Unit 2

Choice 6 Hebrews 3-4 Entering into the Lord's Rest

We are taught by President Joseph F. Smith that Entering into the Lord's Rest "means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right."  We learn that the group of people that is refused entrance into the Lord's rest are those who do not believe. "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." (Hebrews 3:19) It was sin that caused these people to forfeit this privilege of entering into the Lords rest.  Hardheartedness, selfishness and provocation are the forfeiting sins. 

Doctorine and Covenants 84:24 describes The Lord's Rest as, "the fulness of his glory."  This is a defining factor, because we learn of the joy that comes from his fulness and glory, that helps us strive to achieve in our lifetime. The sins that Paul repeatedly warned against were the hardening of hears. The warnings in Hebrews 3:12-15 very much apply to us.  They apply to us because we also have to be cautious of unbelief and evilness.

Counsel that are found in Hebrews 4 will help us enter into the rest of the Lord.

• faith/belief in the Gospel we hear
•  keeping the sabbath day holy
• "hear his voice"
• have a soft heart
• labor, be eager
•  obedience
• have good motivations 
• listen to our church leaders
• be sympathetic
• be bold
• be a follower of Jesus Christ  

We learn in Hebrews 4:2-3, that the words need to be "mixed with faith."  Matthew 7:21 says, "He that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven."  It is not enough for us to just learn, teach, or talk about the doctrines of the Savior.  But we have to live by, and practice them.  Sometimes we expect our testimonies to be strengthen just by learning about the gospel, but we come to know of the doctrines to be true by also doing his will.  This is also in accordance with James 1:22 "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."