GOD JUDGES THE THOUGHTS AND THE HEART OF MAN

PROCLAMATION

“For The Word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by an unknown human author to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  In this fourth chapter the author begins by addressing the Sabbath-rest for the people of God.  He attempts to explain what God meant when He said, “… They shall never enter My rest.”  He refers to it as a heavenly rest, the rest of salvation for believers, as opposed to a state of labor and trouble during this life.  This was not a reference to the Sabbath Day, the day of worship, this reference was to salvation for those who heard The Word of God and believed. (Hebrews 4:3-4)  He goes on to say that The Word of God will judge the heart and soul, and the thoughts and attitudes of man.

 

APPLICATION

The Word of God is so powerful that it enters into the deepest part of the heart, the secret and most intimate part, and it fatally wounds the stubborn and hard-hearted while it revives and renews the believer.  The Word of God can affect the mind and heart, the spirit and the soul, of those who hear it and those who preach it.  Only non-believers are unaffected by it and they will have to deal with the consequences of their choice.  The Word of God is the basis for dividing right from wrong, good from bad, and righteous from sinful.  It applies not only to our actions but also to our spoken words and our thoughts.  Thinking sinful thoughts is committing a sin. (Proverbs 23:7 and Matthew 5:28)  God knows everything that we do, say, and think, and we will have to give an account for them. (Matthew 12:36 and Hebrews 4:13)  So, when we pray, we should ask to be forgiven for all of our sinful thoughts, words, and actions.