Big idea
Because eternal life is a free gift received by faith in Christ, we can in His finished work; yet because a future kingdom rest remains, we are called to persevere in faith, obedience, and endurance so that we may inherit the coming kingdom reward.
1
The Promise of
- Israel experienced deliverance from Egypt but failed to enter Canaan because of .
- Coming out of Egypt and entering Canaan were not the same event:
- Egypt: deliverance/redemption
- Canaan: inheritance/possession
- The warning is not that Christ's sacrifice is insufficient or that we must work to maintain eternal life.
- The warning is to continue believing God so that we do not miss the rest and inheritance He has promised.
2
The Two Rests: Present Salvation and Future
- Present Rest: Salvation by Faith
- Eternal life is a , not a reward for good works.
- We cease from trying to establish our own righteousness and rest in Christ.
- Our confidence for eternal life rests completely upon Him.
- Future Rest: Kingdom Rest
- Joshua brought Israel into Canaan, but God's promise of rest was not exhausted there.
- Hebrews points beyond present salvation to a future rest that .
- The future kingdom points toward the coming reign of Christ and His righteous government.
- The kingdom is God's promised work, yet believers are warned not to miss participation in it through unbelief.
- Key distinction:
- Eternal life: a gift received by faith
- Kingdom inheritance: a future reward associated with faithfulness
- Salvation: resting in Christ's finished work
- Kingdom participation: persevering in faith toward the coming rest
3
The Gift and the
- Eternal Life Is a Gift
- Eternal life is not purchased through perseverance, obedience, religious activity, or Christian service.
- We believe in Christ and receive life.
- Christ has the work.
- Kingdom Inheritance Is Presented as a Reward
- Scripture also speaks of believers:
- Inheriting the kingdom
- Receiving crowns
- Being rewarded
- Reigning with Christ
- Being approved at His appearing
- These passages introduce a different category from the free gift of eternal life.
- The issue is not whether Christ will remain faithful to save us. The issue pressed by Hebrews is whether we will remain in following Him.
- Scripture also speaks of believers:
4
Persevere in Faith to Enter the Coming
- Rest and Labor
- Rest from our works as the basis of righteousness. Hebrews 4:10
- Labor to enter the future rest. Hebrews 4:11
- We do not work for eternal life; we persevere toward the .
- We do not work to become God's children; we persevere as God's children.
- We do not earn salvation; we pursue kingdom reward.
- We rest in Christ's finished work; we labor faithfully in view of His coming kingdom.
- What Does It Mean to Labor?
- Persevere.
- Keep believing.
- Keep obeying.
- Keep trusting.
- Keep walking.
- Keep your heart tender.
- Don't turn back.
- Don't become spiritually lazy.
- Don't allow persecution to destroy your faith.
- Don't let temporary circumstances become more real than God's eternal promises.
- There is a kingdom coming.
- There is a reward ahead.
- There is a rest that remains.
- “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9