Having established a remaining rest (indicating eternity in the presence of God), here the Hebrew writer encourages his readers to act in a way that secures that rest.
Notice the way (diligence) is regarding obedience to God’s commands. Put negatively, the Israelites failed to enter Canaan because of their disobedience (cf. 11).
Here is stated a preeminent principle in scripture. Our salvation is tied inextricably to our obedience to God’s revealed will. This does not mean we earn our salvation, only that the gift of redemption is reserved by Him for those who obey Him. God’s word is the key. He has revealed His will for us.
God’s word is powerful, sharp, piercing. As the Hebrew writer states, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (13).
Carefully consider the part that the Bible has as God judges us to be worthy or not. He has told us what to do. We will be judged by whether we are willing to do it. Nothing could be more plainly revealed!
