Hebrews 3:12, New International Version

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”

In Hebrews 3:7–19, the writer issues a strong and sobering warning—one that echoes from Israel’s history and still speaks powerfully to the church today. Quoting from Psalm 95, he says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” The reference takes us back to Israel’s wilderness generation, who saw God’s mighty works yet refused to trust Him. Despite witnessing deliverance from Egypt and provision in the desert, their hearts grew cold, and they turned away in unbelief. The writer uses their example to caution believers: unbelief begins in the heart long before it shows up in our actions.

The danger of unbelief is subtle. It doesn’t always look like outright rebellion or rejection—it often starts as neglect. A heart that once trusted begins to drift, a soul that once prayed begins to grow silent, and slowly we start to doubt the goodness and faithfulness of God. That’s why the writer says, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” The call is not only personal but communal. We are responsible to encourage one another daily, so that sin does not harden our hearts.

One of the most powerful truths in this passage is the word “today.” The writer repeats it several times, reminding us that the opportunity to respond to God’s voice is always now. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised. Today is the moment to trust, to repent, and to draw near. The longer we delay obedience, the easier it becomes to ignore God’s leading. That’s why this passage is both a warning and an invitation—an urgent call to stay soft toward the Lord.

The Israelites who came out of Egypt never entered the Promised Land because of unbelief. The writer of Hebrews wants his readers—and us—to see that unbelief still keeps people from entering God’s rest. But that rest is not simply a physical place; it’s a spiritual reality—a life of trust and peace in God’s presence. The message is clear: faith is not something we profess once; it’s something we must hold onto daily. “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold firmly till the end our original conviction.”

This passage reminds us that perseverance in faith is not automatic. It takes intentional trust, daily encouragement, and a heart that remains tender before God. The Christian life is not just about beginning well—it’s about finishing well. We are called to walk in faith, to stay alert, and to remind each other of the truth of the gospel when the pressures of life tempt us to doubt.

So, let’s hear the word “today” with fresh ears. If God is speaking, let’s listen. If He is convicting, let’s respond. If He is calling us to trust Him again, let’s yield our hearts to His voice. For those who keep their hearts soft and their faith steadfast, there is rest, joy, and reward in the presence of the living God.

(All scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version)