Hebrews 3:16-19; ; Hebrews 4:1-7
God’s rest on the seventh day, after the work of creation, was soon disturbed by the sin of man. And from that time until now the work of the Father and the Son for redemption has never ceased (John 5:17). But we learn here:1. That God always has His rest in view.2. That this rest is future and not to be confused with the establishment of the people in Canaan under Joshua. Israel will enjoy rest on the millennial earth and the Church will enjoy it in heavenly glory.3. That although God wants to share His rest with His creatures, not all will enter into it.As previously in the wilderness, unbelief (Hebrews 3:19) and disobedience (Hebrews 4:6 JND trans.) block the way to the promise. John 3:36 (JND trans.) shows us in addition that the one who disobeys is the same as the one who does not believe. For doing the work of God is believing on the One whom He sent (John 6:29). Alas, Israel’s condition was like that of many today: the word which they heard "did not profit them, not being mixed with faith . . ." (v. 2; read Romans 10:17).
Thus it is obedience to the Lord which allows us to enter into the work of His grace now and also prepares us to share the rest of His love tomorrow (Zephaniah 3:17).