Homilist Hebrews 4:3-6 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest… 1. Under all dispensations God has been holding out to mankind the promise of a glorious rest. 2. This glorious rest is something independent of all times, places, and privileges. 3. The enjoyment of this glorious rest is dependent upon a certain believing state of the soul. 4. This believing state of soul gives the enjoyment of this rest now. I. FAITH IN THE GOSPEL INVOLVES CONFIDENCE IN THE PATERNAL PROVIDENCE OF GOD, AND THIS GIVES THE MIND REST FROM ALL SECULAR ANXIETIES. II. FAITH IN THE GOSPEL INVOLVES AN ASSURANCE OF GOD'S WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE US AS SINNERS, AND THIS GIVES US REST FROM ALL DISTRESSING DOUBTS ABOUT OUR SALVATION. III. FAITH IN THE GOSPEL INVOLVES A TRANSFORMING IMPRESSION OF GOD'S BENEVOLENCE, AND THIS GIVES US REST FROM ALL THE DISTRESSING FEELINGS OF A SELFISH LIFE. IV. FAITH IN THE GOSPEL INVOLVES THE CENTRING OF THE SOUL UPON ONE OBJECT OF LOVE AND ONE COURSE OF ACTION, AND THIS GIVES REST FROM ALL THE PAINS OF DISTRACTION. V. FAITH IN THE GOSPEL INVOLVES AN ASSURANCE IN A BLESSED IMMORTALITY, AND THIS GIVES US REST FROM ALL DISTURBING THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR OWN DEATH AND THAT OF OUR FRIENDS. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. |
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