Hebrews 3-4. Entering into the Lord’s Rest

·        What group of people was refused entrance into the Lord’s rest?

The Israelites were refused entrance because of their unbelief and hardness of heart.

·        What sins caused them to forfeit this privilege?

Their continued refusal to obey the commandments. They continued to worship idols and would not hearken to the words of Moses, which were the words of the Lord.

·        How does Doctrine and Covenants 84:23–24 help define what is the Lord’s rest?

The Doctrine and Covenants describes the Lord’s rest as the “fullness of his glory.”

·        What sins did Paul repeatedly warn against so as not to incur the same punishment?

Harden not your hearts, v. 8; an evil heart of unbelief, v. 12; Paul repeated this counsel about the heart. Be believers, have a soft heart, follow the commandments.

·        How do you think the warnings in Hebrews 3:12–15 apply to us?

If we gather together often, as we do in our weekly Sunday meetings, and in other meetings throughout the week, we will be able to lift and strengthen each other continually. I think it also pertains to our social lives. As we associate with other members as friends we can help keep each other accountable and teach each other daily. As we associate with others not of our faith, we also have an opportunity to teach the gospel of Christ through our examples and our words. This too will help strengthen our testimonies and keep our hearts turned toward Christ and His gospel.

·        List the counsel found in Hebrews 4 that will help a person enter into the rest of the Lord.

o   Hear the teachings of the gospel with faith in your heart

o   Harden not your heart

o   Hear his voice

o   Keep the Sabbath Holy

o   Don’t fall into unbelief

o   Follow the Savior’s example in all things

·        How do Matthew 7:21–23; John 7:17; James 1:22 help in understanding how the word needs to be “mixed with faith”? (Hebrews 4:2–3).

As we hear the word, or the gospel, we need to have faith to act on the things we hear. When we receive the doctrine of repentance, we need to repent. When we are counseled to forgive, we need to forgive. Faith is an action. We can’t just say we have faith, we show that faith by doing what the Lord would have us do.