Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4 reminds us to persevere in our confession and not miss the promised rest of God, like others did (4:11)! Here is the flow of the argument:

• God entered into rest at the time of creation and His rest continues (Hebrews 4:4-6).
• This rest was available to the Israelites at the time of the Exodus, but they did not enter it because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:8-11; 4:2, 6).
• This rest was still available in David’s time, but it could only be entered into through faith (Hebrews 3:7, 13, 19; 4:7).
• This rest is called a “Sabbath-rest,” and is identified as a cessation from individual works and an entering into God’s finished work (Hebrews 4:3, 9, 10).
• This rest is available “today” (4:3), and we can enter it through Jesus Christ!
• We know about our need through the Bible, because it judges “the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” We all stand condemned before God as a result of its judgment (4:11-13).
• Jesus is not only the great high priest who offers his own life for our salvation, He is also the great high priest who lived life on this earth and experienced what we experience. When we need help or understanding, we can go to Him (4:14-16).

Thought for the day: Have you put aside the idea that you can work your way to God? Have you entered into the rest that is only available through Jesus Christ?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB) “for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.”