But Christ As A Son Over His Own House, Whose House Are We, If We Hold Fast The Confidence And Rejoicing Of The Hope Firm Unto The End - Part 1859

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." (Hebrews 4:2)

David the psalmist foretold the same when he wrote: "Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into My rest." (Psalm 95:11)

Herein, the scriptures are specifically referencing those to whom the gospel was first preached, in the old covenant, and how they did not enter in because of unbelief. Remember, in Matthew's account of Jesus walking the earth, Jesus preached to those under the Law, so that these would be without excuse. And, as the Holy Ghost saith, "To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation [rebellion], in the day of temptation in the wilderness; when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, "They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known My ways, so I sware in My wrath, they shall not enter into My rest." (Hebrews 3:7-11; Acts 1:16; Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 3:15)

Sadly, there will always be those who will not enter into His rest, even when the Lord's invitation on the table outweighs any and all of the constructs of this world. Even when the Lord Himself pleaded with those who followed Him, saying, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Even when we know Jesus wept for those who turned away, having heard the gospel but did not mix their hearing of the Word with faith. 

Still, for those of us which do believe, and gladly receive His Word, we can enter into rest. In so doing, we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. "For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works as God [did] from His." (Hebrews 4:10) This is why we who believe labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:10-12; II Peter 1:10; Psalm 147:15; Isaiah 49:2; Ephesians 6:17; I Corinthians 14:24-25; Psalm 33:13-15; Psalm 90:8; Job 26:6)

And we know that we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. His Name is Jesus -- our great high priest, that is now passed into the heavens, leading and guiding us into all truth through the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:2-3) Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you ... I will come to you!"  This is why, as believers in Jesus by faith, we can come boldly unto the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need.

As for those that the scriptures state will not believe the truth? It is because "they will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord." (Hosea 5:4)

While the Word of the Lord spoken through Hosea may (at first) appear harsh to those who preach only kindness to one another (as a takeaway gospel) we also note that apostle Paul warned against those who teach contrary to the Word of God. Indeed, Paul said "let them be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9; I Corinthians 12:3; Romans 9:3)

Those within the modern day religious culture, for example, who teach that God is only one part of a Godhead -- a third. Rather than tell you the truth that God is the greatest love story ever told because God purchased us with His very own precious blood, these endeavour to dilute the truth of the Word. (Acts 20:28) Within these associations, you will never heart that God loved us so much that He Himself would robe Himself in flesh so that He could usher in His plan of redemption for you and I.

And, even more recently, that water baptism is just a religious ritual that is no longer necessary for salvation. Most certainly, these false teachers will never tell you to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-38; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48) How many times have we heard the day of Pentecost message preached, wherein Peter, standing with the eleven responded to those who asked them what they must do to be saved in Acts 2:1-37, and never heard the answer given in Acts 2:38?

That is, Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

Or, that "when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women ... (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus)" (Acts 8:12-16)

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:5-6)

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ ... " (I Peter 3:21)

This is why in "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Because when we gladly receive the Word -- Jesus -- into our minds, hearts, and souls, we enter into His rest. He becomes our all in all -- both Lord and Christ one everything we do. His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. But don't stop there because as Lord God and Saviour, there is so much more to be enjoyed -- to the point that your cup will run over with His joy and peace and love forevermore.

Stand in the offering plate.