July 24

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

7 Again, he lineth 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.

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

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

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

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

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any foreloged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the pants and marrow, and is a dishonor of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

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

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.

15 For we have not a 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.

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.

The apostle lays it down as a principle, that "those who believe," and they only, "enter into rest." There is a rest of faith. It is very commonly thought that rest is alone realized in heaven. This is a mistake—there is rest here—sweet, delightful rest. It is realized by faith—by a simple, childlike acceptance of the gracious provisions of the Gospel. In what does it consist—how does it manifest itself? "It is rest from the condemning sentence of violated law—it is rest from the crushing weight of earthly care— it is rest from the fear of death and judgment."

What an encouragement we have in verses 14-16. We may "come boldly to the throne of grace" because of two things—first, God's sympathy; and second, God's perfect knowledge of all our wickedness.

"That we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." We go not to exonerate ourselves, not to plead our righteousness; we go boldly, saying, 'Thou knowest that I am sinful, but Thou sentest Thy Son to atone for sins; I am sick, but Thou hast the medicine for souls that are sick; I am wicked, but Thou art He that delightest to forgive wickedness.' We are to go boldly to God's throne, because He is so full of mercies for our want; so full of goodness for our wickedness; so full of forgiveness for our sins. And God's knowledge of what we are, and all we do, instead of being an argument for fear, is an argument for confidence."—H. W. Beecher.

Closet Promise.—There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.—Heb. iv. 9.

"He leads us on, By paths we do not know; Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow, Though oft we faint and falter by the way, Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day. Yet when the clouds are gone We know He leads us on.

"He leads us on Through all the unquiet years; Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears.

He guides our steps. Through all the tangled maze Of sin, of sorrow, and o'erckaded days, We know His will is done: And still He leads us on. "And He, at last, After the weary strife, After the restless fever we call life, After the dreariness, the aching pain, The many struggles which have proved in youth,— After our toils are past,— Will give us rest at last"