LABOR TO REST

Hebrews 4:11

 

Self-righteousness is the horrid inclination of our proud flesh. We all want to be saved by something we do. Most all religious people talk about grace, and love to sing, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” But no sinner will naturally give up his own righteousness and trust Christ alone for salvation.

 

Strive to Enter

 

If we would rest in Christ alone and be saved by the grace of God that is in him, “we must lay aside the sin (self-righteousness) which doth so easily beset us.” We must strive to enter in at the strait gate, because we all want to walk in the broad way.

 

If we would be saved, we must labor to quit working. We must labor to enter into that great, eternal rest of glory with Christ in heaven. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest.”

 

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.There is a great, eternal sabbath to be obtained. In heaven’s glory we will enjoy an eternal remembrance of redemption, an endless, perfect consecration to Christ, and everlasting rest. This is the hope set before us.

 

Some Must Enter

 

Some have already entered into that rest. “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” I have already shown you how this applies to Christ. But the text applies to Christ’s people, too. It speaks of the rest into which God’s elect enter by faith here, and in heavenly glory hereafter.

 

Many could not enter in because of unbelief. Those who have entered in have ceased from their own works. They have quit trusting in themselves. They have quit trying to do something to win God’s favor. There are some who “must enter therein.” There is a great multitude, chosen in eternity and redeemed at Calvary, who must and shall enter into this rest.

 

Rest or Death

 

Let us therefore labor (strive) to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief!” This is what Paul speaks of in Philippians 3:7-14. The penalty for not keeping the sabbath is still death. We will either rest in Christ or die under the wrath of God (John 3:36).