The Rest of God: Byrl Keith Chadwell 8/2008   The traditional Christian Buzz word; “believer”, may “cement in” a narrow understanding of this scriptural term that does not necessarily apply across the board.  A “believer” is often narrowly interpreted by Christians as “one who is born again” or one who is a “believer” in Jesus Christ”.   This definition does apply to this word or its extensions as used in the Bible, in some instances.  However, this traditional understanding of the term “believer” can be limiting.  It can even result in misunderstanding, if this is the only definition considered, when one sees this term or its extensions when studying scriptures.   There are places in scripture where the word “believer” or its extensions are used in a different context.  Hebrews, Chapter 4: is one such case were “believer,” or its extension; “we which have believed”, is not to be interpreted, solely, as “one born again”.  This “believer” based phrase is used here in a totally different context.    Hebrews 4:1-6 1.  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. 2.  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3.  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. 4.  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.  5.  And in this place again, if they shall enter into my rest. 6.  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:   I believe; “We that have believed”, in Hebrews 4:3, is referring to those Christians who at that time were fully and progressively believing, embracing by faith and applying, the good news of the grace of God through Jesus Christ, and were not turning back to the Jewish law and the works of the flesh to perfect themselves, as some Christians at that time were doing, according to the writings of Paul.   The implications of the phrase; “we that have believed”  here in Hebrews 4:3 is that a believer in Christ (born again Christian) must also further “believe” other truths of Gods word and mix that belief with faith and putting those beliefs into practice, in order to appropriate “the Rest” God promised.               Hebrews 4:             9.  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11.  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.   Being a Born again Christian alone, will not automatically cause entry into this “Rest” which the Bible speaks of.  No more than being a born again Christian will automatically appropriate some of the other promises of God.  Some of Gods promises to his people are “conditional”.   This is one of them.   Otherwise, God would not have said; “If you will harden not your heart….”    A good example of the true meaning of Christian baptism* is applicable here:      As a Christian who” labors to enter” into the rest God promised, we must not only be immersed in the Spirit, but there should also be subsequent change.  The Emphasis is on CHANGE.  This change can only be wrought by the Spirit of God as we choose to humbly submit ourselves, not only to be immersed into Christ, but to remain immersed in Christ.   Christians can enter “His rest”… IF…we will choose to die to our old desires daily and turn to Jesus in faith, seeking his aid to help our weaknesses.  Then, we are righteous by faith as we continue to walk after the Spirit and He works in us to progressively  cleanse us and change us into His image, in fact.    Entering “His rest” can only to be accomplished by “His work” in us.  We can’t do it in our own strength, so we must trust in Him to do it.  We must choose to be a “BELIEVER” that He can do it without our help, “IF” we will let him.   ...This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:... Isaiah 28:12      *(See “baptize a pickle? ” teaching, this web site).   #