Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:1-13

The Rest Obtained Is New-Creation Rest (verses 8–11).  Though Jesus is not compared here with Joshua in terms of relative greatness, it is apparent from these verses that the work of Joshua in leading Israel into the rest symbolized by the Promised Land was far inferior to the work of Jesus. Joshua and his accomplishments were only a shadow of Christ’s work. Jesus provides eternal rest to all who believe in Him. The fact that God repeats His promise of rest through David in Psalm 95, centuries after Israel had entered Canaan, is used to indicate that Sabbath-rest is the substance and Canaan-rest is but the shadow. There was an experience of rest for Israel in Canaan (from armed invasion, natural disasters, failure of crops, etc.) when they were faithful to God and their covenant with Him. But even at best that rest was outward and essentially physical, and could not satisfy the promise of rest to the human race which was the intention from the beginning. The author specifically states, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.”

Finally, in verse 10, we learn at last the nature of that rest. It means to cease from one’s own work, and so, by implication, to trust in the working of God instead. In Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul asserts, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” In other words, we are to rest from our own works!

The use of the term sabbatismos (“rest” – literally, “Sabbath-rest”) suggests that the weekly sabbath given and commanded by God to Israel is only a shadow of the true rest that God intends for His chosen. Paul also declares in Colossians 2:16-17 where he lumps religious festivals, New Moon celebrations and sabbath days together as “a shadow of things to come, but the substance [the reality] is of Christ.” Thus, we can surmise that “rest” has three meanings: (1) the Promised Land; (2) the weekly sabbath; and (3) that which these two foreshadow, that cessation from labor which God enjoys and which He invites believers to share. This third rest not only describes the introduction of believers into eternal life, but also depicts the process by which we will continue to work and live, namely, dependence on God to be at work through us. “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

This is in many ways the lost secret of Christianity. Along with seeking to do things for God, we are also encouraged to expect God to be at work through us. It is the key to the apostle’s labors: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Also, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Note, “It is no longer I who live,” that is, I do not look for any achievement by my own efforts. Rather “Christ lives in me” and the life I live and the things that I do are “by faith,” that is, done in dependence on the Son of God working in and through me.

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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