Stand On The Promise of Rest

Hebrews Four

The subject of the believer’s rest continues from chapter three and receives far greater treatment here in chapter four. God desires for Christians to understand that He still graciously offers rest to His people (Heb. 4:1-6, 9). Too many believers are uncertain about eternity and their spiritual welfare because they do not realize what they have in Jesus Christ. Too many are not even aware of the promise of rest through the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, they are working real hard to earn their way into God’s acceptance and favor. Typically these lives are laced with anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty. They are haunted by their failures and frustrated with their lack of power to live up to their expectations. They cannot progress to maturity in this state…. This is what life is like when we live oblivious of the Promise of Rest offered by the Lord.

Newell stated concerning Hebrews 4:1 that, “this verse indeed apply first of all, to those who may have sorely neglected God’s promises and providences.” The “rest” believers should enter relates to the completed work of Christ at Calvary, the present work of Christ at the Throne of Grace in Heaven, and the future Kingdom Age when we believer’s will enjoy the eschatological inheritance God promised His authentic children. The writer desires for them and us to enter into this promised rest. God’s redemptive work is so comprehensive and substantial that God’s people can take refuge in it. Instead of being racked with anxiety over our eternal welfare, we can be filled with peace and assure in the Lord’s promised rest. He further admonishes us to fear the possibility of coming up short of God’s promised rest and encourages us to take full advantage of the good news of rest by exercising faith in this promise (4:2, 3). Newell said, “Do not try to become worthy by any works, or change of your “character,” but just believe.” He further said, “…we rest where God rests, in the shed blood of Christ! The spiritual rest arises from accepting God’s announcement of Christ’s finished work on our behalf.” These believers were to bear in mind that God’s rest was still available to them. In addition, it is prudent to respond to God in faith now instead of continuing unresponsively towards God’s Word (4:6). We do not enjoy the luxury of doubting God’s promise without falling prey to the consequences of such unbelief!

The writer was encouraging them (and us by application) to by faith take God’s offer—let us labor to enter His rest (Heb. 4:7-11). The lessons from Israel’s experience evidenced how God had been patient with Israel’s slow respond to His offers of rest (4:7, 8). He justifiably expected an immediate response to His offer of rest emphasizing “today” (4:7). They, like so many today, were reluctant and unbelieving regarding the Promise of Rest. Christians; therefore, must likewise diligently put forth every effort to enter into His rest to avoid falling in unbelief (Heb. 4:11). We must cease from our labors to earn God’s favor and chose to rest in the Lord’s work on our behalf! Beloved, we must believe the Promise of Rest offered by the Lord God through faith in Jesus Christ. Newell noted, “…this “universal earnestness” is a great secret of progress, and the great guardian against the sad condition of the Hebrew believers”—immaturity and inexperience in the word of righteousness. We can only mature and progress in our faith as we really believe biblical beliefs—taking to heart what God stated. Through Jesus Christ our sins are paid for and are forgiven, through Christ we have an Advocate and High Priest with the Father in Heaven, and through Christ we have a Millennial Kingdom hope. This is the Promise of Rest to God’s people!

These early Christians were also challenged to trust God’s Word to reveal unbelief and detect genuine faith in their hearts (Heb. 4:12-13). Human beings are not equipped to discern our own spiritual condition or status purely on our own. We need help with this, and the Lord provides His Word. Like these First Century Hebrew Believers, we must bring our hearts before the Lord and His Word for thorough examination and holy scrutiny. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23, 24). This is why we read the Word daily and why we get in on as many Bible messages we can. It is to expose our deceitful hearts to God’s perspective and scrutiny. Newell, referring to the writer, adds “He warns us again and again of the treachery of the human heart. “Let us take heed,” as we are exhorted in Hebrews—for eternity is at stake!” Clearly the living Word can pierce deeply and expose completely the thoughts and motives of our heart (4:12). It will reveal whether we are resting in the finish work of Christ, or if we remain anxious about eternity—yet in unbelief. God’s Word can afford calm assurance to the soul that truly and deeply trust it throughout the multiple challenges of life as well. In addition God will help us understand the condition of our hearts (4:13). There is absolutely nothing hid from His all-knowing gaze.

Once again Christians are counseled to rely on the Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest, who effectively resisted temptation and provides help for His people as we need it. Our attitudes as believers should be shaped by the truth that Jesus Christ is the God-Man. He is fully informed and aware of the human plight by firsthand experience. There is no situation where He is unable to sympathize with the human struggle and predicament. Also Jesus Christ is enthroned in Heaven at the right hand of the Father who occupies the throne. This highlights His sovereignty and dignity; He is positioned and postured to care for and respond to the people of God. He can do something definitive about our situation! The Father’s throne is “the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) pointing to his benevolence. Often we need grace to help us and sometimes we need mercy because of some failure or trace of doubt in our souls. God does indeed forgive and restore! Jesus, the High Priest, is the focal point in the text; it is His grand presence that permits believers to appear in God’s presence so boldly. God is ministering mercy and grace to believers as we turn to Him for help in our time of need. Christ’s priestly ministry assures believers God will met our every need in the hour of temptation. Newell observed, “Every believer is received according to the full, finished work of Christ!” Why not rest in the finished work and present work of our great high Priest?

Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, demands two fitting responses from Christians: first to hold firmly to our profession of faith in Christ (Heb. 4:14). “Profession” here refers to ‘confession’ like in the substance of the Christian faith. Newell observed the Christian’s confession is “First, that Jesus is the Son of God; second, that as the Son of God He is our Great High Priest; and third, that He has put away, at the Cross, all our sins forever; and fourth, that, raised from the dead, He passed through the Heavens.” This same Jesus ever lives making intercession for us before the Father in heaven. It is entirely safe to rest in the Lord Jesus. Lastly, in the light of Jesus as our Great High Priest, we Christians must come boldly to “the Throne of Grace” for the help we need. We too often turn to everyone else and every other thing…and when we find these great ideas do not work then finally we turn to the Lord as a last resort. What is wrong with the Lord Jesus that we do not choose Him first? Though the trials and challenges of bold Christian living are great, Christ the believer’s great High Priest, is greater! He will provide the assistance we need as we need it. Trust Him for it! Beloved, we can rest in Him with the greatest assurance. Stand on this Promise of Rest.