Hebrews 4:3
Verse
Context
The Sabbath Rest
2For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. 3Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world. 4For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we which have believed do enter into rest - The great spiritual blessings, the forerunners of eternal glory, which were all typified by that earthly rest or felicity promised to the ancient Israelites, we Christians do, by believing in Christ Jesus, actually possess. We have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; are saved from the guilt and power of sin; and thus enjoy an inward rest. But this is a rest differing from the seventh day's rest, or Sabbath, which was the original type of Canaan, the blessings of the Gospel, and eternal glory; seeing God said, concerning the unbelieving Israelites in the wilderness, I have sworn in my wrath that they shall not enter into my rest, notwithstanding the works of creation were finished, and the seventh day's rest was instituted from the foundation of the world; consequently the Israelites had entered into that rest before the oath was sworn. See Macknight. We who believe, Οἱ πιστευσαντες, is omitted by Chrysostom, and some few MSS. And instead of εισερχομεθα γαρ, for we do enter, AC, several others, with the Vulgate and Coptic, read εισερχωμεθα ουν, therefore let us enter; and thus it answers to φωβηθωμεν ουν, therefore let us fear, Heb 4:1; but this reading cannot well stand unless οι πιστευσαντες be omitted, which is acknowledged to be genuine by every MS. and version of note and importance. The meaning appears to be this: We Jews, who have believed in Christ, do actually possess that rest-state of happiness in God, produced by peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost - which was typified by the happiness and comfort to be enjoyed by the believing Hebrews, in the possession of the promised land. See before. From the foundation of the world - The foundation of the world, καταβολη κοσμου, means the completion of the work of creation in six days. In those days was the world, i.e. the whole system of mundane things, begun and perfected; and this appears to be the sense of the expression in this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--justifying his assertion of the need of "faith," Heb 4:2. we which have believed--we who at Christ's coming shall be found to have believed. do enter--that is, are to enter: so two of the oldest manuscripts and LUCIFER and the old Latin. Two other oldest manuscripts read, "Let us enter." into rest--Greek, "into the rest" which is promised in the ninety-fifth Psalm. as he said--God's saying that unbelief excludes from entrance implies that belief gains an entrance into the rest. What, however, Paul mainly here dwells on in the quotation is that the promised "rest" has not yet been entered into. At Heb 4:11 he again, as in Heb 3:12-19 already, takes up faith as the indispensable qualification for entering it. although, &c.--Although God had finished His works of creation and entered on His rest from creation long before Moses' time, yet under that leader of Israel another rest was promised, which most fell short of through unbelief; and although the rest in Canaan was subsequently attained under Joshua, yet long after, in David's days, God, in the ninety-fifth Psalm, still speaks of the rest of God as not yet attained. THEREFORE, there must be meant a rest still future, namely, that which "remaineth for the people of God" in heaven, Heb 4:3-9, when they shall rest from their works, as God did from His, Heb 4:10. The argument is to show that by "My rest," God means a future rest, not for Himself, but for us. finished--Greek, "brought into existence," "made."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we which have believed do enter into rest,.... Not eternal rest; all believers shall enjoy this, and they only; but this is not now, or at present enjoyed, unless things future may be said to be present, because of faith in them, and the certainty of them but spiritual rest in Christ under the Gospel dispensation, which is a rest from the burden of the law of Moses, and from all toil and labour for life, and salvation by works, and lies in an enjoyment of much inward peace of soul, notwithstanding the world's troubles and Satan's temptations; and such who believe the word or Gospel preached, and Christ in it, not with a general and historical high, or only in profession, but with the heart, and in truth, these enjoy this rest; they are kept in perfect peace, and have much spiritual ease and comfort: this character distinguishes them from the unbelieving Israelites of old, and from present hypocrites and formal professors: as he said, as I have sworn in wrath, if they shall enter into my rest; the words are in Psa 95:11, and are before cited in Heb 3:11; see Gill on Heb 3:11, they entered not in because of unbelief; none but believers enter into spiritual rest. The apostle applies this proof to his design, by removing all other rests, and particularly by showing that does not mean God's rest from the works of creation: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world; that is, though the works of creation, that God designed to make, were finished and perfected within the first six days of the world, and then God rested, or ceased to work in a creative way; yet this is not the rest designed in the passage of Scripture cited, nor is it that rest which believers enter into.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:3 People who believe the Good News are the true heirs of God’s rest, the salvation that God offers through Christ’s sacrifice. • God said: The quotation of Ps 95:11 reminds the reader that the unbelieving rebels in the wilderness would never enter God’s place of rest (cp. Heb 11:8, 10, 14-16; 12:22-24). • since he made the world: God’s rest means much more than physical entry into Canaan (see study note on 4:4).
Hebrews 4:3
The Sabbath Rest
2For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. 3Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world. 4For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Prodigal (Birmingham Conference)
By David Wilkerson2.8K23:27MAT 6:33MRK 9:24LUK 15:11ACT 9:10ROM 8:38EPH 2:18HEB 4:3In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and walking in the love of God, as it is the essence of our faith. The preacher admits that he himself was once a prodigal, even as a pastor, because he struggled with fear, self-pity, and unbelief. He highlights that unbelief is the greatest sin in the eyes of God and urges the audience to trust in the love of the Heavenly Father.
Answers for Our Days
By Manley Beasley1.6K56:11CulturePSA 95:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 2:10EPH 4:22HEB 4:3The video is an introduction to a sermon series called "Living Faith" by Brother Manley. He emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus and being settled in His faithfulness in the Word of God, especially in these bleak and shaky times. He shares a promise from the book of Hebrews and highlights the need for a mighty revival, where people recognize that the answer is not within themselves but in God. The video also mentions the positive response from listeners, including pastors, who are looking for a broadcast that honors the Lord and aligns with their ministry.
The Purpose of the Covenant
By Bill Stafford1.3K58:13CovenantGEN 1:26HEB 4:3HEB 13:20In this sermon, the preacher explores the concept of the blood covenant and its significance in the relationship between God and man. The sermon begins by emphasizing that God's covenant with man is based on bringing man into a proper relationship with Him. The preacher highlights the importance of understanding that God writes from the future backwards, meaning that He has already fixed history according to His plan. The sermon also discusses the ruin that man experienced when he encountered another will, brought into the earth by Satan, which is self-will and conceit. The preacher references Isaiah 14 to illustrate this point.
Innocent Looking but Evil
By Jim Cymbala54326:11EvilEXO 2:23PSA 95:7HEB 3:7HEB 3:15HEB 4:3HEB 4:7HEB 4:11In this sermon, the pastor discusses the story of Moses sending out spies to explore the land of Canaan. The spies were instructed to assess the strength of the people living there, the condition of the land, and bring back samples of the crops. After 40 days, the spies returned and reported to Moses and the Israelite community. However, instead of being grateful for the information, the people reacted with fear and frustration, even wanting to stone Joshua and Caleb for their report. The pastor emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and the tendency of people to reject messages they don't want to hear.
Faith (Let Go and Let God)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Letting GoFaithGEN 45:20PSA 34:5ISA 45:22MAT 6:24JHN 1:12ROM 6:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 4:19HEB 4:3Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the transformative power of faith through the principle of 'let go and let God.' He illustrates that true freedom and abundance come when we release our grip on earthly possessions and self-reliance, allowing God to take control of our lives. Waldvogel warns against the dangers of serving two masters, urging believers to abandon their idols and trust fully in God's provision and righteousness. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity as new creations in Christ, letting go of past burdens and embracing the rest that comes from faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, where believers can experience true liberation and renewal.
Focused Faith
By David Wilkerson0Acceptance in ChristFaithJHN 17:10JHN 20:17ROM 5:1EPH 2:6PHP 3:9COL 3:3HEB 3:12HEB 4:3HEB 4:101JN 4:17David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'focused faith,' explaining that our relationship with God is rooted in our unity with Christ, which allows us to experience the same love from the Father that Jesus does. He challenges believers to prioritize faith over feelings, asserting that God's delight in us is not contingent on our actions or emotions but on our faith in Christ. Wilkerson warns against the dangers of unbelief and encourages believers to rest in the assurance of their acceptance in Christ, which leads to true peace and freedom from striving. He highlights that true faith results in a state of rest, where we recognize our position in Christ as accepted and loved by God.
The New Thing Which Is Old
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's FaithfulnessDivine ReactionsGEN 22:16PSA 24:1ACT 15:18HEB 4:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that while God continually initiates new things throughout history, these 'new' actions are actually rooted in His eternal purpose and original design. He illustrates this through biblical examples, showing how God's reactions to humanity's deviations lead to renewed revelations and the restoration of His rights. From Abel's sacrifice to the remnant in Babylon, Sparks highlights that God's plan is unwavering, and He will always find a faithful remnant to fulfill His purpose. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will continue to react and restore, even amidst spiritual decline, as seen in the New Testament with figures like Zacharias, Mary, and Simeon. Ultimately, Sparks reassures that God's commitment to His original intention remains steadfast, and He will always seek those who align with His will.
Are You Prepared to Die?
By C.H. Spurgeon0Faith in ChristPreparation for DeathPSA 23:4ISA 41:10JHN 14:1ROM 14:81CO 15:55PHP 1:211TH 4:132TI 4:7HEB 4:3REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for death, likening the transition from life to death to crossing the Jordan River into the promised land of Canaan. He urges Christians to reflect on their faith and readiness, as many live in a state of spiritual wilderness rather than the rest and joy found in a strong relationship with God. Spurgeon challenges listeners to consider their personal readiness for death, highlighting that it is a solemn and practical question that requires individual reflection. He reassures believers that through faith in Christ, they can face death with hope and peace, looking forward to eternal life. Ultimately, he calls for a life of active service and obedience to God as the best preparation for the end of life.
Rest of the Saints
By Charles Finney0Rest in ChristFaithMAT 11:28HEB 4:3Charles Finney emphasizes the concept of 'rest' for believers as a state of faith and trust in Christ, distinct from inactivity or the ultimate rest of heaven. He explains that this rest involves ceasing from personal works and self-reliance, allowing Christ to be the source of righteousness and strength. Finney asserts that this rest is available in this life through faith, which liberates believers from the burdens of sin and self-effort. He warns that unbelief is the root of all sin, as it leads individuals away from reliance on God. Ultimately, entering this rest means yielding oneself completely to Christ, resulting in a life of love and service empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Faith's View of Christ
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0Joy in ChristTrue FulfillmentISA 61:1MAT 8:19LUK 16:24JHN 14:19JHN 16:24JHN 16:332CO 6:10HEB 4:31PE 1:8REV 1:7Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes that Christ came to bring joy and peace to humanity, contrasting true joy with the fleeting pleasures of the world. He explains that the disciples' joy stemmed not from riches, friends, or their own righteousness, but from the realization of Christ's completed work and His living presence. M'Cheyne urges listeners to seek joy in Jesus alone, as it is a joy that transcends earthly sorrows and lasts for eternity. He warns against self-righteousness and encourages believers to look to Christ for true fulfillment and gladness. Ultimately, he calls everyone to experience the joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as their Savior and living Head.
Christ and the Sabbath
By C.I. Scofield0MAT 12:6MAT 12:8ROM 15:8COL 2:16HEB 4:3C.I. Scofield preaches on the dispensational lesson found in Matthew 12:1-13, emphasizing the importance of understanding the time-notes in Scripture and the turning points in the life of Christ. Jesus challenges religious formalism and demonstrates His authority over the Sabbath, revealing that He is greater than the temple and Lord of the Sabbath. Despite knowing the consequences, Jesus courageously challenges Jewish notions and traditions, setting the stage for a new dispensation of grace and Christian activity on the first day of the week.
How to Do It
By Conrad Murrell0PRO 3:5ISA 55:8JER 29:13JHN 15:5HEB 4:3Conrad Murrell delivers a sermon emphasizing that the Bible is not a How-To book but a What-To book, revealing God's instructions and principles without providing step-by-step guides. He highlights how people often seek guaranteed ways to achieve success in various aspects of life, including spirituality, relationships, and personal growth, but overlook the importance of obedience and trust in God. Murrell points out that God's focus is not on our accomplishments but on our relationship with Him, urging listeners to abide in God like branches in a vine, allowing Him to produce fruit through them effortlessly.
Find Your Security in the Love of God
By Zac Poonen0MAT 10:30JHN 17:23ROM 8:32EPH 3:16EPH 4:7PHP 4:41TH 5:18HEB 4:31PE 5:7Zac Poonen preaches on the transformative power of knowing God as a Loving Father and a Sovereign God, emphasizing the revelation that the Father loves us just as He loved Jesus. He highlights the importance of being rooted and grounded in God's perfect love to overcome spiritual problems, anxiety, and insecurity, leading to a life of contentment and praise in all circumstances. Poonen stresses that victory in the Christian life comes through faith in God's love, not self-effort, and that finding security in God's love eliminates competition, jealousy, and the need for validation from others.
The Glory of Moses' Countenance
By George Warnock0EXO 34:29ISA 58:13JHN 7:182CO 3:13HEB 4:3George Warnock emphasizes the importance of being conscious of the presence and glory of God in prayer, highlighting how Moses' face shone from talking with God, signifying true conversation with Him. Warnock stresses the need to listen to God's voice and do His will, rather than solely focusing on our own desires. He discusses the significance of resting in God's plan, ceasing from our own striving, and allowing God to work in us to honor Him. Warnock encourages ministers to seek God's glory in their messages, reminding them of the necessity of abiding in God's presence for effective ministry.
The Christian's Rest
By Thomas Reade0ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:272TH 3:16HEB 4:3Thomas Reade preaches about the Christian's rest, emphasizing that true rest is found in Jesus Christ, the believer's resting-place and refuge. He highlights the importance of faith, which transforms the inner man, purifies the soul, and enables believers to renounce worldly vanities. Reade warns against the restlessness and desire for change that lead to sin and sorrow, urging believers to seek true rest in Jesus amidst trials and tribulations. He also addresses the dangers of false doctrines, emphasizing the need to hold fast to the truth of God's Word and the rest that comes from trusting in Jesus.
The Determinate Counsel
By Jack Hyles0PSA 139:16ISA 46:10JHN 3:16ACT 2:22ROM 8:29EPH 1:4HEB 4:3HEB 9:261PE 1:20Jack Hyles preaches about the Determinate Counsel, a divine meeting before the foundation of the world where God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit settled the plan for salvation. They determined that Jesus would come to Earth, live a sinless life, die on the cross, shed His blood, be buried, and rise again to pay the penalty for our sins. This plan was made out of love for humanity, ensuring that anyone who chooses to trust in Jesus can be saved. The Determinate Counsel also decided that salvation is solely by faith in Jesus, not by works, baptism, church membership, or sacraments.
Meek and Lowly Saviour
By William Mason0PSA 34:18MAT 11:29JHN 14:27PHP 4:6HEB 4:3William Mason, a respected figure in England, emphasizes the meek and lowly nature of Jesus as a source of rest for our souls. Jesus, as our compassionate Teacher, understands our weaknesses and invites us to learn from Him. He assures us of His loving friendship, encouraging us to pour out our hearts to Him and find tranquility and peace that cannot be found elsewhere. Believers are reminded that true rest is found in Jesus, leading to spiritual peace and joy.
Some Directions to the Panting Soul
By Isaac Penington0PRO 3:5MAT 11:28JHN 16:13ROM 1:161CO 1:241CO 2:12HEB 4:31JN 2:271JN 4:1Isaac Penington preaches about finding rest for the soul in the gospel, emphasizing that the true rest, peace, and joy are found in the power and eternal life of God's kingdom. He highlights the importance of walking in the path of Christ's rest, which is clearly outlined in the gospel, and experiencing the power and life that believers in the early days of the gospel enjoyed. Penington urges believers to come under the yoke of Christ's life, as true rest is only found in submitting to His divine nature. He also warns against being deceived by selfish wisdom and emphasizes the need to walk in the light of the Spirit to discern truth from error.
The New Covenant . . . Distinguished From the Old
By Isaac Penington0DEU 30:14MAT 5:18LUK 16:16ROM 7:12ROM 8:42CO 3:6GAL 3:3GAL 5:1COL 2:16HEB 4:3Isaac Penington preaches about the distinction between the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of the gospel, emphasizing the transition from the shadow of the law to the substance found in Christ. He highlights the ministry of the Spirit in the new covenant, guiding believers to live in the Spirit and fulfill the righteousness of the law in a spiritual manner. Penington urges Christians to seek the eternal light of life, to understand the difference between the ministration of the letter and the ministration of the Spirit, and to wait on the Lord for the true understanding of His laws written in the heart.
How Do We Develop Trust in God?
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareTrust in GodPHP 4:6HEB 4:3HEB 4:10David Wilkerson emphasizes that to develop trust in God and enter His rest, we must renounce our own efforts and rely solely on faith. He explains that true rest comes when we cease from our works and trust in God's faithfulness, regardless of our circumstances. Developing this trust involves seeking the Lord through prayer, meditation on His Word, and obedience, which are acts of faith rather than mere works. Wilkerson warns that spiritual warfare is inevitable, and we must be prepared by building up our spiritual resources through diligent seeking of God. Ultimately, our strength in trials comes from the Holy Spirit, who equips us for the battles we face.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we which have believed do enter into rest - The great spiritual blessings, the forerunners of eternal glory, which were all typified by that earthly rest or felicity promised to the ancient Israelites, we Christians do, by believing in Christ Jesus, actually possess. We have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; are saved from the guilt and power of sin; and thus enjoy an inward rest. But this is a rest differing from the seventh day's rest, or Sabbath, which was the original type of Canaan, the blessings of the Gospel, and eternal glory; seeing God said, concerning the unbelieving Israelites in the wilderness, I have sworn in my wrath that they shall not enter into my rest, notwithstanding the works of creation were finished, and the seventh day's rest was instituted from the foundation of the world; consequently the Israelites had entered into that rest before the oath was sworn. See Macknight. We who believe, Οἱ πιστευσαντες, is omitted by Chrysostom, and some few MSS. And instead of εισερχομεθα γαρ, for we do enter, AC, several others, with the Vulgate and Coptic, read εισερχωμεθα ουν, therefore let us enter; and thus it answers to φωβηθωμεν ουν, therefore let us fear, Heb 4:1; but this reading cannot well stand unless οι πιστευσαντες be omitted, which is acknowledged to be genuine by every MS. and version of note and importance. The meaning appears to be this: We Jews, who have believed in Christ, do actually possess that rest-state of happiness in God, produced by peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost - which was typified by the happiness and comfort to be enjoyed by the believing Hebrews, in the possession of the promised land. See before. From the foundation of the world - The foundation of the world, καταβολη κοσμου, means the completion of the work of creation in six days. In those days was the world, i.e. the whole system of mundane things, begun and perfected; and this appears to be the sense of the expression in this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--justifying his assertion of the need of "faith," Heb 4:2. we which have believed--we who at Christ's coming shall be found to have believed. do enter--that is, are to enter: so two of the oldest manuscripts and LUCIFER and the old Latin. Two other oldest manuscripts read, "Let us enter." into rest--Greek, "into the rest" which is promised in the ninety-fifth Psalm. as he said--God's saying that unbelief excludes from entrance implies that belief gains an entrance into the rest. What, however, Paul mainly here dwells on in the quotation is that the promised "rest" has not yet been entered into. At Heb 4:11 he again, as in Heb 3:12-19 already, takes up faith as the indispensable qualification for entering it. although, &c.--Although God had finished His works of creation and entered on His rest from creation long before Moses' time, yet under that leader of Israel another rest was promised, which most fell short of through unbelief; and although the rest in Canaan was subsequently attained under Joshua, yet long after, in David's days, God, in the ninety-fifth Psalm, still speaks of the rest of God as not yet attained. THEREFORE, there must be meant a rest still future, namely, that which "remaineth for the people of God" in heaven, Heb 4:3-9, when they shall rest from their works, as God did from His, Heb 4:10. The argument is to show that by "My rest," God means a future rest, not for Himself, but for us. finished--Greek, "brought into existence," "made."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we which have believed do enter into rest,.... Not eternal rest; all believers shall enjoy this, and they only; but this is not now, or at present enjoyed, unless things future may be said to be present, because of faith in them, and the certainty of them but spiritual rest in Christ under the Gospel dispensation, which is a rest from the burden of the law of Moses, and from all toil and labour for life, and salvation by works, and lies in an enjoyment of much inward peace of soul, notwithstanding the world's troubles and Satan's temptations; and such who believe the word or Gospel preached, and Christ in it, not with a general and historical high, or only in profession, but with the heart, and in truth, these enjoy this rest; they are kept in perfect peace, and have much spiritual ease and comfort: this character distinguishes them from the unbelieving Israelites of old, and from present hypocrites and formal professors: as he said, as I have sworn in wrath, if they shall enter into my rest; the words are in Psa 95:11, and are before cited in Heb 3:11; see Gill on Heb 3:11, they entered not in because of unbelief; none but believers enter into spiritual rest. The apostle applies this proof to his design, by removing all other rests, and particularly by showing that does not mean God's rest from the works of creation: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world; that is, though the works of creation, that God designed to make, were finished and perfected within the first six days of the world, and then God rested, or ceased to work in a creative way; yet this is not the rest designed in the passage of Scripture cited, nor is it that rest which believers enter into.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:3 People who believe the Good News are the true heirs of God’s rest, the salvation that God offers through Christ’s sacrifice. • God said: The quotation of Ps 95:11 reminds the reader that the unbelieving rebels in the wilderness would never enter God’s place of rest (cp. Heb 11:8, 10, 14-16; 12:22-24). • since he made the world: God’s rest means much more than physical entry into Canaan (see study note on 4:4).