How To Enter God’s Rest?–Part 1: The Problem

I am currently teaching through the book of Hebrews in my weekly Bible study here in Indianapolis.

 

Arguably, the most challenging, least understood, and under- or unrealized portion is “God’s rest” as presented in Hebrews 3:11-4:11, and elsewhere in Scripture.

 

So, I began this section this morning by asking my Bible study group these seven questions:

 

What is this rest?

 

Have you entered/attained it?

 

How do you enter it?

 

How do you fail to enter it?

 

Have you exited/stayed in it?

 

Was it attainable back in Bible times, or not?

 

Is it attainable now, or not?

 

The fact is, FOUR “rest” scenarios are presented in Scripture: 1) God resting after the competition of his work in the creation. 2) The Hebrews resting following the end of each work week on the Sabbath. 3) The Hebrews entering and settling into the Promised Land. 4) This final rest discussed in Hebrews 3 & 4 and elsewhere.

 

As you will see, during this projected four-part series, I’m convinced that most Christians have never entered God’s “Sabbath-rest” therein mentioned. Why not?  It’s because they either have been mistaught or have misconceived it.

 

I also believe God has given me some significant revelatory insights into what this rest of God truly is and how to enter it, here and now.  But I ask you to be the judge (a la 1 Thess. 5:21).

 

Another fact is, there are many different ideas about this fourth and final rest.  But before we get into the maze of views, what do you think this fourth and final rest of God is all about and how do we enter and stay in it today, or not?

 

I welcome your comments.

 

— Coming parts in this blog series – 

— How To Enter God’s Rest?—Part II: Maze of Views

— How To Enter God’s Rest?—Part III: The Premise for Its Basis

— How To Enter God’s Rest—Part IV: My Conclusion