FAITH RESULTS IN REST - THEN WORKS

I could not number the times I have made reference to Ephesians 2:8-9 over the years.  After all, those two verses are perhaps the most important verses in the Bible when it comes to understanding salvation is a gift:  man cannot earn it, but can only trust the One who has provided it.  But based upon my observation of those professing to be born again believers today, I would have to say we may have neglected to preach what believers are to do once they are saved!  We are to work for our Lord!  Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  Yes, we love to speak about the believer "entering into His rest," but we do not make it clear "His rest" has to do with how one gets saved, and not what one is to do following salvation. 

Notice in Hebrews 4:1-7, that we are to rest from trying to work for our salvation:
[1]  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 (salvation requires two things - hearing the Gospel, and believing the Gospel - nothing else).  [2]  For unto us was the Gospel preached (Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Rom. 1:16; 10:13; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; etc.), as well as unto them (Israel - Jn. 1:11-12): but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  [3]  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 (His works) were finished from the foundation of the world (Mt. 13:35; 25:34; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:20; Rev. 13:8; 17:8).  [4]  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.  [5]  And in this place again, If they shall enter into My rest.  [6]  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:  [7]  Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. 

Now notice a believer's rest from doing works is still future.  Hebrews 8-10 speaks of our future rest:  [8]  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day.  [9]  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  [10]  For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.

Our salvation is His work; telling others is ours!