Entering God’s Rest: The Power, Priesthood, and Promise Fulfilled in Christ

Welcome to Day 348 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.

Hebrews 4–7 moves from a warning about unbelief to a rich theological explanation of Jesus’ role as the believer’s great High Priest. These chapters reveal that God’s promised rest is still available through faith, that His Word actively exposes the heart, and that Jesus compassionately represents humanity before God. The author addresses spiritual maturity, urging believers to grow beyond infancy and remain anchored in God’s unchanging promises. Central to this section is the presentation of Jesus as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek—eternal, sinless, and superior to the Levitical priesthood. Together, these chapters emphasize assurance, perseverance, and the sufficiency of Christ’s priestly work.

Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4 expands on the theme of God’s rest, explaining that the promise remains open for those who respond in faith. The author clarifies that Israel’s failure in the wilderness was due to unbelief, not the absence of God’s promise. God’s rest is both a present spiritual reality and a future hope, entered through obedience and trust in Christ. The chapter highlights the power of God’s Word, describing it as living, active, and capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing is hidden from God’s sight, underscoring human accountability. The chapter concludes by introducing Jesus as the great High Priest who sympathizes with human weakness and invites believers to approach God’s throne with confidence.

Hebrews 5

Hebrews 5 explains the qualifications and responsibilities of a high priest, emphasizing that a priest must be appointed by God and able to deal gently with human weakness. Jesus fulfills these requirements, not by self-promotion, but by divine appointment. The chapter highlights Christ’s humanity, showing that He learned obedience through suffering and offered prayers with deep anguish. Through His obedience, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. He is identified as a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, signaling a priesthood distinct from and superior to Aaron’s. The chapter ends with a rebuke, noting that spiritual immaturity has prevented the audience from understanding deeper truths.

Hebrews 6

Hebrews 6 calls believers to move beyond foundational teachings and press toward spiritual maturity. The author warns against falling away after fully experiencing the truth, describing the seriousness of rejecting Christ after receiving knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. This warning underscores the danger of complacency, not the weakness of God’s grace. The chapter then shifts to encouragement, affirming God’s justice and faithfulness toward those who continue in love and service. God’s promise to Abraham is presented as evidence of His unchanging purpose and trustworthy oath. The chapter concludes with the powerful image of hope as an anchor for the soul, secured by Jesus who has entered God’s presence on the believer’s behalf.

Hebrews 7

Hebrews 7 provides a detailed explanation of Jesus’ priesthood through the figure of Melchizedek, who appears in Genesis as both king and priest. The author shows that Melchizedek’s priesthood predates and surpasses the Levitical system, demonstrating that Jesus’ priesthood is superior and eternal. Unlike Levitical priests, Jesus does not rely on lineage but on the power of an indestructible life. The chapter explains that the former priesthood was limited and unable to bring perfection, while Christ brings complete access to God. Jesus is presented as a sinless, permanent High Priest who intercedes continually for believers. The chapter concludes by affirming that Christ’s priesthood accomplishes what the Law could not—true salvation and lasting reconciliation with God.