The Three Rests

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians not to reject Jesus Christ by returning to Judaism.

There are three “rests” found in the book of Hebrews; the “rest” of the promised-land for the Jews, God’s “rest’ on the seventh day after creating the earth and the eternal “rest” promised for God’s people that lasts for eternity.

The promised-land “rest” was a conditional rest. It was conditioned based upon obedience. A whole generation of Jews could not enter the promised-land due to their disobedience to God. They died in the wilderness and never received their rest (Heb. 3:19)

God worked and rested when he created the earth (Heb. 4:4) and he expects his people to follow his example.

God’s people, and in this case these Jewish Christians, have to maintain their obedient faith in Jesus Christ to enter into eternal rest. Their so called work is similar to the work of faith required of the Jews to enter the promised-land and is similar to God’s work of creating the world and then resting.

The message in the Book of Hebrews written to Jewish Christians is a call of warning to us all… our promise rest is conditioned upon obedient faith.

“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God (Jesus Christ) is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account”. Hebrews 4:11-12