Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it Hebrews 4:1-2 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrew 3:19 (NKJV)
The writer of Hebrews once more comes with a warning. In Hebrews 2:1, he had warned us to “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Both warnings had begun with a therefore, asking us to go back and consider the argument which proceeds. In Hebrews 2, the preceding argument had been: “Since God has now chosen to speak to us through Jesus Christ, we must take earnest heed to listen because Jesus was greater than the prophets and the angels through whom God had previously spoken. If we listened to them, much more we should listen to the truth taught by Jesus, God’s own Son. If we fail to listen, fail to take heed; we may let the only hope of salvation slip away from us.”
Now, once more Hebrews 4 opens with a grave warning that begins with a “therefore”. This time the warning very specifically is: “Since God’s promise of entering His rest (eternity in Paradise with Him) is on the line; be afraid, lest you come short of it because of unbelief.” Woah! Let’s stop a moment to dissect this. Does this mean I could lose my salvation after I have accepted Christ as my Savior? No!! There is: however, the question of whether you truly have come to a saving knowledge of Christ or not. So, please stay with me here while I try to break this down for you both through the argument made by the writer of Hebrews and by an example from life.
EXPLANATION FROM HEBREW
Chapter 3 was a detailed discussion regarding how Jesus was greater than Moses. Remember the writer is addressing the discussion with the early Christians who were from the Jewish nation. He used illustrations that they would be familiar with. There was a large remnant of the children of Israel who had seen the miraculous way in which God parted the Red Sea. They had been given the promise of a land that would be theirs. They had even seen glimpses of God’s Glory as Moses went up into the mountain where the law was given to him by God, written on tablets of stone. Still, there were many who did not believe; instead, they murmured. They wanted gifts from God; but, really they did not want God. They wanted their own way. “Give me what I ask for or I won’t worship you”, was their hearts cry. They died in the wilderness, never coming into God’s rest.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US?
Have you ever wondered about those who proclaim to be Christians, they join the church and then just walk away after a few years? Or maybe they stay; but, there seems to be no love of Jesus, no real hunger for His word, and no evidence of joy in their lives? Were they saved and then lost their salvation? Could it be that they accepted Christ and then just are drifting their way into heaven? Or could all this be that they have a head knowledge of Christ, are seeking the “benefits” and gifts; while, never really having their heart opened to Jesus as their Savior? Let us look at another scripture to guide us into the truth.
Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4: 11-13
BELIEF OR NO BELIEF
First of all, only God knows the heart of each who proclaim to be Christians. I dare not look upon anyone and even pretend to judge their heart. Humbled by my own frailties, I must not judge. The writer of Hebrews does not pretend to judge their hearts either. That is why the writer earnestly pleads with his readers to take heed, be afraid; examine your own hearts as to whether you believe or not!!
EXAMPLE OF LIFE
When I was in Florida, I worked in the jail ministry. Often, girls would come forward, pray, and even later get baptized into the church. They would with their mouths profess salvation; but, sometimes later would turn their back when God didn’t “give them all they asked for.” It was as if God only was their “get out of jail free” card or their “gift” provider. Did they really love Him? One lady I worked a long time with would “try” very hard to read her Bible and go through the motions; yet, every time God didn’t “answer” her prayer the way she thought He should, she was angry and bitter. One day I asked her, “If God never gave you anything in return for worshiping Him, if Heaven or hell is not on the line; would you worship Him anyway because you see Him as so Glorious that He is worthy of your praise?” Her answer was, “NO!” Then my answer was, “then I fear you may not really know Him.” To which she replied, “But I prayed the prayer like they told me to”. A year went by and many trials came her way; yet, little glimpses of grace also presented in the midst of the trials. Then, one day; she called me. “I got it!” She proclaimed. “Got what?” I inquired. “I see it now. God is so Glorious, His Grace is so Great, Jesus is so beautiful; that I just want Him!! Nothing else matters as long as I have Him!! The gifts don’t matter!! I just need Him with me!!” I smiled. I knew she now knew Him as Savior and King.
CONCLUSION
My question to you is: “Do you know Him? [tweetthis]Are you seeking the Giver of all things or are you seeking only the Gifts?[/tweetthis]
The song I chose for you today is I Bow My Knee By Ron Kenoly and pray this is your prayer today. If you don’t know Jesus, I urge you to go to How to Be Saved , write me or seek a minister near you. Today is the day of Salvation, will you come?
photo used with permission https://unsplash.com/@jluebke The inscription I wrote.
New King James Version(NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.