Entering Into Rest

Entering Into Rest

“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Heb. 4:1-2.

We know that only Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land, because the word which they had heard was mixed with faith in them, so they became one with the promises. Num. 13-14.

There are also many people in these days who hear about victory over sin, but they do not believe that it is possible. They do not believe that Jesus has made it possible for us. We read in 1 Peter 4:1-3: “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.”

If we become one with the promises by faith, we will experience what we read. Otherwise, Christ suffered in the flesh in vain, and we cannot arm ourselves in order to come to the life that Peter proclaimed. We read further in verses 12 and 13: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now ‘if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet. 4:14-19.

If we become one with these words, we will partake of a glorious life for time and eternity. We will have rest in all the various circumstances that might meet us. Thanks be to God for all the grace we receive when we become one with God’s Word.