The concept of entering into God’s rest is an important theme in the Bible, particularly in the book of Hebrews. At its core, entering God’s rest refers to ceasing from our own works and finding rest in Christ. It’s about trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross rather than trying to earn salvation through our own efforts. Let’s explore this biblical concept more fully.
The Old Testament Background
The idea of entering God’s rest first shows up in the Old Testament, starting with the creation account in Genesis. After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day (Gen 2:2). This seventh day rest provided a pattern for the commandment to observe Sabbath rest given to the Israelites: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:8).
God called the Israelites to imitate His pattern of working for six days and resting on the seventh. This weekly Sabbath rest was more than just physical; it was also to serve as a reminder of their redemption from slavery in Egypt (Deut 5:15). It reminded the Israelites that God had delivered them by His own power, not theirs. Observing Sabbath rest was an act of trusting in God’s provision.
The concept of rest also applied to the Promised Land itself. As the Israelites were preparing to enter Canaan, Moses spoke of the “rest” that God was giving them there (Deut 12:9). After 40 years in the wilderness, God had brought them to a land of abundance where they could cease their wanderings and enter His rest. Joshua later reinforced this idea, saying, “The LORD your God has given you rest and has granted you this land” (Josh 1:13).
Yet entering the Promised Land did not fully fulfill God’s intention of rest for His people. Centuries later, King David spoke of it as something still future: “For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant….For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy” (Psalm 119:65; 92:4). The complete rest God intended was not fully realized in the Old Testament.
Rest in Hebrews
The New Testament picks up this theme of rest and applies it to salvation in Christ. The clearest teaching on this is in the book of Hebrews, which has more to say about rest than any other New Testament book. The author warns his readers of the danger of not entering God’s rest:
“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” (Heb 4:1). His audience was tempted to revert to trusting in the laws and works of Judaism to earn salvation rather than relying on Christ. So the author appeals to them to enter the complete rest found in Christ.
He points back to the Old Testament examples of rest—God’s rest at creation, Israel’s rest in the Promised Land—and says these did not fully accomplish God’s intended rest for His people: “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” (Heb 4:8-9). Entering Canaan brought only temporary, physical rest. God’s ultimate purpose was a deeper, spiritual rest that comes through Christ.
The author explains that those who have faith in Christ enter into this fuller rest and cease from their labors, just as God rested from His creative work (Heb 4:10). We can stop striving to earn salvation and rest confidently in what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. The internal anxiety and fear of those trying to merit their own salvation is replaced with the peace of those resting in God’s grace.
Requirements for Entering God’s Rest
So what are the requirements for entering God’s rest? The book of Hebrews highlights a few key conditions:
Believe in the gospel
The gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ—provides the only access to God’s rest. The author warns, “We also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed” (Heb 4:2). Hearing the gospel is not enough; we must respond with faith in Christ. Unbelief shuts us out of God’s rest.
Trust in Christ’s righteousness
In a key passage, the author proclaims that “anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (Heb 4:10). We must cease trusting in our own works and righteousness to earn favor with God. Instead, we trust in the finished work of Christ and accept His righteousness in place of our own. Righteousness before God cannot be earned; it is received by faith.
Surrender anxieties and fears
Those who have entered God’s rest have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). They are no longer driven by worries and fears about earning salvation or measuring up to God’s standards. They rest in the certainty of God’s grace and acceptance through Christ. This inner peace comes from laying down our striving and resting in the truth of the gospel.
Obey God
Although good works can’t earn salvation, the author notes that entering God’s rest still requires obedience: “For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed” (Heb 4:2, emphasis added). True faith produces obedience to God. Belief in Christ’s finished work does not make our own obedience unimportant.
So in summary, entering God’s rest requires repentance from dead works and placing one’s complete trust in the atoning death of Christ for salvation. This brings eternal peace, rest from striving, and freedom from fear. And all who have entered God’s rest now walk in new life and obedience to His commands.
Rest Is Both a Present Reality and a Future Hope
The author of Hebrews indicates that God’s rest is something we can experience in the present while also awaiting its future fulfillment:
Present rest
When we place our faith in Christ, we enter into God’s rest in the here and now. We cease from our dead works and find rest in Christ’s redeeming work. The trials and anxieties of trying to earn salvation are replaced with peace and assurance. We rest in the truth that we are accepted by God because of Christ’s righteousness.
Future rest
There is also a future aspect to God’s rest. The author of Hebrews encourages his readers to make every effort to enter that rest, suggesting it can still be forfeited or missed out on (Heb 4:11). Full realization of God’s intended rest remains in the future. Just as Canaan could not contain God’s entire purpose of rest for Israel, neither does salvation in the present age fulfill God’s plan of rest for His people. This awaits eternal glory in the direct presence of God.
Paul touches on this future rest in describing the hope of resurrection: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” (Heb 4:9). Entering God’s final rest requires perseverance in faith until the end. Thankfully, Christ intercedes for His people and promises nothing can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28-29). But we must continue walking in obedient faith to enter our full inheritance.
Practical Applications
How should a proper understanding of “entering God’s rest” impact us practically? Here are a few key applications:
Evaluate the basis of your salvation
Resting in our own good works is exhausting! God’s rest requires laying down trust in our own righteousness and relying fully on Christ’s redeeming work. Take time to examine whether you are resting in Christ or your own efforts. Repent of any tendency to earn favor with God through religious striving rather than receiving His grace.
Take a Sabbath rest
God designed the weekly Sabbath not only for physical refreshment but also to remind us of salvation through faith. Setting aside a day for spiritual renewal is a practical way to practice resting in Christ. Turn off the smartphone, stop the hustle, and enjoy fellowship with God.
Cast your cares on Jesus
Anxiety is often a sign we have stopped resting in Christ and have begun relying on ourselves. Combat fear and worry by meditating on gospel truths and entrusting your burdens to Jesus (1 Pet 5:7). He cares for you, so rest in His capable hands.
Pursue holiness in Christ
While good works can’t earn salvation, entering God’s rest always results in obedience. From a place of rest in Jesus, follow Him into righteous living with the power of the Spirit. Seek to bring rest to others by sharing the hope of the gospel.
Conclusion
Entering God’s rest is both a present reality for believers who trust in Christ and a future hope that awaits the people of God. Though imperfectly experienced now, the rest we find in Jesus delivers us from striving and fear. And it motivates us to invite others into this place of assurance and peace. God’s rest remains an open invitation to all who place their faith in the finished work of Christ and surrender to Him as Lord. Will you accept His offer?