RTW 2024

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.

Hebrews 4:1

The writer refers to 3 rests

• The rest God took on the Sabbath. (Genesis)
• The rest of the Israelites in Cannan. (Joshua)
• The rest of every Believer today.

And the promise of rest for those who have yet to believe and trust in Jesus.

“Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” 
Hebrews 4:7b (Psalm 95:7-8)

John Owen, a Puritan commentator described five features of this rest for the believer:

• Rest means peace with God.
• Rest means freedom from a servile, bondage-like spirit in the worship and service of God.
• Rest means deliverance from the burden of Mosaic observance.
• Rest means the freedom of worship according to the gospel.
• Rest means the rest that God Himself enjoys.

The writer is concerned that many won’t enter into this rest, and suggests that we should be concerned. Unbelief kept the Israelites from God’s rest, and unbelief continues to keep individuals from God’s rest.

Am I concerned that others will not enter into this rest? (Hebrews 4:1)

“Of course I’m concerned.”

But do you tremble?

And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest.
Hebrews 3:1

Partners with those in heaven means we are all part of the heavenly calling to make heaven crowded.

Pray that I grow to tremble at the thought that many will miss this rest.