In Hebrews 3, we read about Yeshua as our high priest and about how the Israelites were not permitted to enter his rest (the promised land) due to their unbelief. In a way, the Israelites entering the promised land through faith (or not entering for lack of faith), foreshadows our own opportunity with Yeshua as our Messiah. We have not earned our way to his rest, but we can find his rest through grace.
The Sabbath is another view which foreshadows ultimate rest. YHWH teaches us about physical rest on Sabbath days as a way of helping us physically but also helping us to understand the spiritual rest we may find in Yeshua. We can better understand the spiritual when we first understand the physical. That is why Yeshua taught in parables so often. The physical Sabbaths remain a meaningful instruction for us from the LORD. We also rest from relying on our works to earn salvation through Yeshua, but in doing so we should be following his example and instructions in how to live because we have submitted to him. Ultimately we also find rest when we die and are brought into the presence of the LORD and / or when the LORD returns for the millennial reign.
In all cases, the rest is not obsolete. In all cases, faith is required.
The Believer’s Rest
1Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.
3For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,
“AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH,
THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,”
although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”; 5and again in this passage, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.” 6Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience,
7He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
“TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”
8For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. 9So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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