Entering God’s Rest
Entering God’s rest is a Biblical teaching found in Hebrews 4:9-14. Here are some thoughts on what it means.
Entering God’s rest. Faith is active rather than passive
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience (ESV, Hebrews 4:11)
It appears contradictory. Strive to enter rest? Like get busy so you can relax? But wait. First, let’s dig a little deeper. What does the writer mean by “rest?” Curl up for a nap? Take a vacation? Don’t worry be happy?
In this context “rest” means eternity. More specifically heaven. But why call it rest?
Because heaven leaves the stressful chaos of this world and steps into the safe presence of God. Of peace, joy, and harmony. Where fear, worry, and suffering are gone. Well, that’s certainly worth striving for. But the writer doesn’t mean striving as a qualification for entrance. In other words, work hard enough to earn your way. Because sin prevents us from entering heaven on our own merit. Fortunately, sin is defeated by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Still, the writer urges readers to engage in some kind of activity. But what?
Active faith produces Godly living.
The Christian faith is often misperceived as a passive experience. Simply believe in your head and you’re there. However, James challenges believers to make their faith active. To demonstrate it by righteous living.
Perhaps that why Christ-followers are sometimes disparagingly called “Do gooders.” It’s for good reason. (Pun intended)
We demonstrate our faith through good works to express our love for God. A sign of gratitude for His saving grace. And then actively strive to obey God’s word because we want to, not have to.
Entering God’s rest holds on to our confession
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (ESV, Hebrews 4:14)
Christian faith starts with a confession like Thomas the disciple made. He was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, And Thomas insisted he wouldn’t believe unless he saw Jesus and touched his scars. So when Jesus appeared next and Thomas was present, Jesus presented his scars and let Thomas touch them. And Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!”
Every disciple of Jesus makes this declaration. Recognizing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Acknowledging his sacrifice for our sins. Confessing him as Lord.
But it’s not one and done. Heaven is locked in and the rest is smooth sailing. Because we must still navigate the struggles of life. The doubts, Uncertainties. Questions. So we cling to that confession. Cherish it. Return to it as a reminder of what Jesus suffered for us. And endure suffering for him too. But it ends at the threshold of heaven. On the other side awaits rest.
Entering God’s rest. God’s grace is an ongoing support.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV, Hebrews 4:15)
Grace is the message of hope that fuels the Christian faith. And God offers it through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. It too, is not one and done. But dispensed in daily doses to strengthen and sustain us through life’s struggle. In the daily grind of living out our faith and striving to honor God. His grace is abundant. Strength constant. Love unyielding.
And hope is not wishful thinking, but an unshakeable confidence. For as we lean on faith, God supplies our needs to endure. His grace upholds and His path is sure. His yoke is easy and burden light.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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Check out these two Christian detective novels. Soul Pursuit and Finding Grace.
