Post by tomdurst on Mar 11, 2015 9:41:36 GMT -5
JESUS OUR SABBATH REST
"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience" Hebrews 4:9-11 NIV.
The Greek word “sabbatismos" which is translated here as “Sabbath-rest” occurs only once in the Bible. The Book of Hebrews delineates the failure of the Israelites to enter into that ultimate rest of God which was to be found in Jesus Christ. Indeed, when He came to earth with the full revelation of God most of His own people rejected Him (see John 1:11). At the time the Book of Hebrews was written some of the Jewish converts to Christ were in danger of going back to the law system which had now become obsolete. This would have been a total repudiation of the gospel message. Those of us who claim Jesus as our Savior are ever in danger of reverting to some kind of humanly devised “works” program. We have been deceived into thinking that the gospel is just for beginners and that we must advance beyond it to something higher and better in order to really be complete (see Galatians 3:1-3). The gospel must always be the focal point in our spiritual journey. Christ is always our righteousness (right standing with God) and He is our strength for everyday living as well. Only in Jesus Christ do we have complete rest from the onerous burden of trying to please God by any works that we could ever do. Also we are freed from having the need of conforming to popular culture. Since we are totally accepted in Him we need not seek the approval of others in order to be fulfilled (see Galatians 1:10). We must "make every effort to enter that rest” lest we "fall by following their example of disobedience.” Jesus Himself is the ultimate rest to which all of the law and prophets pointed but the chosen people never did “get it.” Are we doing much better (see Matthew 11:28-30)? That question can only be answered by each of us as we examine our own heart.
I invite you to read more about the gospel in the article CHRIST LIVES IN ME which is on the link below:
CHRIST LIVES IN ME
