Hebrews 4

In chapter 4 of Hebrews, the writer encourages us to stay faithful so that we can enter God's rest. He reminded his readers about Joshua, and how even though they entered the promised land, they did not find the Sabbath rest because of their unfaithfulness, yet there is a promised rest for those who believe in Jesus Christ. He repeated that TODAY - is an appointed day - Today is the day to enter into God's rest. The writer tells us that God's word is living, effective, sharp, and penetrates "to the heart of any matter," (George H. Guthrie). All people are naked and exposed before God, and we all must give an account of our lives. That is why we have a high priest, Jesus, our mediator before God. Since He was fully human, He was tested in every way, yet without sin. He can sympathize with us, and because of that, if we believe in Him, we can "approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time" (4:16)!