under the Gospel...a rest to be enjoyed by believers from the burden of the Law of Moses; from salvation by works...now we have an inward peace of the soul...we are not to experience Christ through mere profession but we are to experience Him in our hearts and enjoy such a rest...this type of rest is that which characterizes the true believer and distinguishes between saints and the unbelieving Israelites. {This is absolute: believe and enter, unbelief and do not enter...belief and nothing else will save us; unbelief with everything else will condemn us.}

·                    “As he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:” - Entrance into “God’s rest” is forbidden to them because of their unbelief...none but believers are to enter into spiritual rest.

Þ      Psalm 95:11— “11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”

Þ      Hebrews 3:11— “11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)”

·                    “Although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” - {these words should be connected with verses 4 & 5} The absolute safety, the fixed and unchanging portion of the chosen people can never be doubted. From the eternal, heavenly, divine point of view, saints can never fail; they are seated in the heavenly places in Christ [Eph. 1:3]. Yet, the world only sees us as we live in our character and daily walk...our desire should be to continue steadfast, to abide in Christ, to walk with God, to bring forth fruit that will manifest the presence of truth and God given life. We must be diligent to grow in Christ-like character and be diligent to “make our calling and election sure.”

Þ      2 Peter 1:5, 10— “5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

·                    “For he spake in a certain place” - He speaks of another rest distinct from that of the seventh day.

Þ      Genesis 2:2— “2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”

There are at least four (4) things that we can learn from this:

1.      God was satisfied with all He Had made.

Þ      Hebrews 4:10— “10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his.”

2.      God set us an example to follow; just as He ceased from His works, so must we.

3.      The primitive sabbath was a pledge of “rest”which we shall enjoy in Christ.

4.      It foreshadows the eternal sabbath, when God shall “rest in His love.”

Þ      Zephaniah 3:17— “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

·                    “Of the seventh [day] on this wise, and God did rest the seventh day from all his works.” - That is, of creation but not providence...God is never in a state of inactivity...God’s providence never ceases preserving, succoring [assistance or help in times of distress] and governing His creatures...God merely ceased from the ordinary works of the preceding six days.

The entire working of God in human history has but one theme: the redemption of the elect through Jesus Christ. The barrier has been removed and we His people have entered into His rest.

5 And in this [place] again, If they shall enter into my rest.

·                    “And in this [place] again,” - God speaks of another rest distinct from that of the seventh day...which is the rest that believers are now under...the Gospel.

Þ      Psalm 95:11— “11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”

·                    “If they shall enter into my rest.” - That is, unbelievers shall not enter therein: as the unbelieving Israelites did not enter into the typical rest of the promised land of Canaan, so neither shall any unbeliever enter into the Gospel rest; the antitype of the former.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

·                    “Seeing therefore it remaineth” - Verse 5 shows that the unbeliever shall not enter into God’s rest; therefore, since God has made a promise that some shall enter His rest, then, it must be the believer. When man lost God’s rest there was already a recovery plan.

Þ      Romans 11:5— “5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

·                    “That some must enter therein,” - If some do not enter than some must enter. The way is narrow and all do not enter therein.

Þ      Matthew 7:13-14— “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

·                    “And they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:” -

Þ      Hebrews 3:19— “19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

The word “preached” (euangelisthentes) means “having heard the good news” namely the Gospel...this shows us that God employed only one instrument in the saving of sinners from the beginning...that is, the preaching of the Gospel [the gospel therefore is a means or instrumentation unto salvation].

Þ      Galatians 3:8— “8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.”

The demand of the Gospel who “hear” it is faith, taking God at His word, receiving with childlike simplicity the “good news” that God has sent through His Son.

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

NOTE: Verses 7-10 are a parenthesis of verse 6

·                    “Again, he limiteth a certain day,” - Since the seventh day of creation was a day of rest which God entered into, and not man; and since the land of Canaan was a typical rest, which the unbelieving Israelites did not enter into, because of unbelief; and yet there must be persons (v. 6), and there must be a time for them to enter into the true rest which God has left a promise of; therefore, God has limited, fixed, and appointed a certain day, the Gospel day, for believers to enter this rest....His rest.

·                    “Saying in David,” - this may also be understood to say “or by David” as was said in Psalm 95.

Þ      Psalms 95:1-11— “1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”

·                    “To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” - Here the apostle draws his argument from Psalm 95:11 to show that the promise has been left (yet fulfilled in the Israelites)...there is another rest...other than the land of Canaan...therefore, the apostle’s argument is that the “rest” that men are invited to enter is another rest...not the rest of Canaan...the rest intended by David {spoken of in Psalm 95; 450 years after the rest of Canaan} is the “rest” given by and through the Gospel.

Þ      Psalm 95:1-11— “1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”

“To day” shows the urgency; it means NOW! Today is the time of grace but it is not to be that way forever. It is foolish and dangerous to harden ones heart!

Þ      2 Corinthians 6:2— “2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

·                    “For if Jesus had given them rest,” - [that is, Joshua...one in the same] Whereas Joshua was a temporal savior and was a type of Christ and although he led the people into a temporal rest, the apostle argues that the O.T. pointed to another yet future rest...a true spiritual rest in Christ. If Joshua’s rest had been the true rest there would have been no need to speak of another rest.

·                    “Then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.” - God means that David (Ps. 95), spoke of another day of rest or the time of the Messiah. The apostle wants the Hebrews to see or to meditate on the nature of that rest which Moses led their fathers to...they must see that it was very far from being a perfect rest...it was only an earthly inheritance. Different by far is the rest of God into which the “Apostle of Christianity” will lead His people. Here then we see the superiority of Christ over Joshua, as the rest into which Christ brings His people excels that into which Joshua led Israel….God’s rest is not a physical rest…it is a spiritual rest that results in a physical rest as a by-product.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

·                    “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” - Notice this says nothing about “all” mankind nor of the Jews only...rather the “people of God.” If the rest spoken of by the apostle was not the “rest of creation” nor the “rest of Canaan” then there must be yet another “rest” that “the people of God” are to look forward to (based on the previous argument).

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his.

·                    “For he that is entered into his rest,” - Here the apostle defines the nature of the excellent rest the believers shall enter into...Yet “he” is none other than Christ...this shows the superiority of Christ over Joshua; Christ, our Apostle, has entered it, and His entrance is the pledge and proof that all of His people shall enter.

Þ      Hebrews 6:20— “ 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

·                    “He also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his.” - Question: From what works has our Savior rested? Answer: Christ had works to do...as preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and obtaining the redemption and salvation of His people: these tasks were given to Him to do and He undertook them and He has finished them. As such, He ceases from them and shall never repeat them anymore; they being done effectually, they have no need of being repeated...so our Lord may rest and take delight that “all” of His work is good.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

·                    “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,” - Once again not eternal rest [salvation is not by “labor” but by grace...works follow as a result of grace and not grace because of works]...What is meant here is that rest that is inherent in the Gospel, that rest that believers now enter into and is at the present time for them (Heb. 4:3, 10) and though true believers are now entered into that rest, yet, that joy, peace in Christ is not full; we enter by degrees and by believing we enjoy it all the more. This is accomplished through the labor of prayer, hearing of the word, attendance to worship and the ordinances which requires strength, diligence and industry which also presupposes difficulties and discouragements.

·                    “Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” - That is, fall into the sin of unbelief as did the Israelites and by sinning their carcasses fell in the wilderness...they entered not into God’s rest as He swore they would not. Although believers may fall into sin they cannot finally and totally fall away because they are kept by the power of God; yet, many may fall short of enjoying the rest and peace of the Gospel state; “external professors” may fall from the Gospel, and the religion they have professed, and come short of the glory they expected; ,and fall into just and deserved punishment...even as the unbelieving Israelites did in the wilderness.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 4:1-11

“The rest that remains” is indeed a wonderful blessing in that it is “God’s rest” and is, therefore, a “heavenly rest.” It is a rest in which one has “ceased from his work as God did from His.” Yet, within these verses we see how disobedience led many Israelites to fall short of their temporal “Canaan” rest although they collectively as the nation of Israel were God’s “elect,” predestined to receive the promises made to Abraham. But, individually they failed to make their “calling and election sure” even though they had the “gospel” preached to them. They did not receive it by faith and so they did not have the fear and diligence necessary to persevere.

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 4:12-13

To stress the need for diligence, we are reminded regarding the Word of God in verses 12 and 13. At a time in which God’s Word is so often neglected, even by some Christians, it never hurts to contemplate the wonder of God’s Word. We should look at these verses as an opportunity to reflect upon what is said with a desire to renew and increase our appreciation of the power of God’s Word.

12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

·                    “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful,” - “word”...that is, Christ, the essential Word of God {the Word of God to the Jews meant the Messiah} therefore, men should be careful not to fall from the Gospel, because Christ, the Author, sum and substance of it, is the living God...only the Word of the living God could be a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

1.      The word “quick” may be better understood to mean “living.” In other words, this is not a dead letter or dead words.

Þ      1 Peter 1:23-25— “23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

2.      The Word’s life is seen in its power to accomplish its intended purpose.

Þ      Isaiah 55:10-11— “10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

3.      The Gospel has the power to save.

Þ      Romans 1:16-17— “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

4.      Through God’s Word we are “Born Again.

Þ      1 Peter 1: 22-23— “22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

5.      God’s Word works effectively in those who believe.

Þ      1 Thessalonians 2:13— “13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

6.      God’s Word can build us up, and give us the inheritance that is ours.

Þ      Acts 20:32— “32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”

7.      God’s Word can make man complete for all good works.

Þ      2 Timothy 3:16-17— “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

With such a “living” and “powerful” word at our disposal, we would be foolish to neglect the blessings it offers, or the warnings it gives!

·                    “And sharper than any twoedged sword,” - By the words of His mouth, by the power of His spirit, and by the efficacy of His grace....Christ’s words cut men to the quick and exposes them for what they truly are.

·                    “Piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,” - Christ separates all things...the apostle’s meaning seems to be that whereas the soul and spirit are invisible and the joints and marrow are covered and hid; so sharp and penetrating is the divine Word, that it reaches the most secret and hidden things of men.

·                    “And [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Christ knows what is in a man...He is the searcher of hearts...all that seems hidden to others is seen by Christ. With its sharpness, the Word is capable of sifting through and revealing the heart of man.

1.      In some cases the heart is sincere and open to change.

Þ      Acts 2:36-37— “36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

2.      In some cases the heart has no desire to change.

Þ      Acts 5:33— “ 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.”

Þ      Acts 7:54— “ 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.”

One cannot read or hear the Word of God without in some way being affected.

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

·                    “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:” - There is no creature not known by Him, all is seen by Him for all creatures are made and upheld by Him (omniscience /omnipresence)...all are under His eye of notice...all injustice done to His people is taken notice of; all false professors are distinguished from true professors. Yet, He knows that which is His for the Word of God (Christ) sits in judgment of every creature.

·                    “But all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him” - Christ as God knows and sees all, (allusion to wrestlers) all is publicly exposed; all is opened as a lamb is exposed upon the altar of sacrifice. There is a judgment day coming in which God will judge the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Þ      Acts 17:30-31— “30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Þ      Romans 2:16— “16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”

Þ      2 Corinthians 5:10— “10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

·                    “With whom we have to do.” -  The saints have Jesus as their way to the Father as their Savior and Redeemer...by the blood of Jesus we have been redeemed, we have been pardoned, we have been justified by the fullness of His grace. We must give an account to Christ for all that we have in this life. The standard by which we will be judged are the words spoken through the Father’s Son. Therefore, if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression was justly punished, then how shall we escape judgment if we neglect the words spoken through God’s Son?

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 4:12-13

The power of God’s Word is derived from God Himself. Thus, the omniscient God is able to see into the hearts of men and therefore His Word is able to cut to the hearts of men and reveal their true nature. God is living and eternal and will one day judge the world by His Word that abides forever and this shall be the standard by which all will be held accountable.

As a result of the power of God Himself and His powerful Word, how dare we neglect the warnings given in it and how dare we neglect to even read and heed not the warnings. Are we the dull of heart that react with indifference, anger, and stupidity? Or is our heart right with God? Revelation 2:10 says, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 4:14-16

The main thought in this passage is that we should “come boldly to the throne of grace.” This is a part of the diligence that the Christian should display in remaining faithful.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.

·                    “Seeing then that we have a great high priest,” - Because of the dignity of Christ’s person, we have a “great” high priest because He is the Son of God, exalted and sitting at the Father’s right hand. Christ has done the greatest part of His priesthood through His sacrifice; however, He continues as our High Priest through His Mediatorial office.

·                    “That is passed into the heavens,” - Christ came down from heaven and offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of His people and having accomplished this has ascended once again...there He continues to make intercession on our behalf fulfilling the character of our High Priest.

·                    “Jesus the Son of God,” - The name “Jesus” signifies Christ’s office as Savior...the later, “Son of God” signifies the dignity of His person. Why is He so great a High Priest? Because He is the Son of God.

·                    “Let us hold fast [our] profession.” - That is, our profession of faith or of the grace and doctrine of faith and of Christ, and our salvation by Him and in Him; He being our very hope!

Christ is our High Priest because He was faithful in His duty in the carrying out of our cause before the Father; He has bore witness to the truth of the Gospel.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

·                    “For we have not an high priest” - Not one that is cruel and unmerciful.

·                    “Which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;” - With bodily infirmities, persecutions from men, and the temptations of Satan...yet, Christ sympathizes with His people because He has personal knowledge and experience with those temptations and afflictions that His people experience...this should be a great comfort to us.

·                    “But was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.” - Although Christ never succumbed to any temptation and never sinned (He had no sin nature), Christ was nevertheless subjected to the full gamut of temptations to evil. This means that Christ was tested and tried but that He never committed a sin or was enticed to evil in His mind: therefore, He understands the power of temptation.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

·                    “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,” - That is, to Christ our great High Priest...it is to Christ that we are to come for cleansing and pardon and for justifying righteousness, for every supply of grace. “Boldly” means with confidence. In other words, we have the right to speak our minds due to our citizenship…we have a freedom to approach God without hesitation or inhibition all made possible by the blood of Jesus.

We are to come “boldly” because of Christ’s relation to the Father.  We can expect to receive mercy, hope to find grace, and help when in need...Christ as our High Priest is our access to the Father. Christ resides on “the throne of grace” as an encouragement and as an expression of His sovereignty in the distribution of grace...this is His sacerdotal act as our High Priest. “Boldly” may also connote “freedom of speech.” We may speak our hearts plainly without mental reservation, fear, or boastful spirit. All which requires a heart that has been sprinkled from an evil conscience, faith in Christ, blood redemption and the imputed righteousness of Christ.

·                    “That we may obtain mercy,” - The end of “coming” to the throne is to obtain mercy.

·                    “And find grace to help in time of need.” - That is, in time of affliction...God has promised His help in time of need...all of God’s help springs from grace...God is the God of all grace which all the fullness of grace dwells in Christ.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 4:14-16

When we are diligent to “come boldly to the throne of grace” we there find a “graceful God” and a “sympathetic High Priest” that acts in mercy, grace, and as a Helper in time of need. The means by which we draw near is through diligent study of the Word of God and prayer.