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knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Mt. 7:7
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy came not in old time by will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Co. 2:13
Let elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in word and doctrine. (And when Simon saw that through laying on of apostles' hands Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Ac. 8:18) For scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle ox that treadeth out corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim. 5:17-18
And ye became followers of us, and of Lord, having received word in much affliction, with joy of Holy Ghost. 1 Th. 1:6 And God, which knoweth hearts, bare them witness, giving them Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us. Ac. 15:8 (God is still no respecter of persons. In all ways He loved them, He loves us.) Wherefore, as Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice. He. 3:7
Wherefore (as Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in provocation, in day of temptation in wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through deceitfulness of sin.
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold beginning of our confidence stedfast unto end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
For unto us was gospel preached, as well as unto them: but word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 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 works were finished from foundation of world. For he spake in a certain place of seventh day on this wise, And God did rest seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 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. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after same example of unbelief. For word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into heavens, Jesus Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 3:7-4:16
For there are three that bear record in heaven, Father, Word, and Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 Jn. 5:7
© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.
