The New Testament tells us to be diligent to enter God’s rest. That means Sabbath rest is worth fighting for. In fact, it’s worth dying for. Jesus died on Friday and rested on the Sabbath, awaiting resurrection. While lying in the grave, Jesus was enjoying the ultimate rest from the works of the old creation. Likewise, spiritual Sabbath-rest requires a death to ourselves in many ways.
True rest is one of the most precious treasures in God’s Kingdom. It is the sign that we have repented and received the gift of salvation, and that we enjoy the confidence of forgiven sins and a clean conscience.
“In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isa 35:15).
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience” (Heb 10:22).
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1).
Salvation puts us at peace with God. As a result, our hearts can rest from guilt, striving, and fear of judgment. When we are more conscious of the atonement of Jesus Christ than we are of our past sins, we enter the Sabbath Jesus died to give us. A truly clear conscience is a great source of confidence in all areas of life.
So stay tuned. More on entering God’s rest tomorrow…