Hebrews: Striving to Enter

The "striving" of Heb. 4:11 must not be taken as urging an effort to earn rest and favor with God. Rather, the term is encouragement of the gospel promise of rest remaining for the people of God.

Striving is proof of real faith. The Israelites failed to enter because they did not possess the faith to obey. Believers in Jesus Christ, however, do believe and the proof of that faith is obedience to enter His rest. The faith that trusts the promise is also eager to realize the promise.

The urgency of obedience is illustrated by Paul in Philippians 3:7-16. He lived in the continual pursuit of knowing Christ, sharing His sufferings, and conforming to His death. The hope that drove him was participation in the resurrection of Christ. He knew that he had not arrived, but he pressed on, knowing that he would apprehend the goal for Christ had already apprehended him.

The Lord has provided two aids to the help the believer in his striving to enter Christ's rest: the Living Word, and the intercession of the great High Priest, Jesus Christ.