CHAPTER 4

1 Let us then fear, lest, when a promise of entering into his rest remains, any of us should seem to be disappointed of it;

2 For to us has the promise been announced as well as to them; but the word heard did not profit them, for it was not connected with faith in those who heard it.

3 For we enter into his rest when we believe; as he has said, “As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest;” though the works were done at the creation of the world;

4 For he has said thus in a certain place of the seventh day, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works:”

5 And here again, “If they shall enter into my rest.”

6 Seeing then it remains that some do enter into it, but they to whom it was first preached did not enter in on account of unbelief.

7 Again he defines a certain day, saying by David, “Today,” after so long a time, (as it is said,) “Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken of another after those days.

9 Then there remains a Sabbath­rest for the people of God;

10 For he who is entered into his rest, has also himself rested from his own works, as God from his.

11 Let us then strive to enter into that rest, lest no one fail according to the same example of unbelief.

12 For living is the word of God and efficacious, and more penetrating than any two­edged sword, reaching even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart:

13 For there is no creature which does not appear before him; nay, all things are naked and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Having then a great high priest, who has entered into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession:

15 For we have not a high priest who cannot sympathize with our infirmities; but was in all things tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace for a seasonable help.