Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to enter into God’s rest? In this Bible study, we explore the deep meaning of rest in God’s context and how it relates to our faith journey. Through examining various aspects of belief, practice, and relationship with God, we discover important truths about genuine faith versus mere religious observance.

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, Hebrews 4:9

• God’s rest is presented in three different ways throughout the text: as God’s peace, as entering the promised land, and as God’s eternal rest. The rabbis noted that the seventh day of creation had no mentioned evening, suggesting God’s rest is eternal.
• It is possible to witness God’s power and miracles yet still harbor unbelief, as demonstrated by the Israelites who saw God’s miracles in Egypt but failed to maintain true faith.
• True belief requires not just intellectual acknowledgment but active practice - believing, receiving God into our lives, and practicing His teachings through obedience and fellowship.
• The concept of the Sabbath was designed for man’s benefit, allowing specific time with God to develop a deeper relationship, rather than serving as a legal burden.
• The catastrophic consequence of unbelief is failing to enter God’s eternal rest, despite His provision of salvation through Christ.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Jesus desires more than religious adherence, he seeks a genuine relationship with His people. The message emphasises that while Jesus has made a way for us to confidently approach God’s throne of grace, we should do so with reverence and not casual familiarity. Jesus is portrayed not just as a Savior, but as the Lord God Almighty who deserves our wholehearted devotion and respect.

Bible References

• Hebrews 4
• Numbers 14