The Rebellious Shall Not Enter His Rest
For forty years, the Israelites operated in rebellion (provocation, strife) against the Father. They walked through the wilderness in a constant state of disobedience, rejecting the Lord at nearly every presented opportunity.
Psalm 95:8-9 New King James Version
8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
Consequently, the Lord spoke, vowing that they would not enter His rest.
Psalm 95:10-11 New King James Version
10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
The word rest stated in verse 11 refers to: comfortable, ease, quiet, rest(-ing place), still (Strongs Concordance, 4496. menuchah). Therefore, according to scripture, if you consistently choose to reject His ways, you will not enter His rest; If you are consistently choosing to reject the Lord, you are positioning yourself to never be at ease.
The book of Proverbs tells us that to love transgression is to also love strife (Proverbs 17:19). Existing in a state of rebellion against the Father also opens the door to dissensions (strife, conflict, division, and discord). This is a direct result of the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-21 Amplified Bible
19 Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], 21 envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
As followers of Christ, we must set our minds on eternity; Though if you are in rebellion, are you truly a follower of Christ? How can you say you love God’s people, but are the direct source of dissension by being rebellious? Scripture states that you shall not inherit the kingdom of God (our true and final resting place) if you are leading by your sinful nature. If this has been you, repent from your ways in your heart, and humble yourself before the Father. Otherwise, you will be likened to an unbeliever, fighting against the purposes of God.
Ephesians 2:1-2 Amplified Bible
Made Alive in Christ
2 And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].