FORTY YEARS. Hebrews 3:17 Human rebellion against God's provision in Christ angered God during Israel's time in the wilderness. They tested God many times, yet He remained faithful to them as a nation. A hard heart of unbelief will convince a person so that he will not accept God's offer because they have turned away from the living God. Those who refuse to trust the Lord will not enter into His rest. Believers can experience spiritual rest now by living in faith, both in the present and in anticipation of future rest.
The Jewish Christians to whom this letter was written were at risk of repeating what their ancestors did. Because of cultural and, to some extent, religious reasons, they were prone to doubt what the Lord Jesus Christ taught. Israel had experienced God's saving grace when He delivered them from Egypt, but they were rejected because of willful, defiant disobedience. As a result, they lost the rest God intended for them and died in the wilderness due to their unbelief.
The question then is asked, “Who can be saved?” God’s grace was near those who had sinned and whose repentance was genuine. The same is true for us; some say they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ but continue to live in willful rebellion. Such people are not saved. The more Israel was conscious of being under the law, the more they were aware of their failure. Today, as then, “By the law is the knowledge of sin,” not the way of salvation.
A lack of trust in the Lord and in receiving the blessings He offers stops God from giving us His best. It is far better to distrust ourselves, humble ourselves, and, out of reverence for God, call upon Him in our trouble, rejoicing even in the sufferings we may face. We can find peace during trials when we stay connected with our Lord Jesus Christ. It's not enough to start our faith journey well; we must remain steadfast until the end. He has brought us out of darkness so that He can lead us into the glorious light of the kingdom of God.