Sip Saturday

Week #57 Hebrews 4:6

**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.

Cornerstone Scripture:

“Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief…”

-Hebrews 4:6 KJV

I saw a humorous image by Christopher Carver of a man trying to enter the pearly gates. Peter had the book of life in his hands, and the person said, “Can you check Santa’s nice list? I’m pretty sure I’m on that one.” This humorous anecdote points to how many people believe they can enter heaven through good works alone. Surely, just being “nice” means that they can enter, without necessitating belief in the one true God. The truth is that these people will not be allowed into the kingdom of God.

In the same way, some of the Israelites were permitted into the Promised Land, and some weren’t. For example, Moses, the man who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, was not allowed into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 32:51). Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve spies sent to scout out the Promised Land that were permitted to enter it (Numbers 14:38). Those who witnessed God’s miraculous rescue, the plagues against Egypt, and how God parted the Red Sea were not allowed into the Promised Land. Instead, their children and grandchildren were the ones who claimed Israel for God’s glory. This is what the author of Hebrews is referring to when he says some would enter and some would not.

The author is also arguing that only some will be permitted into God’s eternal rest, or heaven. This is evident through Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, where it is revealed that because the goats did not show compassion on the lowest in society, they are cast aside (Matthew 25:31-46). Similar to Jesus, the author is warning the readers that if they do not take care to follow God, they will find themselves going into everlasting punishment instead of everlasting rest.

Being “nice” is not enough to enter into God’s rest. I’m sure there are many people who are nice to others or polite because that is what they are taught and see as good. Generous acts and random acts of kindness are all well and good, but done apart from God, they are nothing. Ultimately, these righteous deeds are like filthy rags, sometimes interpreted as a woman’s menstrual rags (Isaiah 64:6). This gross picture is a reminder that self-righteousness will get you nowhere. The Pharisees and Sadducees often thought of themselves as God’s chosen people, free from blame and accusation. Yet, when the time of their Savior arrived, they rejected him. Some came to believe, but many turned away.

Don’t be like them, puffed up by your own good works. The huge check you wrote to your favorite charity won’t get you into heaven. Feeding the homeless won’t permit you past the pearly gates. Serving in the nursery every week won’t add to your spiritual resume. Doing such acts should come from a heart already filled with the Holy Spirit, and a body dedicated to following Jesus. Only then will they count, but not for entry into heaven.

Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, please help me to remain humble. When I do good, let me remember it is supposed to be for you, not myself. I submit myself to you. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.

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