1 God's promise of enjoying his rest still stands. So be careful that none of you fails to receive it.
2 The good news was preached to our people long ago. It has also been preached to us. The message they heard didn't have any value for them. They didn't combine it with faith.
3 Now we who have believed enjoy that rest. God said, "When I was angry I took an oath. I said, 'They will never enjoy the rest I planned for them.' " (Psalm 95:11) Ever since God created the world, his work has been finished.
4 Somewhere he spoke about the seventh day. He said, "On the seventh day God rested from all his work." (Genesis 2:2)
5 In the part of Scripture I talked about earlier God said, "They will never enjoy the rest I planned for them." (Psalm 95:11)
6 It is still true that some will enjoy that rest. But those who had the good news preached to them earlier didn't go in. That was because they didn't obey.
7 So God again chose a certain day. He named it Today. He did that when he spoke through David a long time later. As it was said earlier, "Listen to his voice today. If you hear it, don't be stubborn." (Psalm 95:7,8)
8 Suppose Joshua had given them rest. If he had, God would not have spoken later about another day.
9 So there is still a Sabbath rest for God's people.
10 God rested from his work. Those who enjoy God's rest also rest from their work.
11 So let us make every effort to enjoy that rest. Then no one will fall into sin by following the example of those who didn't obey God.
12 The word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate joints from bones. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart.
13 Nothing God created is hidden from him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us accountable for everything we do.
14 We have a great high priest. He has gone up into the heavens. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us hold firmly to what we say we believe.
15 We have a high priest who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin.