A study of Hebrews Part IIII

Before we get started, please read the previous article, here; A study of Hebrews part III, and, hey, I wrote  a book.  And, be sure to check out my latest on Locals; The Cherokee Nation's dirty secret

“LET us fear therefore lest the promise of being left entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting.
For unto us also it hath been declared, in like manner as unto them. But the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with the faith of those things they heard. For we, who have believed shall enter into rest; as he said: As I have sworn in my wrath; If they shall enter into my rest; and this indeed when works from the foundation of the world were finished. For in a certain place he spoke of the seventh day thus; And God rested the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again; If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing then it remaineth that some are to enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached, did not enter because of unbelief; Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day if you shall harden not your hears. For if Jesus would have given them rest, he would never have afterwards spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a day of rest for the people of God.
For he that entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his.
Let us hasten to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief.
For the Word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is.
Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God: Let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who can not have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin. Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy, and fine grace in reasonable aid”. (Hebrews 4:1-16).
Okay, so, there is a lot here. But, look always, let's focus on a few key points.
“For in a certain place he spoke of the seventh day thus; And God rested the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again; If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing then it remaineth that some are to enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached, did not enter because of unbelief; Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day if you shall harden not your hears. For if Jesus would have given them rest, he would never have afterwards spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a day of rest for the people of God.
For he that entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his.
Let us hasten to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4:4-6)
So, this is a point I have hammered home for a long time. Some people think Sunday is the Sabbath. No, the Sabbath is still the Sabbath. But, for Christians, our Sabbath is Jesus Christ, and that's in whom we have our rest.
Now, here's where get interesting.
“ For the Word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. (Hebrews 4:12).
Now, some people think that refers to the Bible. Well, given that the phrase “Word of God” can have more than one meaning. That's not wrong. A good comparison is the word “church”. Church can refer to, the building, the international organization, or the local administration, as well as a Sui iuris.
Anyway, but, that's not the immediate content.
“Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God: Let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14)
And remember something important, if you ever feel that God is distant from you (and believe me, sometimes, I do).
“For we have not a high priest who can not have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin. Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy, and fine grace in reasonable aid”. (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Jesus became man, suffered the worst death in history, and yet, never sinned. He knew he was going to die, and do not sin.
So, I think approaching the “throne of grace” is exactly what we should do.

*All verses are from the Douay Rheims version

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, news, and whatever community if you'd like to help him out, go here.