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The Epistle To The Hebrews - Executable Outlines

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Mark A. Copeland<br />

2. But the Sabbath as a day of rest was given only to the nation of Israel<br />

a. It was not given to the nation’s fathers (i.e., ancestors such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)<br />

- cf. Deu 5:2-22; Neh 9:13-14<br />

b. It was given to Israel as a weekly remembrance of their deliverance from Egypt - Deu<br />

5:12-15<br />

c. <strong>The</strong> only Gentiles ever commanded to keep the Sabbath were those living among the<br />

Israelites in Canaan (“your stranger who is within your gates”)<br />

3. <strong>The</strong> Sabbath day, like the rest of the Old Law, has been done away<br />

a. It was nailed to the cross - cf. Ep 2:14-15; Co 2:14<br />

b. Those in Christ have died to the Old Law, having been delivered from it that they may<br />

now serve Christ - Ro 7:4,6<br />

c. As part of “the ministry of death” (i.e., the Old Testament), it has been replaced by “the<br />

ministry of the Spirit” (i.e., the New Testament) - 2 Co 3:5-8,11<br />

d. It is now a matter of indifference to God, left to one’s individual conscience, and not to<br />

be bound on anyone - cf. Ro 14:4-6; Co 2:16-17<br />

4. Finally, the argument regarding Joshua can also be made regarding Moses...<br />

a. Long after Moses provided the “Sabbath” rest, Psa 95:7-8 was written<br />

b. Indicating that there was still another “rest” to come<br />

-- While Moses provided the “Sabbath” rest, there is still “<strong>The</strong> Rest That Remains”!<br />

C. IT IS “GOD’S REST”...<br />

1. Through this section of Scripture there are repeated references to:<br />

a. “My rest” - He 3:11; 4:3,5 cf. Psa 95:7-11<br />

b. “His rest” - He 3:18; 4:1<br />

1) Which those who fell in the wilderness did not enter - He 3:18<br />

2) Which Christians today have a promise of entering - He 4:1<br />

2. It is a rest that God entered upon the completion of His creation - He 4:4,10<br />

3. It is a rest that Joshua (and Moses) did not provide...<br />

4. God’s rest is one in which...<br />

a. We must be diligent not to come short of it - He 4:1,11<br />

b. One who has “entered His rest” has “ceased from his works” - He 4:10<br />

-- “God’s rest” is the “heavenly rest” of which we read in the book of Revelation...<br />

<strong>The</strong>n I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die<br />

in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their<br />

labors, and their works follow them.” (Re 14:13)<br />

[“<strong>The</strong> Rest That Remains” in this passage is therefore “God’s Rest”, and in particular that “heavenly<br />

rest” one enters in which they cease from the labors. Now if we wish to one day enter this “rest”, some<br />

things are necessary...]<br />

II. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS TO ENTER “GOD’S REST”?<br />

A. THE WORD OF GOD...<br />

1. Note that both Israel and we today have had “the gospel” preached unto us - He 4:2<br />

a. <strong>The</strong> “gospel” (i.e., good news) proclaimed unto the Israelites pertained to the promises<br />

of Canaan<br />

b. <strong>The</strong> “gospel” proclaimed unto us pertains to the blessings we have in Christ<br />

2. <strong>The</strong> Word of God is essential for at least two reasons:<br />

Sermons From <strong>Hebrews</strong> 28

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