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. For we who have believed do enter that rest.

Hebrews 4:1-3 (NKJV)

 

We are invited to believe and to immerse ourselves thoroughly in the whole gospel of God's grace. The people in the wilderness are referred to as "them" in this context. They died not because of their sin, but because they were not obeying God's way of salvation that leads to rest.

According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus offers His gospel rest to everyone, and if you do not move forward to receive His blessing, you will return to a restless life of disobedience and disbelief. Paul undoubtedly witnessed this spiritual problem in those he taught and nurtured while preaching the gospel to them. Even if some believers have heard the gospel and grasp the truth, they may continue to live and treat others in a legalistic or thoughtless manner. This is why Paul had to write his epistles, encouraging his readers to live and act in conformity with the truth of the gospel.

Many believers are still confused with the true character of rest.

Some mistakenly believe that rest is merely laying back and watching the world go by. They couldn't be much farther from the truth. Rest does not imply inactivity or passivity, but rather engaging in faith-producing activities that bring faithfulness and fruitfulness. Paul teaches us that when we unite faith with the truth of the gospel, we experience the reality of the finished work of Christ in real and tangible ways.

The more you hear and obey the gospel, the more you will see God's goodness in all areas of your life. This is because you will discover that the gospel is about more than just saving you for eternity; it is about making heaven a reality on earth.