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The Law demanded perfection. This was the standard accomplished by Jesus. Despite our best efforts, we don’t even come close. However, we continue to live in a society built upon works. Nearly everything we do is predicated upon receiving a reward for our work. Parents want their children to obey them. Schools want their students to be successful. Employers want their employees to be efficient. All of this leads us to believe that God desires us to work hard in this life so we can earn His love. Paul demolishes this theory in Galatians.
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Galatians 3:10-11 ESV
So, what place do works have within our lives? James tackles this question very well.
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
James 2:21-23 ESV
Active faith produces works. Salvation is obtained only by faith, but proven through obedience.
There are many today who work for God but have no faith in Christ. A lack of faith leads to a contractual relationship with the Father much like the prodigal son’s older brother. The relationship isn’t based on unconditional love but earned love. The really depressing part is that we can’t even hold up our end of that contract!
There are also many today who profess to have faith in Jesus but have zero fruit in their lives. As James writes, anyone can say they believe in God – even the demons believe. The question is, does that belief lead to obedience in your life? If you profess to have faith in Jesus but don’t begin to submit your life to Him, you really do not understand His sacrifice.
So, what does all this have to do with Hebrews? Have you ever heard the term “Jesus is our Sabbath rest?”
Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10 For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His.
Hebrews 4:9-10 HCSB
Just as God rested from His works, man can now rest of his. It is important, however, that we define what is meant by works. The author of Hebrews is not talking about the same type of works as James describes. This is about humans using their works to earn God’s love. Jesus becomes both God’s rest (by satisfying His wrath against sin) and our rest (by obtaining peace with God). This is an amazing reality when you consider that physical peace and comfort can be felt in our hearts and minds as a result of the spiritual debt that was paid at the cross.
“He says, “It is finished. I am no longer going to do my own works, I am done with them; I now trust the finished work of Christ, and that gives me rest. But as to all that wearied me before, and made life a continual task and toil, it is ended now.” God is not a cruel taskmaster to his people; he gives rest to those who trust in him, and some of us have entered into that rest.”
Charles Spurgeon