The fourth chapter of the book of Hebrews speaks about entering the place of God’s rest, using as a backdrop the Israelites, to whom He had promised to give the land of Canaan, “a land flowing with milk and honey” (meaning a land of abundant provision and blessings) (Exodus 3:8, 17; 13:5). God had promised to give this land to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants after them (Genesis 15:18; 26:3; Exodus 6:8; 33:1); yet when they reached the border they refused to go in (Deuteronomy 1:26). Hebrews 4:2 says, “the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” God’s promise would still be fulfilled, but it would not be until the next generation, who would go in and possess it. As Hebrews 4:6 says, “Since therefore it remains that some must enter it …” God’s plan will eventually come about, but those who resist, rebel, and doubt will be left out! Hebrews 4:9 assures, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” The promised land of God waits for those who grasp, accept, and enter it by faith, witnessed by appropriate action. The “land” and “rest” we are talking about here is that of salvation, which can never be earned by merits or good works, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:7-8). Our good works for God follow salvation but never earn it; like the Promised Land we must take it by the force of faith. Salvation’s work has been finished by Christ, and in the finished work of His new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) we rest in Him, as God did when His works of creation were finished (Hebrews 4:10).
Faith That Rests In God
-By Rose Hill
Faith is at rest when Jesus you know,
Assured He is with you wherever you go.
Faith is at work in your soul,
When you let God take full control.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.