PERSONS have spiritualized the rest here spoken of to something present. The rest here is future. “We which have believed do enter into rest.” To be sure we shall. The sense of the passage is, we which believe are the enterers into rest, ―we which hold fast the promise. Would you define the rest? No, I cannot; it is God’s rest, therefore perfect and satisfying. But “today” we are called to “labor,” “to enter in;” not that the rest is here today. He that is entered, etc., is an abstract thought; the rest, new creation rest. We are all in danger of slipping back, instead of going on; so the exhortation is always needed. “We are made partakers of Christ, if.” (verse 14.) This word “partakers” has misled many, because it looks doubtful. It should be “fellows,” or “companions.” It cannot be “partakers;.” for if we are partakers we are, and there is no “if” about it; but if I do so and so, I am made a fellow or companion of Christ. It is the same as Psalms 45:7. “If we hold” just comes to this―if you have life, you will hold fast. The highest Calvinist and lowest Arminian meet there.