“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13, KJV 1900)
Most of us wear clothing to stay warm. However, even in warm climates we wear clothes to keep from exposing parts of our bodies that we want to keep private. There are certain things that we do not want others to see. It is the same with the deeds of our lives. There are certain things we have done that we do not want exposed. There are also certain attitudes, thoughts, and conditions of our hearts that no one else can see.
However, our privacy is not completely secret. The author of Hebrews indicates there is nothing that God does not see. Everything is exposed to Him for He is omniscient. He is infinitely knowing. To make this clear the author writes that everything is stripped naked to God. In Revelation we read that the books of people’s lives will be opened and they will be judged according to the things written in the them (Rev 20:12). God knows everything.
God knows the deepest secrets of our hearts. He knows the sins of people’s lives. He knows the obstinate ones. He knows those who have put on the outward appearance of righteousness but have hearts of stone. He knows the ones who have mere intellectual assent to the facts of the gospel. He also knows the ones who have placed their faith in Christ and have entered His rest. Nothing is kept secret from Him and someday the judgment will come as it states, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27, KJV 1900)
Yes, there will come a time of judgment. What is the basis of this judgment? Here, in this verse about God seeing and understanding everything comes on the heels of Hebrews 4:12, which speaks of the discerning power of God’s word. The basis of the judgment will be from the word of God. His word will either approve or condemn. Many to whom the author writes have understood the word of God concerning entering His rest by faith. However, not all have responded by true faith. The issue is one of responding to the truth of God’s word.
In Revelation we read that there is a book called “the book of life” (Rev 20:12) and those whose names are written in this book will escape the “second death,” the final condemnation (Rev 20:14-15). God knows everything. He knows those who have truly believed in accordance with His word and have received Jesus as Lord and Savior. These are the ones who have entered His rest.
In today’s churches there are many who have heard the gospel message over and over, but have never entered by true faith. They must understand it is their response of faith that matters and this is in accordance with God’s word. They can fool others in the congregation and even fool themselves. They are like the ones Jesus spoke of saying, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22, KJV 1900) These have sat in worship services, served in the church, and from the outside look great. Yet, God knows the condition of every person’s heart. In that day of judgment, He will say, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23, KJV 1900)
Every person must examine their own hearts according to the word of God in regards to the faith. They must be diligent, not allowing pride to keep them from God’s rest.
Renewing the Heart 