Sharper than a two-edged sword | Hebrews 4:12

What is living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword? Most would say, "The Bible." In some ways, that is true, but the actual meaning is much deeper than specific than that. We find this phrase in Hebrews 4:12 -- "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. " If we look at this passage in context, we will see that it is more than a generic statement that the Bible is like a sharp sword. The author is using the analogy of the Old Testament Israelites whose lack of faith caused them not to enter the promised land of rest. Because of that, the promise remains, and those who have faith will receive it. BUT--it is important to note that ONLY those with faith will receive it. It is not for those who pretend to have faith or who merely look like they have faith. God will not be fooled. That's where the sharp two-edged sword comes in. God's promise is not just thrown out there--it goes only to those who have faith. His word (the promise of a rest) discerns who will receive it, and faith is the requirement. #Bible #wordofGod #Hebrews #Hebrews412 #sword #twoedgedsword #soul #spirit #faith #heart #promise #rest #salvation    / @pastorbenhammond