Chapter 4

1Let 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

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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.

In former times the throne of grace was represented by the ark of the covenant. The lid that rested on the ark was called the "mercy seat". It was here that the blood of atonement was sprinkled by the High Priest once a year. The blood upon the seat represented a merciful covering over the sins of the nation of Israel. In those days only the High Priest could approach the "throne of grace" and but once a year. The "throne" was in the placed in the Most Holy area of the Tabernacle and Temple, sectioned off by a thick curtain barring approach. At the time of Jesus' death, the great curtain was ripped in half, symbolizing that the way to the most holy, access to the Almighty God himself in Heaven was now open. With this in mind the author of Hebrews invites us to approach the throne of grace, not in a spirit of fear, but in a spirit of boldness. This is not presumptuous but rather reveals our confidence in what we have been gifted through the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ.