Hebrews 4:1-2 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 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.
‘Us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest.’ Let us (holy brethren, Heb. 3:1, 6, 12-14) fear, lest we come short of eternal life. That the promise here is eternal life is clear in Hebrews 4:14; 9:15 and 1John 2:25.
‘Any of you should seem to come short of it.’ If there is no possibility of any of the “holy brethren” (3:1, 6, 12-14) coming short of eternal life, such warnings are vain.
‘Gospel preached’ – The gospel was preached to Abraham, 430 years before the law (Gal. 3:8; Gen. 12:1-3), and to Israel under the law (Rom. 9:6-8; 10:7-21).
‘Mixed’ [Greek: sungkerannumi] to mix together; mingle; to blend together; temper by mixing. Translated mix (4:2) and temper together (1Cor. 12:24). It seems to be an idea taken from the human body which is kept alive by proper mixing of food with the saliva and gastric juices. Should this mixture not take place such food would be a means of death rather than life. So here, the gospel does not profit unless it is properly mixed and blended together with faith. God has obligated Himself to bless only those who believe – and have utter confidence in His Word (Mark 16:15-20; John 3:16; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).
Living the Word 