There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:9-11
Classic Commentary
In time there are many Sabbaths, but someday there shall be the enjoyment and keeping of a Sabbath-rest that is perfect and eternal. The "rest" in Hebrews 4:8 is Hebrew, "Noah," meaning rest from weariness, as the ark rested on Ararat after its tossings to and fro; and as Israel, under Joshua, enjoyed at last rest from war in Canaan. But the "rest" in this Hebrews 4:9 is the nobler and more exalted "Sabbath" rest. Literally, it is "cessation" - rest from work when finished ( Hebrews 4:4 ), as God rested. The two ideas of "rest" combined, give the perfect view of the heavenly Sabbath. Rest from weariness, sorrow, and sin; and rest in the completion of God's new creation. The whole renovated creation shall share in it; nothing will there be to break the Sabbath of eternity; and the Triune God shall rejoice in the work of His hands.
Moses, the representative of the law, could not lead Israel into Canaan: the law leads us to Christ, and there its office ceases, as that of Moses on the borders of Canaan. It is Jesus, the antitype of Joshua, who leads us into the heavenly rest. This verse indirectly establishes the obligation of the Sabbath still, for the type continues until the antitype supersedes it. Just as legal sacrifices continued till the great antitypical Sacrifice superseded it, the antitypical heavenly Sabbath-rest will not be till Christ, our Gospel Joshua, comes to usher us into it. The typical earthly Sabbath must continue till then. The Jews call the future rest "the day which is all Sabbath."
A Thought to Keep
Was yesterday just another Sunday for you? Or God's promise of eternity?
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