A Sabbath-Rest for God's People

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

1Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3For we who 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.

4For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God rested the seventh day from all his works. 5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached entered not because of unbelief:

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.

8For if Jesus had given them rest, then he would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10For he that hath entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.) 11Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

God's Word is Living and Active

12For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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. 13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but who was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.