Q3. The Promise of Eternal Rest

[Marloes]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

I think he means to rest in Jesus.

Whatever happens, it's not allowed to control our minds.

We can give it to Jesus and then have inner peace.

We have to make every effort to get that rest.

We all sin.

It's about how we try to resist temptation.

If we give in to sin every time, and don't try to resist, we're rebellious.

Only sometimes temptation is to hard.

Then we try to resist but fail.

[Ramon]

Answer:Rest here I think,is COMPLETE TRUST AND RELIANCE IN JESUS CHRIST,THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH(Hebrews 12:2- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God).

In believing and putting our Faith in Jesus,will we find rest,that is rest in our work,or self righteous mentality,in trying to save ourselves through our own deeds.--Hebrews 4:10(Amplified)For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors [f]peculiarly His own.

That is why the writer speaks in making every effort to enter into his rest,this is the only WORK THAT GOD IS EXPECTING FROM US,only if we consider it work. To enter God

[iam4_1god]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

Rest in Jesus, knowing that Jesus is the One who has provided everything we need through His death on the cross. No more worrying-trust in Jesus to take care of us.

If we are given new life in Jesus, then we can't be worried, or afraid. Trust in Jesus is part of the life of a believer! Having confidence in Jesus to do what He says He will do. This is a struggle for us humans-we want "instant potatoes" faith. "Name it, claim it".

Apostacy is wanting to hear what we want to hear-falling into sin is subtly falling into sin, and then denying that it is sin.

We need to renew our minds each and every day. We can't let our guard down, because of what Ephesians chapter 6 talks about. The devil is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour-that's us!

[blezed]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

1) The promise of rest for believers is peace with God now because of our relationship with Him thru faith. It can also mean Promise Land of Canaan.

2) We should make every effort to enter 'rest' so we don't miss out on the promise land.

3) Apostasy is turning your back on God. Falling into sin is something we do every day unintentionally.

[jacquie7]

Rest for every believer I think means resting in the peace of God now and in eternity. We can enjoy the peace of God right now every day. If we enter God’s rest we can stand and not fall by following the same disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness.

I understand apostasy to mean -- falling away, withdrawal, or defection. This to me is not exactly the same as falling occasionally into sin. Falling into sin from time to time does not mean desertion from God though it takes us away from Him, we can always repent and He will forgive us. However, to withdraw or defect is to renounce or desert Him most likely with no intent to return to Him, although one can repent and return back to Him also. God is good! He will always keep a watchful eye on His lost sheep.

[Old Jerry]

I think that the writer of Hebrews means that when we get to heaven we will be in the rest that was promised. But this will happen if we keep our faith in Jesus Christ. So when he says to make every effort to enter that “rest” he is saying to keep the faith.

 

When we fall in to sin we don’t have to stay there if we have faith that the Lord will deliver us.

 

 

[needmyzzz]

I don't believe that this rest is simply talking about the finished rest we will experience when we get to heaven. It really has to be more than that. I believe it represents a place of settled peace and trust in God, particularly during times of testing or desert times in our Christian walk. It's easy or easier to have faith and trust in a good God when we have no struggles and all is going great. However, when we come into desert seasons-failing health, finances, relationships or other times of testing, what is our response? Do we grumble, complain, harden our hearts and even go astray in our hearts? Or do we enter into the rest He has already provided by trusting in and leaning on Him completely. If this rest was only meaning heaven, would the Spirit have said TODAY, if you hear His voice? Today we can experience His rest and peace in the midst of our struggles and storms. That rest, or settled peace, was a rest they could have experienced while on this earth by trusting in God. As it says in Isaiah: He will keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him. They couldn't enter this rest because of unbelief. If it was only meaning the future rest in heaven, the writer of Hebrews would not have said NOW we who have believed ENTER that rest..." It does not say WILL enter which would indicate future. The word TODAY is mentioned 5 times in chapters 3 and 4. Today we can enter His rest in the midst of our earthly struggles, and in the future we can experience the completion of this rest as we abide with Him eternally.

The fact that the writer urges us to make every effort to enter this rest shows me that he is not only talking about the final rest in heaven. That has been accomplished by Christ and we only must believe and remain faithful. However, it is an effort to go through this life and remain in His peace- to rest, to continue believing and trusting God despite the storms we go through.That place of settled peace takes effort on our part.

Apostasy is the total desertion and turning away from God. It is a conscious choice to reject a faith you once had. Sin separates us from God temporarily, but when we repent, turn in a new direction, God is faithful to forgive and restore fellowship.

[lighthouse2014]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

I believe the writer of Hebrews means that the promise of rest for the believer is that eternal rest with our Lord in the eternal Kingdom of God.

The writer of Hebrews urges us, the believers of Jesus Christ, to make every effort to continue in our faith and confidence in the Lord. That if we follow his commandments and live a life worthy of his holiness we will live life eternally in Heaven with Him.

The difference between apostasy and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians may fall into from time to time is; in apostasy a person has tasted the goodness of Christ and the Holy Spirit and he later turns back into the world and indulges in all the worldly desires. Here he knowingly rejects Christ and his work and decides to follow the worldly ways again and never returns to Christ. A Christian, who may at times fall into sin, realizes what he has done. he repents of his sin for offending the Lord and or his neighbor and repents of the sin and ask for forgiveness from the Lord and prays for strength not to fall into sin again. He has not rejected Christ as the apostate has. he knows who he has redeemed his soul.   

[Jerseyj]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

[Jerseyj]

I believe he is talking about the eternal rest we will receive when we go to be with the Lord. Be on our guard so we are not led into sin.

[Paula Price]

Those who continue in the faith and are obedient to God will enter into his rest, which is a promise God makes.  the rest is heaven where we will share in the glory of being in the presence of God. The writer is urging the believers, because they are at a point of turning from their faith, they are being tempted by sin to turn  their backs on the living God who has been their provider and creator for centuries. He is telling them not to be like their ancestors in the wilderness who did not obey and did not cross over to the promised land but died in the wilderness because of their lack of faith, but do all you can to continue to trust and believe in order to receive the rest that is promised.  Apostasy is the turning away or giving up the faith in God. It is a deliberate act of or choosing to not believe and walk in the faith. A falling away into sin is not turning away from God but doing wrong mistaking ,or being tempted, then realizing it and asking for forgiveness and seeking his mercy and grace to not to sin again.  God knows we are weak and will sin, but when we repent and turn from sin back to him, he is merciful to us and gives us a way to be redeemed back to him, that way is through Jesus Christ.  We are to pray and exalt each other, lift each other up in the faith, so not to fall into sin or apostasy.

[Godswriter]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

I believe the writer means eternal rest with Christ where we worship Christ forever. He tells us this because of the example of Israelites and how they chose to not to trust in the promises of God at the time of conquering of the Land of Canaan. Apostasy is the falling away and rejection of Christ. While temptation is temporary and we come back to God.

[Jesus Follower]

On 4/14/2007 at 5:08 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

Eternal salvation in Heaven with God 

To live like we are headed to heaven and be good examples, so that we can have a consistent witness with words and deeds to those around us.

Apostasy shows faith wasn't saving faith.  Those who are saved will endure, by God's strength.

[Godswriter]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

The promise of rest that is being written about is eternal rest in heaven after our work on earth is over. Apostasy from Christ is when someone actively chooses to reject Christ and turn from the faith and become an unbeliever. Falling into sin is when we as believers don't listen to the Holy Spirit and choose to obey Him in all matters and sin instead. 

[royk]

(Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

Apostasy from Christ is like suicide. Even the thought of it makes me shudder. Repenting is necessary, and asking God to show us how to resist temptation, which He always does, though we often ignore Him. This is helping me understand and further digest this morning, the big picture of Hebrews, and importance of holding on to faith in God's word. 

[royk]

The author of Hebrews refers to His promise of "rest" for the believer: As to when we are in His presence, this is holy and sacred, hopefully not just for a few seconds during life moments? Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? Jesus commanded us in John 15 to remain in Him

Apostasy from Christ is the horror of death and eternal damnation, this is not the kind of   sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

We praise God for His grace and Glory in our lives   

[Dove81]

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer?

I believe the writer meant resting in God’s finished works. Trusting and believing that all his promises and plans for our live will come to pass. That he will take care of us and leadn and guide us in this life, so that we cane share his word and he can get the glory out of our lives. I also believe that we will have eternal rest in heaven, while we are still in the land of the living we are to rest in his finished works.

 

Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"?
I think many think they can enter that rest by their good works. Of trying to achieve more in this lifetime or thinking if they labor kore this week they’ll have more money an can rest and relax on a vacation. Thats us doing works which God didn’t ask us to do.

What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

Apostasy is completely turning away from God. All believers sin daily, theres no way we cannot. We walk around in our flesh which is sinful. The most important thing is that as believes we are to repent daily. Continuously remain in communication with God and in study of his word. None of us can live a life free of sin because none of us are perfect and God knows this which is why he sent his son to take on all our sins( Romans 8:3) As well as why God will continue a good work in us until Christ Jesus returns (Philippines 1:6).