The concept of entering into God’s rest is found in the Bible, particularly in the book of Hebrews. It refers to ceasing from one’s own works and entrusting fully in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Entering God’s rest requires faith and obedience. It brings peace, comfort, and spiritual refreshment. This article will examine the biblical foundation for entering God’s rest, what it means, and how believers can experience it.
Old Testament Background
The concept of entering God’s rest has its background in the Old Testament, going back to the creation account. After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). This established the pattern of the Sabbath, a day of rest on the seventh day.
When God later delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He promised to bring them into the promised land, described as “a land of rest” (Deuteronomy 12:9). After 40 years in the wilderness because of disobedience, the Israelites finally entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. Yet Hebrews 4:8 explains that Joshua did not give them complete rest.
Ultimately, entering God’s rest refers spiritually to salvation in Christ. The promised land did not provide the ultimate fulfillment of God’s rest.
Rest Definition in Hebrews 4
The Book of Hebrews has the most complete teaching on entering God’s rest. Hebrews 4:1-11 says:
“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it…There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.”
According to this passage, God’s rest has been available since creation. However, people have not entered it because of unbelief and disobedience, like the wilderness generation of Israelites who were barred from Canaan.
The word “rest” here comes from the Greek word katapausis meaning “rest” or “cessation from labor.” It refers to the peace and trust that comes from knowing God has finished His redemptive work on our behalf through Christ.
Two types of rest
There are two types of God’s rest described:
- A present rest – This is ceasing from one’s own works to earn salvation and instead trusting fully in Christ’s finished work.
- A future rest – This is the full realization of salvation in heaven, pictured as Canaan was for the Israelites.
Entering God’s rest starts when we place saving faith in Jesus. We can then experience rest day by day as we surrender our anxieties and striving to the Lord.
Requirements for Entering God’s Rest
Hebrews explains several requirements for entering God’s rest:
Having faith
We must have faith in Jesus Christ, recognizing we can’t work for or earn salvation (Hebrews 4:3). Faith means resting on and trusting in what God has done through Jesus rather than our own efforts.
Attention and intention
We must pay careful attention to God’s Word and actively pursue entering His rest (Hebrews 4:1,11). We can’t be passive but must devote ourselves to seek Christ wholeheartedly.
Obedience
Disobedience kept the Israelites from entering God’s rest in Canaan (Hebrews 4:6). In the same way, disobedience and unbelief can keep people from God’s spiritual rest today. We obtain rest through faith and obedience.
Ceasing from works
We must cease from works to earn salvation and rest completely in Christ’s redemptive work (Hebrews 4:10). Relying on our own morality or good deeds can never lead to true rest.
How to Enter God’s Rest
Practically speaking, how can believers enter God’s rest and experience it daily? Consider these tips:
Come to Christ
First, make sure you have entered salvation rest by receiving Christ as Savior. Understand you can’t earn salvation but only gain it as an undeserved gift by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Trust God’s character and promises
Gain peace by remembering who God is – all-loving, all-knowing and all-powerful. Consider His promises to care for you and work everything out for your good (Romans 8:28).
Surrender anxiety and striving
Let go of anxious thought and cease from striving in your own strength. Give those burdens to Christ and let His peace rule your heart (Philippians 4:6-7).
Abide in Christ
Abide in close fellowship with Jesus each day through prayer, worship, God’s Word and obedience. As you do, His rest will naturally overflow into your life.
Obey God wholeheartedly
Strive to obey God fully with a trusting heart. Disobedience blocks rest, while obedience enables it. Determine to follow God’s ways.
Apply Sabbath principles
Apply Sabbath principles by setting aside regular times of rest and recharging spiritually. Don’t get burned out by busyness and constantly working.
Benefits of Entering God’s Rest
Many wonderful benefits come from entering God’s rest, including:
Salvation and eternal life
Entering God’s rest through faith in Christ brings salvation and eternal life instead of eternal separation from God.
Peace and comfort
Resting in God brings deep peace and comfort even in difficult times, as anxieties are released to Christ.
Rest and refreshment
God’s rest provides physical, mental and spiritual rest and refreshment as we cease from our own labors and worries.
Freedom from legalism
Legalism and performance are replaced by freedom in Christ and His finished work as we rest in that truth.
Intimacy with God
As we surrender all to Christ, we experience greater intimacy and closeness with God.
Power for ministry
Entering God’s rest fuels and empowers everything we do in serving God and others. Ministry flows out of abiding rest.
Witness to others
Our rest in Christ allows us to be a witness for Christ to a restless world constantly seeking inner peace.
Conclusion
Entering God’s rest brings tremendous spiritual blessings. By ceasing from our own works and fully trusting in Christ’s finished work, we can find salvation, peace, refreshment and intimacy with God. A relationship with Jesus is the only way to find true rest for our souls. God calls every person to enter His rest through faith in Christ. As we abide in humble obedience, we will experience God’s rest more fully day by day.