The article “Let Us” by Don Fortner addresses the theological concept of faith and the significance of entering into God’s rest, emphasizing the warnings against unbelief. Fortner argues that genuine faith is not passive but is characterized by active engagement, as illustrated in Hebrews 4:1-16, which includes multiple exhortations to fear, labor, hold fast, and approach the throne of grace. He cites specific Scripture references, such as Hebrews 4:1, which warns against missing out on rest due to unbelief, and Hebrews 4:11, which encourages believers to strive to enter that rest. The practical significance of the article lies in its call for believers to actively pursue their faith in Christ, recognizing it as essential for eternal life and the ongoing grace they need.
Key Quotes
“We ought to fear missing Christ. Christ is the one thing needful. We must have him. If we have him we have all. If we miss him we miss all.”
“Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
“This we must hold with a death grip for life and death are the issues eternal life and eternal death.”
“Come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
What does the Bible say about entering into rest?
The Bible emphasizes that true rest comes through faith in Christ, as warned in Hebrews 4:1-11.
Hebrews 4:1-11
How do we know faith in Christ is essential?
Faith in Christ is essential as it is the means through which we enter God’s promised rest (Hebrews 4:1-11).
Hebrews 4:1, 4:11
Why is holding fast our profession important?
Holding fast to our profession of faith in Christ is vital for eternal life and assurance of salvation (Hebrews 4:14).
Hebrews 4:14
What does it mean to come boldly to the throne of grace?
Coming boldly to the throne of grace means approaching God with confidence to receive mercy and help through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).
Hebrews 4:16
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. 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. the word...: Gr. the word of hearing not being...: Or, because they were not vnited by faith to 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. 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. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: it was...: Or, the Gospel was first preached Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. Jesus...: That is, Iosuah There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. rest...: Or, keeping of a Sabbath For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. unbelief...: Or, disobedience For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:1-16“Let Us”
Hebrews four is a chapter about faith, the blessed rest of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, it is a chapter filled with exhortations and admonitions, giving us very clear instructions about our responsibilities. Faith in Christ is not a passive, indifferent, or dormant thing. It a vital, living principle of grace.
When I was in college, my professor of homiletics and pastoral theology used to tell us something every preacher ought to always bear in mind. He repeated it almost every time he talked to us about sermon preparation and preaching. He said, “Men, where there is no summons there is no sermon.” In other words, every sermon preached ought to call for action, not physical action, but moral, spiritual action. If a sermon does not call for those who hear it to make some kind of response to it, it is not much of a sermon. The same is true of written expositions.
Four times in these sixteen verses we are given two words of admonition. Four times the writer admonishes us, with himself, to do something. Look at them with me.
Something to Fear
Here is something for us to fear. "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” (v. 1). We ought to fear missing Christ. Christ is the “one thing needful.” We must have him. If we have him, we have all. If we miss him, we miss all. We must be washed in his blood, robed in his righteousness, born of his Spirit, saved by his grace, united to him by faith.
Something to Do
Look at verse 11. Here is something for us to do. "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Let us labor that we may cease from all labor. Faith is ceasing from our works. To trust Christ is to quit trying to find acceptance with God by something we do. It is to rely upon him alone for righteousness, finding complete and perfect justification, sanctification, and redemption in him.
Something to Hold
Here is something for us to hold. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” (v. 14). This we must hold with a death grip, for life and death are the issues, eternal life and eternal death. Whatever we do, we must hold Christ.
Somewhere to Go
Here is somewhere for us to go. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” In every time of need, at all times, come to God your Father, who sits upon the throne of grace, come through the merits of Christ your Savior, the merits of his blood and righteousness, and get the mercy and grace you need by the power of his Spirit.
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