Hebrews 4:1

DISCOURSE: 2281
CANAAN TYPICAL OF THE BELIEVER’S SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL REST

Hebrews 4:1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

THE histories of the Old Testament are very instructive to us. The divine interpositions, as well in a way of judgment as of mercy, shew us what to expect from God [Note: 1 Corinthians 10:11.]. The Apostle has been recording the destruction of the Jews in the wilderness [Note: Hebrews 3.]: and from thence he takes occasion to urge us to holy fear and diligence—

Consider,

I. What is that rest which God has promised us—

The rest promised to the Israelites was the land of Canaan: but the Israelites had already for many hundred years possessed that land. The rest therefore, which David speaks of as yet future, must be a rest, of which Canaan was only a type or shadow—
It includes,

1. A present rest in Christ—

[A soul ignorant of Christ, can have no rest; but “by believing in Christ it has peace with God:” this is that rest which our Saviour promises to troubled souls [Note: Matthew 11:28.]

2. A future rest in heaven—

[The rest of the soul is never perfect in this life: tribulations are the way through which we are all to pass; but in heaven our happiness will be complete: that therefore must be the rest in which our labours shall terminate [Note: Revelation 14:13.]

Of this rest God has left us a promise in his word—
[It is called his, because he has prepared it for us from the beginning: it is his also, inasmuch as it is the gift of his sovereign grace: it is his moreover, as enjoyed in and with him; nor has he only revealed it as an object worthy our pursuit, but promised it to every penitent and believing sinner [Note: Acts 2:39.]

It becomes us then to inquire,

II.

What effect the promise of this rest should have upon us?

The news of any great and unexpected acquisition immediately produces strong emotions in our minds. The prospect therefore of present and eternal rest should surely excite much solicitude respecting it—
[We should endeavour to ascertain our title to it: we should fear lest by any means we be deprived of it; nor should we account any thing too much to do in order to obtain it: our vigilance and zeal should be proportioned to its value.]

The danger of coming short of it should increase our diligence in the pursuit of it—

[Of six hundred thousand that came out of Egypt, only two entered into Canaan: the others “could not enter in by reason of their unbelief.” And how much unbelief is there in our hearts! Yet, if we live under its power, we in vain hope for this rest: nor will the numbers of those, who are so circumstanced, afford security to us, any more than it did to those who perished in the wilderness. Surely then we should “fear lest we perish after their example.”]

The misery of coming short of it should also stimulate our exertions—

[There is no intermediate state between heaven and hell; nor will there be any other state of probation afforded us. They who rest not in Christ, can never know solid peace in this world; nor will they experience any thing but tribulation to all eternity [Note: 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Revelation 14:10.]: there will be an impassable gulf between them and heaven. What fear and caution should this thought excite!]

We should fear lest we even “seem” to come short of it—
[To be in suspense about our eternal state is dreadful: God’s honour, as well as our happiness, is affected by it. We should seek to be “always triumphing in Christ,” and at last to have “an abundant entrance into his kingdom.”]

Address—
1.

To those who have no fears about their souls—

[Your rest, such as it is, is by no means to be desired: it will soon vanish in the prospect of death and judgment, and it will speedily terminate in everlasting woe. Seek then the true rest, while yet it may be found: seek it in Christ, who alone can impart it to you; nor doubt but that it will abundantly recompense your labours.]

2. To those who are filled with slavish fears—

[These are not fears which you ought to entertain: they are calculated to rob you of the heavenly rest, rather than to bring you into it. The fear you should cultivate, is a jealous and watchful fear: to live under the influence of this, is to be truly blessed [Note: Proverbs 28:14.]: this well consists with even a present rest in the Lord Jesus. Lay hold then on the promise which is left you in the Gospel, and expect that “He who has promised will also perform:” they “who trust in the Lord, shall never be confounded.”]

3. To those who maintain a godly fear and jealousy—

[Disputes about the doctrine of perseverance are unprofitable and vain; but to unite a jealousy over ourselves with a confidence in God, will guard us against mistakes on either hand. Go on then in this good way, in which there is no danger of error or excess: thus will your soul be kept at an equal distance from presumption and despondency, and the attainment of your rest be perfectly secured.]