Hebrews 4

The gospel preached to ancient Israel

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Hebrews 4:2

The same gospel of Christ was preached to Israel in Moses' day, but it did not help those who did not mix it with faith.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in D&C 84:23 — Moses plainly taught the children of Israel in the wilderness.
• the same title in Galatians 3:8 — The gospel preached before unto Abraham.

Jehovah's rest

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 the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:3–5

The LORD of Psalm 95, Jehovah, speaks of 'my rest', the rest He offers to believers. Latter-day scripture calls this rest the fulness of His glory.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 95:11 — The oath about entering His rest.
• alluded to by D&C 84:24 — The rest is the fulness of His glory.

Joshua (Jesus) who led Israel into rest

Jesus = Greek for Joshua (Yehoshua), 'Jehovah saves'

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. Hebrews 4:8

Here 'Jesus' means Joshua, who led Israel into Canaan. He shares the Savior's very name and is a type of Him, but the lasting rest only Christ can give.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Joshua 21:44 — The LORD gave Israel rest round about under Joshua.
• the same title in Matthew 1:21 — Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people.

The living Word that discerns the heart

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12–13

God's word is alive and cuts to the heart, and nothing is hidden from Him. The Lord uses this very language of His own word in latter-day revelation, and John sees a two-edged sword coming from Christ's mouth.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by D&C 6:2 — The Lord: my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.
• the same title in Revelation 1:16 — Out of His mouth went a sharp twoedged sword.

Great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:14

Jesus, the Son of God, is our great High Priest who has gone into heaven itself, as Israel's high priest went behind the veil.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Hebrews 9:24 — Christ entered into heaven itself to appear before God for us.
• typified by Leviticus 16:15 — The high priest goes within the veil.

Tempted in all points, yet without sin

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Jesus feels what we feel because He faced every kind of temptation, but He never sinned.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Mosiah 15:5 — He suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not.
• the same event in Alma 7:11 — Suffering temptations of every kind.

Throne of grace

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Because our High Priest understands us, we can come confidently to God and receive mercy and grace exactly when we need it.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Hebrews 10:19-22 — Boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus.