Hebrews - Chapter 4
CHRISTIAN REST IS ATTAINED BY FAITH
4:1-2 Let us therefore fear …
The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith…
The gospel only has value to those who listen to it with faith and apply it with faith.
Remember Paul’s words in Gal 3:2:
“This only I want to learn from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
and Romans 10:17:
“…faith comes by hearing, and hearing from the word…”
4:3-6 … if they shall enter into my rest
While the Bible speaks of a “rest” in Genesis 1, advising of the rest of God from His work of creation on the 7th day, this rest is surely not about a rest in a land but rather about salvation from hell, the forgiveness of sin, adoption into the family, resurrection & inheritance, eternal life with Christ, for ALL believers.
Those who hear the gospel but refuse to enter do so from disobedience (unbelief) or in the Greek, “refusal to comply” (apeitheia).
4:7-10 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time, as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
… For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
This rest points directly to Sabbath rest, using the Greek word sabbatimos, which is the only time it appears in the New Testament but it is only a pointer, not the ultimate rest of the gospel, perhaps a shadow scripture of the final rest, that rest in Christ alone.
Remember that the Christian life after salvation is NOT considered rest as long as we draw breath, but rather is taught by the apostles AND by Jesus as work (doing His work here on earth):
Matt 9:37-38 “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few…”
1 Cor 15:58 “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord”
4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
How is it that entering into God’s rest takes EFFORT on our part and yet at the same time we KNOW that salvation is from grace alone through faith?
It is the response to the call (the draw of the Father) to Jesus that we see here. Remember what Christ says in Luke 13:24 “STRIVE to enter in at the straight gate…”
Is it fair to say that while salvation is by grace through faith, that the faith required is not effortless on our part? (Again), faith is not a work.
4:12 For the word of God is quick and powerful…..
Remember “quick” means alive, remember the teaching of Ephesians which says “… you who he quickened …” (made alive).
His word penetrates as deep as separating joint & marrow.
What is the “word” of this verse? God’s word to us as revealed in his own breathed scripture revealed through His chosen men.
1 Peter 1:23 “you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God”.
4:13 … all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
All things, all thoughts, all intents, all secrets of each man, are fully known to the Lord and there can be nothing hidden from Him.
Luke 8:17 “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known, or brought out into the open”
Remember that David was sure his transgression was well covered and hidden until a man named Nathan appeared with a small story which by its plot revealed all David’s sin.
4:14-16 … we have a great high priest… was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy…
The chapter ends with some of the most wondrous words in the New Testament, reconciling the example of Jesus, who while tempted, did not yield, and us who now can know that our high priest was indeed one of us while also God incarnate.
God’s grace is evident WHILE we are still in the testing of our faith as we walk here with Him, doing his work.
Notice the special phrase “the great high priest” and no other was ever so designated, not Moses, not Aaron, nor Melchizedek (please get ready for Chapter 7 on this figure). Here we have our description of supreme dignity, excellency and most of all sufficiency.
He can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities as he has experienced them all. He is filled with sympathy and tender compassion for His afflicted people and is merciful toward us (Heb 2:17).
We can receive His mercy by the opportunity we are given to come BOLDLY to Him.
Notice we are not to come trembling nor in human fear, but rather we are to come open hearted, bringing our confessions and repentance to Him and His strength & comfort will restore us.
He dried the tears of Peter and taught Paul that “my grace is sufficient”.
Are we humbly and earnestly seeking to take that step boldly to Him?
Questions:
What is the significance of “God’s rest” to believers?
Why is it urgent for believers to seek that rest?
How can believers better approach the great high priest we are given?