What does Hebrews 4:6 mean?

This verse continues an explanation of why the inheritance "rest" of God is still available to us. God Himself only rested when His creative work was done (Genesis 2:2), and this Sabbath rest continues even now. Hebrews chapter 3 explained that Israel's lack of faith in the desert cost them their "rest" in Canaan. They did not complete the works given to them by God (Psalm 95:7–11).

However, the writer of Hebrews has quoted from Psalm 95, which was written long after Israel's disobedience at the borders of the Promised Land. That passage uses the word "today," meaning there is an opportunity yet for some to enter into the rest which the disobedient ones were denied (Hebrews 4:7). This argument will be developed through verse 10, which clearly states that there is a "rest" still available to those who "hold fast" to their faith (Hebrews 3:6).

This is not about maintaining our salvation. Canaan, in this example, is not a metaphor for heaven. Instead, this is the spiritual inheritance of the Christian believer. While all who put their faith in Christ are saved (John 6:39–40), only those who maintain their trust in God will obtain the greater rewards (Revelation 2:26–27). This helps greatly in understanding the meaning of "rest" as used in these verses. It is a reference to the end of a certain period of work, not leisure or relaxation. In order to "rest" from the work, the work must be completed.