Hebrews 4:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

NIV: Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

NASB: Therefore let’s make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience.

CSB: Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

NLT: So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.

KJV: Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

NKJV: Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

The book of Hebrews is written very specifically to saved Christians. Hebrews 2:1–3 warned the readers not to be careless about their faith. This verse repeats that sentiment, using the Greek word spoudasōmen, meaning "strive, labor, or effort." This is all in the context of the rest of chapter 4. We are not struggling to earn or keep our salvation (John 6:39–40); rather, we seek to obtain our heavenly rewards (Revelation 2:26–27).

Chapter 3 explained that Israel's punishment—loss of their "rest" in Canaan—was due to disobedience. They failed to complete the works given to them by God (Hebrews 3:16–19). Lack of belief will destroy our ability to fulfill the destiny God has in store for us. God only rested from His creative work when it was complete (Genesis 2:2; Hebrews 4:3–4). So, in order to claim our spiritual inheritance—our "rest"—we must obtain it by completing the work given to us. This means to "hold fast" to our faith (Hebrews 3:6), rather than succumbing to doubt and disbelief (Hebrews 3:12–14).

Only by being diligent, not careless, can we expect to avoid the kind of faithless disobedience which cost Israel so dearly (Psalm 95:7–11).

Hebrews 4:1–13 reassures Christians that they have not missed their opportunity to enjoy the ''rest'' promised by God. Chapter 3 warned about the dangers of losing faith and disobeying God. In this passage, the writer points out that psalmists like David, who came long after Moses, encouraged Israel to obtain God's rest ''today.'' Since God's rest on the seventh day of creation came only after His work was done, and Israel only suffered loss when they failed to complete their assigned work, Christians should strive to complete the work given them by God, in order to obtain the greater heavenly rewards. The most potent tool we have in this effort is the razor-sharp Word of God.

In Hebrews chapter 4, the author refines the theme of chapter 3. An entire generation of Israel lost out on their inheritance of the Promised Land due to a lack of faith. Here, the author points out that the rest promised by God is still offered, through Christ. The razor-sharp truth of the Word of God will separate what is truly spiritual from what is faithless. We should make every effort to obtain our inheritance in Christ, which is something separate from our eternal salvation. We can also be confident, knowing Jesus can uniquely sympathize with our temptations and sufferings.

Chapters 1 and 2 explained how Messiah could not be an angel, but had to be human in order to become our example and the ''Captain'' of our salvation. Chapter 3 described Jesus as worthy of greater glory than Moses, since Jesus fulfilled the promises Moses only spoke of. Chapter 4 will continue to place Jesus as a higher example than Old Testament figures, including Joshua. This chapter bridges the focus of Hebrews from our need to ''hold fast'' in faith to Jesus' status as our ultimate High Priest.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.