Hebrews 4 - Printer Friendly

What does Hebrews 4 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Hebrews chapter 4 echoes a theme common to other portions of the New Testament. In other epistles, Paul counters various false teachers who claim that Christians have permanently missed out on some aspect of their Christian experience. Often, this was a claim that Jesus' second coming had already occurred (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18). In Chapter 3, the writer of Hebrews warned the reader not to miss out on the "rest" offered by God, due to disobedience (Hebrews 3:12–13). Here, he seems to be reassuring those same readers that the opportunity to obtain this rest has not passed them by (Hebrews 4:1).

Chapter 3 focused on Israel's failure to trust God at the borders of Canaan. This disobedience was inspired by a lack of faith in God—fear over the task at hand caused Israel to stumble. As a result, an entire generation was condemned to wander the desert rather than enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13—14). The point made in chapter 3 is that disobedience led to a loss of inheritance. This is not about loss of salvation—Israel was not sent back to Egypt. Rather, they missed out on the greater rewards. This difference is also found elsewhere in the New Testament, where peace with God leading to salvation (Romans 5:1) is not the same as peace of God which comes by obedience (Philippians 4:6–8). It is also seen in the promise of Christ to save all who come to Him in faith (John 6:39–40), even as He offers greater rewards to those who "hold fast" to their faith (Revelation 2:26–27).

In this chapter, the writer points out once again that it was disobedience, not a deadline, which caused Israel's suffering. Long after Moses and Joshua approached Canaan, writers such as David encouraged the people of Israel to enter the "rest" offered by God (Psalm 95). Logically, this means that the "rest" provided when Joshua took Canaan was not a one-time opportunity, or something no longer available (Hebrews 4:8).

The real problem for Israel at Canaan was a failure to obey God, due to fear. According to the writer of Hebrews, God only rested when He had completed His creative work (Hebrews 4:3–4). Israel only forfeited their rest in Canaan when they failed to complete the tasks given them by God (Hebrews 4:6). So, in a very literal sense, the "rest" offered by God is not about relaxation or leisure. It is about the rewards which come once we have "rested from", or "completed" the works we are assigned (Hebrews 4:9–10). This means saved Christians ought to make every effort to obey God while we still can (Hebrews 4:11).

Key to our ability to complete our work is the Word of God, specifically the written Scriptures (Hebrews 4:12). Human nature makes it easy to confuse selfish piety with true godliness (Matthew 7:21–23). We can fool others (1 Samuel 16:7), and even ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9), but not God (Hebrews 4:13). Like a razor-sharp knife, the "living and active" Bible can distinguish even those things we think are inseparable. This is important, since all of our thoughts and actions will be judged by God (Matthew 12:36).

Unique to the Christian faith, however, is our relationship with God. According to the Bible, the One who judges us has a powerful sympathy for our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Not only has Christ experienced our suffering, temptation, and struggle (Philippians 2:8), He has done so without falling to sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:19). This makes Him our perfect example (Hebrews 2:10), and our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:14). It also gives us confidence to approach Him in prayer. Since He knows, first-hand, what it means to be human, He understands our flaws (Hebrews 2:18). We don't have to be afraid to bring Him our fears, failures, and needs (Hebrews 4:16).

This chapter refers to Joshua, who eventually led Israel into Canaan. According to Hebrews chapter 4, God gives those who obey Him everything needed to accomplish their assigned tasks. Joshua obeyed God and found Christ was on his side—literally (Joshua 5:13–15). Unlike those who fell into disbelief, Joshua exemplified the ultimate results of confident faith.

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.

Hebrews 4:14–16 is among the most often-quoted passages in the Bible. It is also one of the clearest expressions of Christianity's unique nature. Jesus, the Son of God, has experienced all of our struggles, temptations, and sufferings. And yet, He did so without succumbing to sin. For this reason, we can look to Him as our perfect example. We can rely on Him as our perfect substitute. We can come to Him as our only High Priest. And, we can trust in Him as our source of help and healing. Knowing that Christ fully, personally understands what it means to be human gives us confidence when we bring Him our failures and needs.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 5/5/2024 8:35:00 AM