February 23, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 4
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 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.
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 twoedged 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.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto 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 an 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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Hebrews chapter 4 invites us to reflect on the “promised rest of God”—a state of spiritual peace and complete redemption that God has promised to His people. The text reminds us that faith grants access to this rest but also contains a warning about unbelief and disobedience. At the same time, Christ is presented as our true High Priest, who empathizes with human weaknesses yet opens the way to the throne of grace, where we can receive mercy and grace.
Commentary
1.The Promised Rest of God (verses 1–11)
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Invitation and Warning (verses 1–3):
The author urges us not to miss out on entering the rest that God has promised. Faith is depicted as the key that grants access to this rest. The phrase “as He says” refers to God’s original creation and the institution of the seventh day as a day of rest.
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Historical Context and Warning against Unbelief (verses 4–7):
Through the creation account and the reminder of the seventh day, we see that God’s rest is an already established concept. It is emphasized that many who first received this promise did not enter that rest—primarily due to their unbelief.
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The Ongoing Nature of Rest (verses 8–11):
It is highlighted that, despite the failure of the first generation, the promise of an ongoing rest still stands. The call to “be diligent” aims to prevent us from following the same pattern of unbelief. In this context, the word of God is portrayed as living and penetrating, capable of judging both spirit and heart.
2.Christ the True High Priest (verses 14–16)
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Introduction to the High Priesthood (verses 14–15):
Christ is introduced as the great High Priest who has experienced all human weaknesses yet remains without sin. This sets Him at the center as the mediator between God and humanity—someone who not only represents us but also comforts us.
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Access to the Throne of Grace (verse 16):
The text closes with an encouraging invitation to come boldly and joyfully before God’s throne of grace. There, we can receive mercy and find grace, especially in times of need.
Summary
Hebrews chapter 4 underscores that God’s rest—a state of spiritual fulfillment and peace—is available to all believers who remain faithful to Him. The text warns against forfeiting this promise through unbelief and calls for diligence in entering that rest. At the same time, Christ is presented as our perfectly empathetic High Priest, who provides steadfast access to God’s grace. Taken together, these verses urge us to grow in our faith and to take responsibility in our relationship with God and with one another.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 6 shows us the path from the awakening of the conscience to the acceptance of divine gifts of grace. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we recognize the destructive power and misery of sin, which separates us from God. This realization arouses in us a deep desire for forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom—yet we cannot obtain these graces through our own efforts, but only through steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, who bestows them upon us as a free gift from God.
Commentary
1.Awakening of the Conscience and Recognition of Sinfulness
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Stirring by the Holy Spirit:
The conscience is awakened by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perceive the malice, power, guilt, and misery of sin.
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Realization of Separation:
We come to understand that sin has separated us from God and that we ourselves are trapped in a state of helplessness and selfishness.
2.God’s Gifts of Grace and Promises
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Free Gift of Grace:
God offers us forgiveness, cleansing, peace, and love as gifts of grace—things that cannot be bought with money or human wisdom (see Isaiah 55:1).
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Biblical Promises:
Promises such as “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) show that God is able to free us from our sinfulness.
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Jesus as an Example:
Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:6) demonstrates that faith in His words and miracles brings immediate deliverance and healing.
3.Faith and Acceptance of the Divine Promise
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Necessity of Faith:
The text calls us to confess our sins and yield ourselves to God. Only through steadfast faith, not through feelings, can we receive God’s promises.
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Daily Surrender:
It is emphasized that we should daily acknowledge our belonging to Christ and live in His Spirit, thus remaining continually in His grace and mercy.
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Condition of Prayer:
Our requests must be in harmony with God’s will, who wants to cleanse us of our failings and make us His children.
4.The Universal Power of Grace
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Unlimited Forgiveness:
No one is so sinful that they cannot be touched by God’s infinite mercy. God wants to fill us with His blessings—strength, righteousness, and purity.
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The Father-Heart of God:
God’s love is so great that He has accepted us even in our weakness. His immeasurable love and mercy express His eternal desire to redeem and renew us.
Summary
Chapter 6, “Faith and Acceptance,” calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and awaken within ourselves a deep longing for divine forgiveness and renewal. It stresses that we cannot achieve sanctification through our own power, but that God’s grace—given freely through Jesus Christ—covers all our shortcomings. By confessing our sins and holding firmly to faith in Jesus’ words and miracles, we become children of God who live in His Spirit and are healed by His mercy. Ultimately, it is unwavering faith and daily surrender that lead us into the fullness of God’s blessings and empower us to live a renewed, holy life.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/23-02-2025-hebrews-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/
