In Hebrews 4:11, we read, “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest — lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
Sin is restless, and the sinner cannot enjoy true repose. Even many true believers do not enjoy the rest which God has provided for us under the gospel dispensation. Here the Apostle exhorts us to labor to enter into that rest.
He refers to the first Sabbath to illustrate his subject—this was God’s rest, and the day was set apart for man’s benefit. Creation was finished, and God had demonstrated and displayed His glorious perfections.
Jehovah appeared a satisfied God, filled with delight, having pronounced His work to be good, very good.
All creation acquiesced in God’s will and man’s happiness. All was lovely, obedient, and happy. Here was a beautiful garden, well furnished with all man could need, or really desire. And it was given to Adam for possession. Here, he was to keep the Sabbath, and enjoy rest.
The “rest” of the Christian is in the finished work of Christ, as a Redeemer, in which He displayed and harmonized all the perfections of Jehovah, in the everlasting salvation of every believer.
Here, God appears, delighted, filled with satisfaction, rejoicing again in the works of His hands, rejoicing over His people with joy, and keeping a Sabbath in His love.
