2 Forefeast of the Holy Theophany

Brethren, since a promise remains of entering into His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the Gospel was preached unto us as well as unto them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “As I have sworn in My wrath, they shall not enter into My rest,” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God did rest on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter into My rest.” Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of unbelief, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he that has entered into His rest, has himself has also ceased from his works, as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick 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. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him to whom we have to do.