[1] Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest remains, let us fear
lest any of you be judged to have failed to reach it. [2] For good news
came to us just as to them; but the message which they heard did not
benefit them, because it did not meet with faith in the hearers. [3] For we
who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, "As I swore in my wrath,
`They shall never enter my rest,'" although his works were finished from
the foundation of the world. [4] For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh
day in this way, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works."
[5] And again in this place he said, "They shall never enter my rest." [6]
Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly
received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, [7] again
he sets a certain day, "Today," saying through David so long afterward, in
the words already quoted, "Today, when you hear his voice, do not harden
your hearts." [8] For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak
later of another day. [9] So then, there remains a sabbath rest for the
people of God; [10] for whoever enters God's rest also ceases from his
labors as God did from his. [11] Let us therefore strive to enter that
rest, that no one fall by the same sort of disobedience. [12] For the word
of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to
the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the
thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] And before him no creature is
hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have
to do. [14] Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15]
For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet
without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of
grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.