~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: What exactly is Hebrews 4 saying to us today?Answer: To fully understand Hebrews 4, it must be considered in the context of chapter 3 since chapter 4 makes reference back to it. Read both of those chapters first.
The theme is the opportunity to enter into God's rest and a warning to not miss it. The opportunity to enter this rest is made available because of God's promise.
There are three different rests mentioned. First is God's rest after the work of creation when He rested on the seventh day. The second is Israel's rest God had promised them after their victory in Canaan. The third is the believer's rest of faith today along with a future rest in heaven.
There is a warning to be careful not to miss God's rest. The example of the Israelites is drawn to show what can cause us to miss God's promised rest. Three things are warned against. First is an unbelieving heart (3:12 with 4:2). The second is stubborness as a result of being hardened by sin (3:13). The third is disobedience (3:18 with 4:6). Israel was delivered from Egypt but a whole generation failed to enter Canaan and claim the promised inheritance because of unbelief.
It is emphasized that the time to enter God's rest is now - "today" (4:7). Take advantage today of the opportunity to share in a rest from our war with sin by fully surrendering by faith in Jesus and continue in faith looking for our eternal rest in heaven from all sin's evil effects.
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