The Christology of Hebrews 4: Entering into God's Rest

From the Diary of a faithful scribbler, our journey continues. Once again 'Therefore' features at the beginning of this chapter. Therefore is used to show how a sentence or a clause is related to what has already been said. Having understood the superiority of Jesus Christ, His glorious humanity and position as our Apostle and High Priest and the promised Rest. The author carries on the idea that unbelief hindered the the generation that left Egypt from entering Canaan. The clarion call is, "Don't miss God's Rest"

From this passage we learn that:
1. There's a promise that stands to date, that is, entering God's rest, v.1.
2. A person can fall short of the promised Rest because of unbelief, v.1.
3. The key to enter into God's Rest is by Faith, v.1; 3:1-19.
4. The Israelites heard the messge preached to them, they heard about the promise of God's Rest but it didn't profit them because of unbelief,v. 2.
5. Having heard the message of Jesus, we all have an opportunity to receive and enter God's Rest, v.3.

Proof of God's Rest
1. It's after the pattern of God's own rest stated in reference to cessation of work, Gen 2:2; Heb. 4:4a.
2. There's a definite place of rest for God's Rest, v. 6a.
3. This rest is spiritual as well as physical, v.10.
4. Entering into God's Rest is by Faith and obedience.

Application of the invitation to enter God's Rest
1. Be diligent to enter into God's by Faith, v. 11.
2. Give careful consideration to God's Word. It is alive and active; sharper and penetrating; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, v. 12. It exposes unbelief, generates and fuels faith, Rom 10:17.

Up to verse 13, the central theme is about being diligent to enter into God's Rest by Faith. Certainly, there's a rest to be entered into. Having considered the supremacy of Christ, it is great tragedy to ignore JESUS Christ. Today, if you hear His voice do not harden your heart. Have you responded to JESUS?

Yours faithfully,
NzakuNashipae