Do a self-exam with the Word of God!

The writer of Hebrews has spent much time discussing the importance of God’s rest. In Hebrews 4:1-13, he declares that God’s rest is still available with an emphasis on its present and future impact. There is a somber warning concerning the importance of maintaining one’s faith in Christ despite increasing persecution. R. Kent Hughes, Their experience of Christ was not living up to expectations. Instead of rest, there was turmoil. They had given up their ancient religion but were suffering for their new faith. To some it seemed that the initial experience of rest was a cruel delusion. . . It is to these endangered hearts that the writer now focuses his remarks in chapter 4 as he instructs and exhorts them on participation in the rest of God.

There is much to be learned concerning God’s rest in this warning passage. Now, I want to focus on Hebrews 4:12-13, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Some have difficulty understanding how these verses fit in relationship to this warning passage. Consider these verses as a warning from the heart of a pastor to his flock. Each of us need to know that entering God’s rest is not based on one’s opinion of oneself but God’s opinion based on the light of His Word. Thomas Constable, Many Christians use this verse to show that God will judge unbelievers with His piercing Word, but in the context it refers to God judging believers to determine rewards (1 Cor. 3:11–15).

In verse 12, we see that God’s Word discerns the condition of one’s heart. Let’s consider the writer’s words that describe the nature of the Word of God. First, he declares that the Word of God is living and active. Charles Spurgeon, This is a living Book. This is a mystery that only living men, quickened by the Spirit of God, will fully comprehend. Take up any other book except the Bible, and there may be a measure of power in it, but there is not that indescribable vitality in it that breathes, and speaks, and pleads, and conquers in the case of this sacred volume. Also, the writer emphasizes the penetrating power of God’s Word, sharper than any two-edged sword. William L. Lane, The word of God poses a judgment that is more threatening and sharper than any double-edged sword because it exposes the intentions of the heart and renders one defenseless before God's scrutinizing gaze.

The following phrases enhance the precision and effectiveness of God’s Word. Note the writer’s statement, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow. William Barclay, It penetrates to the division of soul and spirit. . . It is as if the writer to the Hebrews were saying that the word of God tests our earthly life and our spiritual existence. Also, the writer notes, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Raymond Brown, This word probes more deeply than the mere voice of man however interesting or eloquent. It goes to ‘the inmost recesses of our spiritual being and brings the subconscious motives to light’ (F. F. Bruce).

In verse 13, the writer declares that everyone must be examined and give account to God. None of God’s creation can hide from their Creator. Leon Morris, We must not think that we can bluff our way out of anything, for there are no secrets hidden from God. We cannot keep our thoughts to ourselves. God sees us as we really are. Warren Wiersbe, In the Word we see God, and we also see how God sees us. We see ourselves as we really are. This experience enables us to be honest with God, to trust His will, and to obey Him.

The writer of Hebrews warns Jewish Christians not to turn back to Judaism which provided a type of God’s rest. The readers of Hebrews are encouraged to continue with Christ who is the reality. Faith in Christ alone enables every Christian to be examined by God’s Word without judgment because God judges a Christian’s new heart not his old. Our responsibility is noted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! The Word of God truly is a two-edges sword, R. Kent Hughes, Blessed be the double-edged sword of judgment and sanctification. God cuts us deeply that we might die. God cuts us again with his Word, that we might live.

If I am not living a life that is conforming to the image of Christ, I need to examine my life in light of the Word of God. If I fail the test, I need to turn to Christ and place my faith in Him alone. Join the study of Hebrews 4:1-13 under the Books of the Bible tab. God’s rest is worth self-examination.