By In Hebrews chapter 4 we are called to make sure that we are indeed going to Heaven and not missing it altogether because of disobedience. It is certainly a possibility, after all, an entire generation of Israelites didn’t get to enter the Promised Land, even though they were hoping to, because of disobedience.
How does Hebrews chapter 4 suggest we identify and overcome all disobedience in ourselves?
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:11-13
The cure for disobedience is the Bible. The Word of God might seem all passive and dead when collecting dust on a shelf, but when opened daily and read with faith, it proves to be very much alive.
Like a high-end sword, the Scriptures brings conviction of sins, past and present. It even creates awareness of temptation to sin before a sin is even committed. In that sense it is more alive and active than the specialised weapons of an elite military agent.
Furthermore, it cuts into and analyses our hearts better than the best of cardio-surgeons could. The Bible goes even deeper – through the skin and muscle and bone, deeper than the most complex organ, right into the place where thoughts and motives move around.
And then, the Word of God resurfaces, right in the presence of God. Our desires revealed. Our deeds laid bare. Our motives exposed.
That is the place where disobedience stops, and obedience begins. The way of the transgressor is hard (Proverbs 13:15), and whoever conceals his transgressions in the deep recesses of his heart will not prosper, but he who lays them bare by the working of the Word of God, will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13).