The concept of rest is woven throughout Scripture, symbolizing physical rest from labor and a deeper, spiritual repose in God's promises. In Hebrews 4:1-5, we find a profound call for believers to enter into God's rest – a rest secured by the finished work of Christ.
This rest is a spiritual inheritance offered to believers through faith in Christ. It is a rest from our works, akin to God's rest on the seventh day of creation. This rest is both a present reality and a future promise, signifying peace and completion in Christ.
Many Christians miss the spiritual benefit of resting in the Lord. Our inability to rest in the Lord erodes our endurance and robs us of spiritual satisfaction. The first step in receiving this vital Christian benefit is recognizing that it is a part of our inheritance as children of God. We have the right to rest in Christ.
The Believer's Inheritance
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ... also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." – Ephesians 1:3, 11
As believers, we are endowed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, including a rich inheritance that encompasses eternal life, spiritual gifts, and the profound peace of resting in God's completed work. This inheritance, however, necessitates an active faith that holds on to these promises.
Insights for Walking in God’s Promise of Rest
Insight 1: Let Us Believe That God’s Rest is for Us.
"Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, 'AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,' although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: 'AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS'; and again in this passage, 'THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.' Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience." – Hebrews 4:1-6
Belief is the gateway to God's rest. The Israelites had the good news of God's promise, but it did not benefit them because they lacked faith. We must ensure that the message of Christ is united with faith in our hearts, allowing us to enter the spiritual rest that God offers.
Warren Wiersbe said of the Israelites,
"Unbelief kept them out of Canaan; only faith could bring them in. The same principle applies to us: we enter into spiritual rest by faith. This faith is not a vague belief but a firm reliance on God's Word and His promises."
Insight 2: Let Us Be Diligent.
"So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." – Hebrews 4:9-12
Entering God's rest requires diligence. It's not about passive belief but an active, persistent pursuit of God's promises. This diligence is anchored in the living and active Word of God, which discerns our true intentions and guides us toward obedience. By aligning our lives with God's Word, we safeguard against the disobedience that hindered the Israelites.
God's call to enter His rest is a profound invitation to experience the fullness of His promises through faith in Christ. This rest is both a present reality and a future hope, a spiritual inheritance that offers peace, security, and a deep connection with God. However, like the Israelites, we can miss out on this rest through unbelief and disobedience. Let us heed the warnings of Scripture, believe in the finished work of Christ, and diligently pursue the rest that God offers. This is our inheritance, a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and love.
“Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves." – Watchman Nee
Until Next Time, Stay Strong in the Lord!
Pastor Bob
About Pastor Bob Moya, DMin.
Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership in the spring of 2024. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee from Starbucks, or spending time with his family.
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