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- Oct 26, 2007
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Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 NKJV
How often have you heard it said, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is”? That’s a great perspective when you’re shopping for used cars or considering a “can’t miss” investment opportunity. But don’t allow that generally accurate statement to color your understanding of the Christian life. Salvation is totally free, a generous gift from a merciful God, an offer of everlasting life that requires nothing but your acceptance.
Why, then, does Hebrews urge us to “make every effort” to enter God’s rest?
We must recognize that our salvation is not by works but to works. We are saved by God’s grace, which empowers us to do good things. Sometimes those good things will require “every effort.” Growth in grace, the process called sanctification, is actually hard work.
According to Hebrews, the work is now, in this life. We must keep our hearts soft before God (Hebrews 4:7). We must allow God’s Word to fill and change us (Hebrews 4:12). We must “hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14). We must regularly, confidently, approach God in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
Having done these things (and many others as taught in scripture), we can be assured of “a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). The rest is coming. Now is the work.
Prayer: Father in heaven, empower me for the good work You call me to do.
How often have you heard it said, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is”? That’s a great perspective when you’re shopping for used cars or considering a “can’t miss” investment opportunity. But don’t allow that generally accurate statement to color your understanding of the Christian life. Salvation is totally free, a generous gift from a merciful God, an offer of everlasting life that requires nothing but your acceptance.
Why, then, does Hebrews urge us to “make every effort” to enter God’s rest?
We must recognize that our salvation is not by works but to works. We are saved by God’s grace, which empowers us to do good things. Sometimes those good things will require “every effort.” Growth in grace, the process called sanctification, is actually hard work.
According to Hebrews, the work is now, in this life. We must keep our hearts soft before God (Hebrews 4:7). We must allow God’s Word to fill and change us (Hebrews 4:12). We must “hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14). We must regularly, confidently, approach God in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
Having done these things (and many others as taught in scripture), we can be assured of “a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). The rest is coming. Now is the work.
Prayer: Father in heaven, empower me for the good work You call me to do.
