In the midst of the throne there is a living being that is like a lion. The lion represents our determination to be ruled by none other than God. A man must be willing to fight with all the strength God gives him against the forces that come against him, calling upon the Lord for help, until he conquers and possesses his inheritance—the rest of God. Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is a stronger, fiercer lion than Satan. Christ enables us to conquer.

"Man" has been assigned dominion over all things. In the present hour we are not different from servants, although one day we shall inherit all things.

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. (Galatians 4:1,2)

If we are to receive our kingdom we must fight, and fight to win. This is a battle to the death.

He that overcometh [conquers; wins] shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)

The "fearful, and unbelieving" will "have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."

We are in a contest for the thrones that govern the universe, and it is "winner take all." No one will feel sorry for us if we lose our inheritance through neglect, as did Esau.

If we cannot, through Christ's grace, rule the tiny area assigned to us now, how shall we rule the universe of God?

It is no wonder the Book of Hebrews contains such stern warnings and exhortations!

There are five aspects of our great salvation. We were chosen for this glory at the outset of the creation.

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ before the world began, (II Timothy 1:9)

A son of God.

The image of God.

An incomplete, dependent person.

The source of fruitfulness.

The throne of God.

God already beholds us as perfect in each of these five dimensions. We are to cease from our own works and enter what God already has prepared for us. As we follow the Holy Spirit each day, He takes of the things of Christ and gives them to us. The Spirit develops and completes our sonship, the image of Christ, our dependency on Christ, our fruitfulness, and our ability to rule.

God's Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. The Word cuts between our soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow of our bones, and exposes and judges the thoughts and intents of our heart.

Why does the Word, which is living and powerfully active, do this to us? It is that we may be made perfect and complete in all that God has spoken concerning us as individuals.

We enter God's rest as that which God has spoken concerning us is created in us. We cease from our own works because we understand neither the goal nor the process. We do not know what God has in mind for us. Also, we have many sinful impulses and a soul that is deceitful, scheming, and filled to overflowing with self-seeking and self-love.

We cannot enter God's rest as long as we are attempting to insure our own security, satisfy our own desires, and achieve our own ambitions and goals. God has insured our security, satisfied our desires, and established our destiny, from the creation of the world. If we will be diligent in working out our great salvation we will discover that all we need, desire, and hope for has already been lovingly provided. (from So Great Salvation)