Hebrews 4:9 states “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God”. This verse from the Bible uses as a backdrop the unbelieving Israelites who failed to enter the “promised land” rest in Numbers 14, and it also brings us to view God’s rest following His creation in Genesis 2:1-3. The historical event of the Israelites referred to beginning in Hebrews 3:7 is the foreshadowing of an even greater rest promised by God. Some view this rest described in Hebrews as the future rest of heaven; others see it as the present day rest of those who believe in Jesus Christ, fully surrendering to Him. Both are probably accurate interpretations as many Scriptures support more than one application. Look closely at Hebrews 4:10, “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” The rest spoken of here would be the same rest Jesus spoke of in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” A rest as complete as God’s rest in Genesis 1:31-2:2 when He saw that everything He had made was very good, and declared it “finished”. Similarly everyone who truly believes in, trusts in, and relies on Jesus Christ and His finished work of salvation enters into His perfect rest; no more trying to earn by striving to be righteous, no more struggling to keep rules and regulations to become righteous, no more trying to self-reform for righteousness, efforts that are all futile The rest of salvation is complete rest in His finished work. Any good works that come through us now is the result of His favor that has been given to us and not the means of trying to obtain it. Now we are urged to “be diligent to enter that rest” submitting to the powerful piercing of the word of God to purify our hearts and minds from all residual evil. Yes total rest, perfect rest, is obtained by and experienced through our great High Priest, the Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. If you have not already done so, will you receive Him today?
God’s Rest
-By Rose Hill
For God’s people there is a rest,
He will give them what is best.
They are able from works to cease,
And from His word to have a feast.