King James Version KJV
The Message Bible MSG
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.
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For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God's goal for us, we need to be careful that we're not disqualified.
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.
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We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn't do them a bit of good because they didn't receive the promises with faith.
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.
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If we believe, though, we'll experience that state of resting. But not if we don't have faith. Remember that God said, Exasperated, I vowed, "They'll never get where they're going, never be able to sit down and rest."
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.
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Somewhere it's written, "God rested the seventh day, having completed his work,"
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
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but in this other text he says, "They'll never be able to sit down and 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:
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So this promise has not yet been fulfilled. Those earlier ones never did get to the place of rest because they were disobedient.
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.
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God keeps renewing the promise and setting the date as today, just as he did in David's psalm, centuries later than the original invitation: Today, please listen, don't turn a deaf ear . . .
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
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And so this is still a live promise. It wasn't canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn't keep renewing the appointment for "today."
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
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The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
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God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
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So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience.
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.
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God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey.
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.
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Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it - no matter what. The High Priest Who Cried Out in Pain
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.
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Now that we know what we have - Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers.
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.
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We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the 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.
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So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.