Did Not Benefit Them

Hebrews 4:1-3 (ESV Strong's)

1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,

“As I swore in my wrath,

‘They shall not enter my rest,’”

although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.

One aspect of fearing the Lord is the fear of not reaching Him. Once we see the light and blessings that lie ahead, we should be eager and intent on making that journey. The Holy Spirit will lead the way, just as Christ has shown us the way. Both are sent to us to bring us to the Father. 

The experience of the Israelites in the wilderness serves as example that faith is needed to complete the journey. Beginning the journey is an awesome and wonderful thing. Finishing the journey is the awesome and wonderful thing that is beyond our imagination. 

The key to our salvation is faith. It is placing our faith in Christ and keeping that faith. It was predetermined before the foundation of the world that we would come to Him by having faith in His power and grace. That we would choose Him.