WHEN FEARING IS IN ORDER

"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it" (Heb 4:1)

As long as we are "in the body" (2 Cor 5:6 ) and "in the world" (1 Pet 5:9), there is a sense in which we are in danger. Our only safety is found in Christ Jesus and in His light! As elementary as that may appear, it has eluded many a soul. Employing the "doctrines of demons" (1 Tim 4:1), the powers of darkness have lulled many a soul into the "sleep of death" (Psa 13:3).

There is a sense in which all believers are to "fear" coming short of the promised "rest"–i.e., not entering their promised inheritance, or being glorified. The solemn warning of this text, of course, would be absurd if it were not possible to begin the race, yet NOT finish it. Just as some people who were genuinely delivered form Egypt, did not enter Canaan, so some people will really leave a life of sin, yet never enter into glory. It is our business to see to it we are not among that number. That is a great commission!

When we embark on the life of faith, a promise is "left" to us–a Divine committal. In summary, that "promise" is "eternal life" (1 John 2:25). It begins with regeneration, and is consummated when we are "ever with the Lord." But you dare not assume the culmination of the promise. You are admonished to "fear" lest you should "seem to come short of it." Your reliance on the Son must be continual.

The word "seem" is a strong word, and does not mean a mere appearance: i.e., look like you have come short, but actually have not. The idea is that you are found coming short of the goal–i.e., it is apparent you have missed it. It means God has seen and appraised the individual as unworthy of entering His rest. The word "seem" means apparent, and is so used elsewhere (Lk 8:18; 1 Cor 11:16; 12:22; Gal 2:9; Heb 12:11; James 1;26).

In what sense are we to "fear" coming short of the promised "rest"? This not a cringing or debilitating fear. It is an attitude of alertness and respect–like the fear of fire, hurricane, or pestilence. To "fear coming short of it" is to take measures not to be excluded from God's "rest." Hell is ghastly enough to fear. Escaping it is worthy of your most hearty effort. Your effort will surely be undergirded by the very power of God–but Divine power will not undergird the soul that refuses to be engaged in the escape! With all diligence, see to it you do not end up being excluded from the rest. The Lord guarantees the success of your effort.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, I seek for grace and strength to finish my course here, and enter Your rest there.

-- MONDAY: SIN REQUIRES QUENCHING THE SPIRIT --