Hebrews 4 on 9/6 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

The promise of entering God’s rest still stands, so the writer urges us to take care that none of us miss it through unbelief (Heb. 4:1). Just as Israel heard God’s good news in the wilderness but failed to believe, so we too must unite hearing with faith (Heb. 4:2; Num. 14:7–9). God’s “rest” began at creation when He rested on the seventh day (Gen. 2:2), and Psalm 95 shows that this rest was still open long after Joshua led Israel into the land (Heb. 4:7–8). Therefore, the true Sabbath rest is not merely a piece of land but the lasting rest found in Christ—freedom from striving to earn righteousness and the eternal joy of being in God’s presence (Matt. 11:28–29; Heb. 4:9–10).

Because this promise remains, we are told to “strive to enter that rest” (Heb. 4:11). This doesn’t mean working for salvation but persevering in faith and obedience. God’s Word exposes our hearts, sharper than any two-edged sword, showing whether our faith is genuine (Heb. 4:12–13). Nothing is hidden from God; He sees everything, and we must give account.

At the same time, we are not left alone. We have a great High Priest—Jesus, the Son of God—who has passed through the heavens (Heb. 4:14). Unlike Israel’s priests, Jesus is without sin, yet He sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way as we are (Heb. 4:15). Because of Him, we can draw near with confidence to God’s throne of grace, finding mercy and help in our time of need (Heb. 4:16). This is the heart of the gospel: rest in Christ’s finished work and confidence in His intercession.

🌀 Reflection:
God’s rest is both “already” and “not yet.” In Christ, we taste it now—resting from the burden of earning salvation—but we also look forward to its fullness in the new creation (Rev. 21:1–4). The Word of God reminds us that half-hearted faith cannot stand. Yet Jesus, our sinless and sympathetic High Priest, opens the way to the throne of grace. True rest is not found in ourselves but in Him.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Invite someone to experience God’s rest this week. Share how Jesus has freed you from striving to earn salvation and given you peace with God. A personal testimony about finding rest in Christ could be the encouragement they need to believe today.