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Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest...

Text: Hebrews 4:11

IS THERE CERTAINTY OF ENTERING INTO GOD’S REST?

There are two divergent views on this subject.

1. Certain Assurance

The first view insists that through faith in the Lord Jesus one is assured of entering God’s eternal rest! The following are common arguments for certainty of entering into God’s rest:-

a) It is based on the promise of the Scriptures to all who believe (Hebrews 4:3)

b) It is based on the atonement of Christ; He tasted death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9)

c) It is based on the fact that the Holy Spirit is our Seal and our Guarantee (Cf. Ephesians 1:13-14)

2. No Certain Assurance

The second view insists with equal strength that one cannot be certain of entering into God’s eternal rest! The following are some of the common reasons given.

a) Man is constantly sinning against God.

b) Man can end up with a hardened heart (Cf. Hebrews 3:8, 15)

c) Man can end up making God very angry because of unbelief (Cf. Hebrews 3:19)

SEEKING A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING

Let us take time to ponder the following text for our encouragement. (This text is sometimes quoted to defend the second view- erroneously).

“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest,
lest anyone fall according to the same example of
disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:11

1. This text simply serves as a warning to all who err on the side of presumption of faith.

2. “Disobedience” in this text and context is “characteristic hallmark” of the individual who does not genuinely believe in God.

3. True faith in the Lord Jesus should cause a person to be “diligent to enter that rest”.

4. The assurance of salvation has already been ascertained! Diligence is the ‘characteristic hallmark” of the person who has genuine faith in Christ!