Hebrews 4 Q: Why is verse 3 saying the works were finished from the foundation of the world, but Jesus, when returning to heaven, says, “I go to prepare a place for you,” if it is already prepared? The key to the verse is “FOR YOU.” So, there are already many mansions, but then He says, “FOR YOU.” 1-2 So, since we too have a promise of His rest to look forward to, we are to be cautious, lest we too fall short and not be able to enter (1 Cor. 10:11). Because we too have received the gospel the same way they did, but theirs profited them nothing because they chose unbelief. 3-5 We who have believed do enter that rest (we’ve already entered by faith; only the physical entering is left. Belief is what unlocks the promise of entering the rest), whereas the unbelievers will not enter the rest, even though this rest was ready from the foundation of the earth. God’s rest goes way back to creation. After work, there is rest—God expects us to work the 6 days before we rest on the 7th. Jesus tells us to shine our light (by our good works), showing the world Him through our works. He came to earth to work too, then He received glory. We too will receive glory & enter paradise if we are faithful workers. And the unbelievers will not enter the rest. 6-8 This connects the present to the past. They heard the Word of God and chose to disobey, and in this present time, Canaan is open for us to enter (if we believe). Failure to enter God’s rest connects to disobedience. We too hear the Word and can choose to obey/believe and enter, or disobey and not enter. “TODAY” if we hear His voice, we are not to harden our hearts by choosing unbelief. If Joshua had given them rest (Canaan), Jesus wouldn’t have spoken of another day (Psalms 95:10-11). Therefore, there is a rest to look forward to (heavenly Canaan). 10-11 Just as God rested after the 6 days of creation, we too, by faith, have entered into that rest. We are to strive/be diligent not to fall like they did through unbelief, so that we may enter the rest physically (heavenly Canaan). 12 The previous verse tells us to be diligent lest we be like those of the past, and verse 12 tells us how—by the Word of God. What does it do? It examines us to the deepest parts; it discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13-14 God knows everything; nothing is hidden from Him, and to Him we must give account. But because He is our High Priest, who understands what we go through because He was tempted as we are, He understands our weaknesses, so He intercedes for us. He lived a perfect life for us—our representative. So because of this, we can come boldly before His throne of grace (undeserved favour, favour Jesus got for us), that we may obtain mercy and find grace through the One who sees all our infirmities, in times of need. Application: Believe and obey the Word of God. Trust in His promises, even if circumstances don’t look favorable. Be diligent. Approach His throne of grace boldly because of Jesus, our High Priest. Be a faithful worker of Christ.