Rest
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4.1-3
The word in our text that translates “rest” (katápausis) is found only eight times in the New Testament. This word indicates more than a cessation of activity. It indicates calmness in someone’s heart and soul – literally, a peaceful and serene spirit because the soul has found a resting place. And, it occurs only once outside of the book of Hebrews. (See Acts 7.49)
There are other Greek words that translate as “rest,” which have various meanings. Matthew uses
“anápausis” in Matthew 11.29 when quoting the Savior who invites the wayward to come to Him for rest. This word suggests that rest is available, but not yet realized. Jesus invites those who are weary and worn to come to Him in faith believing. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11.28, 29) Antithetical to those who may find rest for their weary souls in and through Christ, there are the spiritual enemies who will never find this rest (Matthew 12.43); but, are destined to roam about in dry places apart from any hope of peace.
In Romans 2.17 and Luke 10.6 the word “restest” and “rest” translate the Greek word “epanapaúō” which suggests that someone has gained some information and they are resting their argument upon what they have learned. In Romans, Paul suggests that resting one’s case on the Law – even while professing faith in God – is inefficient in gaining an effective relationship with God. (Romans 2.16, 17)
Meanwhile, the writer of the book of Hebrews uses “rest” (katápausis) seven times in Hebrews 3 and 4. There seems to be some labor involved in attaining this rest so we cannot suggest it indicates working towards gaining salvation. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in the finished work of Christ. (See Titus 3.5) This “rest” is applied to the resting of God following the completion of Creation. God ceased His working – all was finished – so, He could enjoy the product of His undertaking. (Hebrews 4.4)
The writer of Hebrews assures his readers that those who enter into a saving relationship with God “do enter” into His rest. God has not given His children to extreme anxiety or to shaky emotionalism. God offers to His children rest – a dwelling place within the peaceful embrace of our heavenly Father. It is a sad situation, indeed, for those who have believed unto salvation not to lay hold of the solace offered to each one. What God offers has been founded since the beginning of time and it is guaranteed by the character of the One making the offer. Today, lay all of your cares and anxieties squarely on the shoulders of God. He is more than capable to bear them for you.
“For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4.3-6)
There are other Greek words that translate as “rest,” which have various meanings. Matthew uses
“anápausis” in Matthew 11.29 when quoting the Savior who invites the wayward to come to Him for rest. This word suggests that rest is available, but not yet realized. Jesus invites those who are weary and worn to come to Him in faith believing. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11.28, 29) Antithetical to those who may find rest for their weary souls in and through Christ, there are the spiritual enemies who will never find this rest (Matthew 12.43); but, are destined to roam about in dry places apart from any hope of peace.
In Romans 2.17 and Luke 10.6 the word “restest” and “rest” translate the Greek word “epanapaúō” which suggests that someone has gained some information and they are resting their argument upon what they have learned. In Romans, Paul suggests that resting one’s case on the Law – even while professing faith in God – is inefficient in gaining an effective relationship with God. (Romans 2.16, 17)
Meanwhile, the writer of the book of Hebrews uses “rest” (katápausis) seven times in Hebrews 3 and 4. There seems to be some labor involved in attaining this rest so we cannot suggest it indicates working towards gaining salvation. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in the finished work of Christ. (See Titus 3.5) This “rest” is applied to the resting of God following the completion of Creation. God ceased His working – all was finished – so, He could enjoy the product of His undertaking. (Hebrews 4.4)
The writer of Hebrews assures his readers that those who enter into a saving relationship with God “do enter” into His rest. God has not given His children to extreme anxiety or to shaky emotionalism. God offers to His children rest – a dwelling place within the peaceful embrace of our heavenly Father. It is a sad situation, indeed, for those who have believed unto salvation not to lay hold of the solace offered to each one. What God offers has been founded since the beginning of time and it is guaranteed by the character of the One making the offer. Today, lay all of your cares and anxieties squarely on the shoulders of God. He is more than capable to bear them for you.
“For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4.3-6)
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/