Hebrews 4
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Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 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.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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Commentary
God has, from the beginning of time, created a “rest” to be enjoyed by all people on this earth! And the Apostle Paul is so eager to have more folks enter this God-given rest that he continues, in chapter 4, his earlier earnest entreaties for every one of us to “mix” our faith with God’s commands so that we can bask in the glories of God’s Sabbath rest!
When is the best time to “enter” into covenant relationship with God and to relish the “rest” that is found in Him alone? Today! Now, you too can be free from all legalism and dependance on works of the law for salvation. Instead, you can bathe your soul in the precious knowledge that “resting” by faith in our High Priest Jesus is salvation!
And oh—-what about behavior? Standards? Stewardship and service? Well, receiving God’s “rest” by faith can only be fully experienced when your faith is being honed by the sharp sword of Scripture, which then compels you to seek God’s wondrous mercy to overcome “infirmities” (sin) and truly live for Christ.
These “Sabbath” truths will, before Jesus returns, be the experience of every believer. And now we can hasten to proclaim the Sabbath more fully!
David Grams
Chaplain, Hartland College, Rapidan, Virginia USA
