Definition and Concept
Entering God's rest is a theological concept rooted in the biblical narrative, symbolizing a state of spiritual peace, fulfillment, and divine fellowship. It is often associated with the Sabbath rest instituted by God and extends to the eternal rest promised to believers. This rest is both a present spiritual reality and a future hope for those who are in Christ.

Biblical Foundation
The idea of entering God's rest is prominently featured in the book of Hebrews, which draws on Old Testament themes to explain its significance for New Testament believers. Hebrews 4:1-11 is a key passage that discusses this rest, urging believers to strive to enter it and warning against the disobedience that prevented the Israelites from entering the Promised Land.

Old Testament Background
The concept of rest begins in Genesis with the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This rest is not due to fatigue but signifies completion and satisfaction in creation. The Sabbath commandment given to Israel (Exodus 20:8-11) serves as a reminder of God's rest and a call to trust in His provision.

The Promised Land is another significant aspect of rest in the Old Testament. It was a physical place where the Israelites were to find rest from their enemies and enjoy God's blessings (Deuteronomy 12:9-10). However, due to unbelief and disobedience, many did not enter this rest (Numbers 14:22-23).

New Testament Fulfillment
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest. He invites all who are weary to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). This rest is not merely physical but spiritual, offering relief from the burden of sin and the law.

The book of Hebrews elaborates on this theme, presenting Jesus as the greater Joshua who leads His people into a superior rest. Hebrews 4:9-10 states, "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." This rest is accessed through faith and obedience, contrasting with the disobedience of the Israelites.

Theological Implications
Entering God's rest involves a cessation from self-reliant efforts and a trust in God's completed work through Christ. It is a call to live in the reality of God's promises, experiencing peace and assurance in His presence. This rest is both a present experience and a future hope, as believers anticipate the ultimate rest in the new creation.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to strive to enter God's rest by holding fast to their faith and avoiding the pitfalls of unbelief and disobedience. Regular observance of the Sabbath, personal devotion, and communal worship are practices that help Christians experience this rest. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and a foretaste of the eternal rest to come.

Key Scriptures
· Genesis 2:2-3: "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work."
· Exodus 20:8-11: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day."
· Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
· Hebrews 4:1-11: "Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it."

Conclusion
The concept of entering God's rest is a profound biblical theme that invites believers to experience the peace and fulfillment found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is a call to faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises, both now and in the life to come.Hebrews 4:1-16
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 4:1
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 4:3
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 4:8
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
Topicalbible.org

They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33.
... where only certain acts are performed, without entering into the ... are serving God
at all, if the rest of the ... are serving themselves, or their own gods, who will ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/they feared the lord and.htm

Concerning the Special Offices of the Gods.
... exhibited, the god Silvanus might be hindered from entering, because neither ... Is this
the innocence of the gods? ... flesh and blood go on with the rest, the secret ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 concerning the special offices.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... before their calf, and say, "These are thy gods," and conclude ... Hath he bought our
rest at so dear a rate ... and an heir of heaven, to be afraid of entering his own ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... they were beings, rarer perhaps than the rest, but not ... The nome gods who presided
over the destinies of Egyptian ... Khnumu at the place of its entering into Egypt ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... Chaldaeans from the values of the signs entering into the ... shaped form, but resembled
an aggregation of gods rather than ... was once set along with the rest of the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Relation of Christ to Prophecy, Continued.
... error, and without showing our repentance by entering on a ... the two brightest luminaries,
and not the rest of the ... Gentiles gave the names of their gods to the ...
/.../the relation of christ to.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... were constantly reminded of God's appointed rest day, by ... Before entering the Promised
Land, the Israelites were ... be forgotten and men would worship other gods. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

Concerning "Peace" and what is Meant by "Very Being" Itself, "Very ...
... transcendent Unity in Itself, and while entering into Itself ... understanding) to set
these at rest, and suppose ... men in their rash folly call "gods" and "creators ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter xi concerning peace and.htm

Refutation of the Gentiles --Continued
... only, they might reasonably think that He excelled the rest only by ... not God the Word,
why do not the gods of the Greeks prevent His entering their domains? ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 8 refutation of the.htm

Christian Worship,
... On entering a church, the first part was the Porch, in ... of penance was nearly ended;
and the rest of the ... day life, instead of the figures of gods, with which ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

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Summary of the Book of Joshua - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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Entering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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