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“For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day. Therefore the Sabbath rest remains for God’s people” (Hebrews 4:8,9).
“God’s people” is a phrase familiar to us in the Scriptures, but who are the people to whom this expression applies? In the broadest sense, these words apply to every person God has ever created. But in the scriptures, the phrase often refers to a subgroup of mankind: a group that has a special relationship because of being redeemed and saved by God.
At the time the Mosaic Law was in force, the tribes of Israel were God’s people in a unique sense. They were the physical family through whom God was going to bring the Messiah, or Christ, into the world. However, that mission has been accomplished, and Israel’s special role has been set aside (Hebrews 8:1-13), who are those who are “God’s people” today? These are people who follow the gospel of Christ. In fact, the nation of Israel pointed to this great Israel, a spiritual people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9,10). If you want to know if you are one of these “God’s people”, ask yourself these questions:
(1) Have I been reconciled to God on His terms? God’s people are those forgiven by Him by dying to sin in baptism (Romans 6:3-5).
(2) Do I offer to God what He wants from His creatures? God has always looked for people who will love Him with all their heart and live according to Him (Deuteronomy 10:12,13; Micah 6:8).
(3) Do I live based on faith in God? I am not one of God’s people if my life does not show that I trust Him – taking risks to do things His way. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
Only God’s people can hope for the eternal rest that He has promised. For Israel, Canaan was the land in which they expected to rest, but as Hebrews 4:8,9 states, God still spoke of a greater rest awaiting His people. “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day after that. So then, the Sabbath rest remains For God’s people.” May God hasten the day when all his enemies are defeated and he reigns forever over all his faithful people.
Come, O Almighty King, help us to sing your name, help us to praise!
Father is all-glorious, all-victorious,
Come and rule over us, Ancient One.
(Charles Wesley)
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
