Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

Unfortunately, it is all too difficult to find examples in the Scriptures of those who, with unfailing consistency, exemplified the divine principles of Sabbath rest. The cases of those who did not follow God’s ways are much more numerous. But, regardless of numbers, we need to study both classes in order to under stand what is to be emulated and what should be shunned. Thus we are provided with the opportunity of making an enlightened and responsible choice in which way to go. It is tragic when individuals give lip service to these guiding fundamentals while denying them by their works. They can as sume they are serving the Lord when in reality they are assist ing the devil. It is for this reason that down through the ages great religious organizations have believed they are rendering God service long after He has utterly ceased to lead them. There can be no tragedy of greater proportions. Imagine the consterna tion and crushing disappointment of those who in the end, after having sacrificed a lifetime of possessions and opportunities, find that they have not really served the Lord at all and that He has no place in heaven for them. To be on the right side requires more than strong faith, vital as that is. Great faith in the Almighty has all too often been fol lowed by utter failure, deep discouragement, and eventual sepa ration from God. Faith without God’s works or procedures is dead (see James 2:20–26). So faith and works must be combined in their correct relationship if the professed children of God are to become “more than conquerors.” Romans 8:37. This balance between true faith and correct procedures is revealed in the principles of Sabbath rest.

Failure to Enter God’s Rest

Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 are concerned with contrasting those who experienced Sabbath rest and those who did not. After Paul chose Christ and Moses as examples of faithful and successful service (see Hebrews 3:1–6), he examined ancient Israel’s inexcusable and trag ic substitution of human devising in the place of divine direction. From the outset, the promise to Israel was that the Lord would give them rest: