God’s Rest

¹ Now, since God has left us the promise that we may enter His rest, let us be very careful so none of you will fail to enter. ² The Good News (Gospel) was preached to us just as it was to them (ancient Israelites). But the teaching they (ancient Israelites) heard did not help them, because they heard it (Good News) but did not accept it with faith (dependence and confidence in God’s power, wisdom, and goodness). ³ We who have believed (trusted) are able to enter and have God’s rest…. ⁶ It is still true that some people will enter God’s rest, but those who first heard the way to be saved did not enter, because they did not obey (disobedience) …. ¹¹ Let us try as hard as we can (diligence) to enter God’s rest so that no one will fail by following the example of those who refused to obey. ¹² God’s Word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. ¹³ Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before Him, and to Him we must explain the way we have lived. Hebrews 4:1-3, 6, 11-13 (NCV)

Today, people have many jobs and responsibilities that at times feels overwhelming and crushing. However, the unknown and inspired writer of Hebrews offers everyone a solution to our never-ending and endless work. The living LORD God (Yahweh) offers EVERYONE His spiritual peace, salvation and inner Sabbath-rest when we turn to Him and His Son Jesus with our whole hearts by faith and obedience (Hebrews 4:1-3, 6, 11; see also, e.g., Jeremiah 6:16; Matthews 11:28-30; Acts 10:34-36; 1 John 5:3). In fact, one of the keywords in Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 is God’s rest through our faith and obedience in Him (e.g., see Hebrews 3:11, 18; Hebrews 4:1, 3-5, 8-11). The living LORD God is good, great, and glorious and most importantly the great King above all gods (e.g., see Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 47:2; Psalm 95:3-7; Psalm 135:5).

The unknown author of Hebrews wants everyone to know the wonderful Good News (also known as the Gospel) has been available to ALL PEOPLE since Creation (Hebrews 4:2-4; see also Genesis 2:2-3). From Genesis and to Revelation, this is the Good News: the living and true God offers His spiritual peace, righteousness, salvation, and inner Sabbath-rest when we humbly walk with Him by love, faithfulness, and obedience (Hebrews 4:2-3; e.g., see also Genesis 15:6; Genesis 17:1; Habakkuk 2:4; Micah 6:6-8; Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38; 1 John 5:3; Revelation 14:5, 12). Only our wholeheartedly love, faith and obedience to the living God lead to spiritual peace and God’s Sabbath-rest (Hebrews 4:2-3; see also John 14:15-16, 21, 23-24, 27; John 15:26; Acts 5:32). Rest was the goal God reached on the seventh day of creation (see Genesis 2:2-3), and Israel's goal after possessing the Promised Land (see Joshua 21:44; Joshua 23:1).

Nevertheless, our heart-harden rebellion, disobedience, and unbelief in the Everlasting God removes His spiritual peace and Sabbath-rest and bring God’s wrath and discontentment (Hebrews 4:3, 5-6, 11; see also Genesis 3:1-7, 20-24; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; 1 Samuel 16:14-15; Psalm 95:11; Hebrews 3:16-19). The unknown author of Hebrews reminds ALL PEOPLE of the ancient Israelites’ failure to receive God’s rest because of their lack of faith and disobedience to the living God (Hebrews 4:3, 6; see also e.g., Numbers 13:25-14:12; Deuteronomy 1:19-40; Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 3:7-11). The sin of Israel is stated in Hebrews 3:12 — “departing from the living God” (see also Acts 7:38-43, 51, 53).

The living God graciously delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery and oppression, loved them, and revealed His power and glory to Israel (e.g., see Exodus 12:31-41; Exodus 14:15-31; Exodus 19:1-6, 9, 16-20; Deuteronomy 4:10-13, 32-39; Deuteronomy 5:24-26; Acts 7:6-7, 17-19, 34-36). Although the ancient Israelites personally witnessed God’s power and glory, they failed to enter God’s complete rest because of their unfaithfulness, disobedience, and rebellion against Him (Hebrews 3:18-19; Hebrews 4:3, 6, 11; e.g., see Exodus 14:11-12; Exodus 15:23-24, Exodus 17:1-3; Exodus 16:2-3, 11-15; Numbers 11:4-9;  Exodus 32:4-6, 35; Deuteronomy 9:16). Sadly, the ancient Israelites’ hearts continually strayed and disobeyed the living God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 9:7; Acts 13:17-18; Hebrews 3:10, 17).

Then finally on the border of God’s Promised Land at Kadesh Barnea, the ancient Israelites became overcome with fear and did not trust in God’s power and glory (see Numbers 13:27-29, 32-33; Numbers 14:1-4, 10-11; Deuteronomy 1:19-21). Israel got to the border of God’s spiritual rest and promise at Kadesh Barnea, but they doubted the power and glory of God (e.g., see Numbers 13:26-29, 31-33; Numbers 14:1-4). Because of Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness and disobedience, God’s judgment fell on Israel in the wilderness at Kadesh Barnea (see Numbers 14:22-23). That entire generation of Israelites was condemned to die and not receive God’s rest, and only the new generation entered the land (Hebrews 3:11; see also Numbers 14:23, 26-35; Deuteronomy 1:35; Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 4:3, 5). Acts chapter 7 gives a summary of the ancient Israelites’ sin and rebellion against the living God (see Acts 7:1-60).

As a life lesson, our lack of faith and disobedience forfeit God’s blessings and spiritual rest (see Hebrews 4:6, 11). Biblical faith means to trust and rely on God in absolute trust and confidence in God’s power, wisdom, and goodness, even during times of testing, persecution, and suffering (Hebrews 3:6, 14; Hebrews 6:11-12; Hebrews 10:23, 35-39; see also e.g., Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23; Mark 4:3-8, 14-20; Luke 8:5-8, 11-15; James 5:10-11). To enter God’s spiritual peace and “Sabbath-rest” require an enduring faith, love, and obedience to the living God. Our wholehearted obedience in life is necessary for reaching heaven because genuine faith is obeying and enduring faith!

The living LORD God graciously offers ALL PEOPLE a second chance to enter His inner spiritual rest and heart peace TODAY through our repentance (turning from sin and turning to God), faith and obedience in His Son, Jesus the Messiah (Christ) (Hebrews 4:7; see also Matthew 11:28; John 3:15-17, 36; Acts 5:32, 42; Acts 10:35-36; Acts 11:15-18; Philippians 4:6-8). When anyone comes to Jesus Christ by repentance, faith, and obedience, you find God’s rest and salvation (e.g., see Matthew 11:28-30), peace with God (e.g., see John 20:21; Romans 5:1), and God’s Holy Spirit (e.g., see John 3:3-8; Acts 5:29-32). The Lord Jesus Christ is Life-Giver, Prince, and Savior (e.g., see Luke 2:11; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:31). The Lord Jesus Christ is calling and welcoming ALL PEOPLE to enter God’s spiritual rest and heart peace through repentance of sins and faith in His Father, the LORD God (Hebrews 4:7; see also Matthew 4:17; Luke 5:32; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38-40; Acts 3:19-20; Acts 5:31-32; Acts 10:43).

The author of Hebrews warns everyone NOT to harden your hearts as the ancient Israelites did in the wilderness by ignoring God’s calling of salvation, restoration, and rest through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:7-10; see also Psalm 95:7-8). Consequently, the unknown author of Hebrews encourages everyone to faithfully and persistently do our best to trust and obey the living LORD God and His Son Jesus and not rebel and harden our hearts (see Hebrews 4:7, 11).

The book of Hebrews was written to people who were experiencing difficulties and persecutions because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The unknown author of Hebrews was encouraging everyone not to lose their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 10:23, 32-34). Like runners in a race, the author of Hebrews was encouraging the people to stay on the path of obedience to the living God and His Son Jesus.  

Our faithful diligence and obedience to God is not salvation by works but active and enduring faith (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 2:16; 2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1). Not only the unknown author of Hebrews but all the biblical writers encourage ALL people to live a continually faithful, humble, loving, good, and obedient life to the living God and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Ephesians 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:7, 12-14; Titus 3:8; 2 Peter 1:10-11; 2 Peter 3:14). A true believer – follower and disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ – will faithfully love and obey God, love one another, and do good deeds (righteousness) (e.g., see Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:34-35; Acts 10:35-36; Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21; James 2:8). Doing what is good and fair is pleasing and acceptable to the LORD God and what God wants from ALL PEOPLE (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Proverbs 15:8; Proverbs 21:2; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:7-8; Matthew 9:13).

Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery has spiritual lessons for ALL PEOPLE (e.g., see Psalm 95:7-11). The nation’s bondage in Egypt is an illustration of a sinner's bondage in this world to sin and wickedness. Just as Israel was delivered from Egyptian slavery by the blood of lambs and the power of God (e.g., see Exodus 12:3, 21-23), so every sinner who accepts and believes in God’s Son Jesus Christ is delivered from the bondage of sin and death (e.g., see Colossians 1:13-14). Jesus Christ is Passover “the Lamb of God” whose death and resurrection have made our deliverance from sin a reality (e.g., see John 1:29, 35). The living God desires ALL PEOPLE to receive and inherit spiritual peace, blessing, and His Sabbath-rest by believing and obeying His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Luke 11:28; Acts 4:12)! Therefore, the author of Hebrews encourages ALL PEOPLE to make every effort to enter that rest through our constant love, faithfulness, and obedience to God and His Son Jesus (Hebrews 4:6, 11; see also Hebrews 3:12, 18).

 

The unknown author of Hebrews informs everyone that God’s Word is true, lasting, alive, and full of God’s living-giving power and wisdom (Hebrews 4:12; see also Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Acts 7:38; Jeremiah 23:29; Luke 21:33; 1 Peter 1:23). The lifegiving power of God’s Word is sharper than the sharpest dagger to expose and judge our innermost thoughts, intent, personality, and desires (Hebrews 4:12; see also Psalm 147:15; Ephesians 6:17). The Word that God speaks gives life (e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:45-47; Psalm 119:9; 1 Peter 1:23, 25)! Amazingly, ALL the life-giving Holy Scriptures point to God’s Son Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God (e.g., see Luke 24:27, 44; John 1:1-4, 14, 18; John 5:39-40; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 John 1:1-2; Revelation 19:13). ALL PEOPLE will find spiritual peace and God’s rest by trusting and obeying His Word, Jesus Christ.

God looks and examines our hearts and motivations (Hebrews 4:12; see also, e.g., 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Kings 8:39; 1 Thessalonians 2:4), and He knows our inner thoughts (e.g., see Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 20:12; Luke 16:14-15). The living God knows our secrets (e.g., see Psalm 44:21). Sometimes, the LORD God tests our hearts and minds to determine our sincerity and faithfulness to Him and His Word (e.g., see Psalm 17:3; Psalm 139:23; Jeremiah 11:20). Everyone, including believers, will be accountable for their actions and deeds to the living God (Hebrews 4:13; see also Psalm 62:12; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 2:23). The living God rewards and blesses our wholehearted faithfulness and obedience to Him (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 17:10; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 2:23).

NOTHING in all creation is hidden from the living LORD God (Hebrews 4:13; see also, e.g., 1 Samuel 2:3; 1 Chronicles 28:9; John 2:24-25; Acts 1:24; Hebrews 4:12). The living God knows everyone, everywhere, and He knows every plan, heart, and thought – even our darkest secrets (Hebrews 4:13; see also Psalm 7:9; Psalm 33:13-15; Daniel 2:22). Everything within us is bare, exposed, and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God for examination (Hebrews 4:13; see also Proverbs 5:21; Jeremiah 23:24). The all-seeing and all-knowing eyes of the LORD God is in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (e.g., see Psalm 139:1-2, 23; Proverbs 15:3; Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 16:17; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2).

Therefore, let everyone love and obey the living LORD God and worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 6:13; Joshua 23:6-8, 11; Joshua 24:23; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Matthew 4:10). Live and walk daily according to God’s righteous ways and turn away from selfishness, idolatry, and sin (e.g., see 1 Kings 8:58, 61; Psalm 119:36, 80). The LORD (Yahweh) alone is God, and there is no other (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; 1 Kings 8:60; 1 Kings 18:39; Jeremiah 10:10-12). If you genuinely seek the living God, He will let you find Him (e.g., see 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 29:13). However, if you reject and forsake Him, He will reject you forever (e.g., see Joshua 24:20; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Revelation 20:11-15).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).