Here is the ultimate, consummation and fulfilment
of the typical Jewish sabbath day under the ceremonial
law, "There remaineth therefore a rest (a keeping of the
sabbath) to the people of God. For he that is entered
into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works,
as God did from his. Let us labor therefore to enter
into that rest." The Apostle here reveals three things
about the saints' eternal, heavenly sabbath:
(1.) THERE IS A REST, A SABBATH, TO BE OBTAINED.
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." The glory and bliss of heaven is compared to many things, but no comparison is sweeter than this. Heaven is an eternal sabbath! God's saints in heaven shall observe an uninterrupted, eternal remembrance of redemption. The constant theme of heavenly thought, conversation, and praise shall be our glorious redemption by the blood, grace, and power of Christ. In heaven we shall enjoy perfect consecration to God our Savior. Our affections will not be divided then. Christ will have no rival in our hearts. In that blessed sabbath we will love our Savior as we ought! And heaven will be blessed, eternal rest. There we shall cease from all our toils, trials, and troubles. I do not mean that we shall cease to serve our Master. By no means! Then we will serve him perfectly. But our service will involve no toil or labor, only joy and satisfaction.
(2.) SOME HAVE ALREADY ENTERED INTO THAT REST.
I have already shown you how that verse 10 refers to Christ. But it also refers to those who have already entered the heavenly sabbath. Some to whom the gospel had been preached died in their sins and could not enter into the land of rest because of unbelief. But those who have entered in have ceased from their own works. All their imperfect works, failed efforts, and sinful deeds have ceased! And there are yet some who "must enter therein." There is yet a remnant who shall enter into heaven.
(3.) WE MUST LABOR (STRIVE) TO ENTER INTO THAT REST (v. 11).
If we would enter into that glorious sabbath rest in heaven, we must continue in the faith. We must persevere unto the end of our days trusting Christ alone, keeping the sabbath of faith. And this, by the grace of God, we shall do if we are his. He which has begun his good work in us will bring us into heaven's glory at last.And we shall enter into his rest!