Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart --NASB In the name of the One Whose word is sharp, active, and living, amen.
If we desire to enter the promised rest, we must persevere in The Faith. But how can we do that? We confess in the explanation to the third article of the Apostles' Creed, "The Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith." No, we cannot even keep ourselves in the true faith, but the Holy Spirit can.
So the trick is to have the Holy Spirit constantly working in our hearts. How does that happen? Well, the Holy Spirit works through certain means. He works through God's word, through Baptism, through confession and absolution, and through the Lord's Supper. Through these means the Holy Spirit works to keep us in the True Faith. So, if we desire to persevere in The Faith, then we will make full use of the Means of Grace. In this way we remain in contact with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, Your word truly is living, active, and sharp because Your Spirit works through it. Keep us from ever despising the Means of Grace. Instead, move us to make full use of them so that we will be kept in the true faith, amen.
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