The Sabbath Rest
(Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 16:22-36)

1Therefore, of the promise to enter into His rest left remaining, we should fear, lest ever any of you should seem to have fallen short. 2And indeed we are those having had the gospel preached just as they did; but the message of their hearing did not profit them, not having been united with the faith of those having heard. 3For those having believed enter into the rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in my wrath,

‘they shall not enter into My rest.’”a

And yet the works have been finished from the foundation of the world. 4For He has spoken somewhere concerning the seventh day in this way, “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.”b 5And again in this passage. “They shall not enter into My rest.”

6Therefore, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those having received the good news formerly did not enter in because of disobedience, 7again He appoints a certain day as “Today,” saying through David after so long a time, just as it has been said, “Today, if you shall hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”c

8For if Joshua had given rest to them, He would not have spoken after this about another day. 9So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10For the one having entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, as God did from the own. 11Therefore we should be diligent to enter into that rest, so that no one should fall by the same example of disobedience.

God's Word is Living and Active

12For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even as far as the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden before Him, but all things are uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom is our reckoning.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14Therefore having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, we should hold firmly to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. 16Therefore we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.