May 12: Entering His Rest—An Act of Faith

“It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

The completeness with which the Lord Jesus paid our death penalty for breaking His Holy Law was perfectly described as finished! He willingly entered into His creation as a human, just as human as you and I. Because of His unfathomable love, He became our Kinsman Redeemer. His work on the earth to free us from sin’s penalty and power can be trusted. Too often, only half of the story is taught: His death paid sin’s penalty in full, yes! But what about freedom from the power of sin? As a living, human Example, He demonstrated that the power of His written word is greater than any snare laid out for us by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-12). He also promises to be with us. Have I consciously taken hold of that mighty, loving Hand that He holds out to me? Overcoming sinful habits happens only by abiding with Him (John 15:4-5). Before sin began its cruel march across the earth, the Creator made a pronouncement about His creation, that indeed it was very good (Genesis 1:31).

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:1-3

At both events (creation and redemption), the word finished is prominent. God rested on the seventh day (stated three times for emphasis) following completion of creation. Jesus rested in the tomb throughout the Sabbath Day following His full payment for our redemption. The Creator, Source of life, and Lawgiver is also the Author of salvation. In the heavenly court of justice, the Lawgiver is also our Advocate and Judge! He is all these and more, because His eternal government rests upon His love!

Some of Jesus’ followers who were present at His death stayed close by. That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee . . . observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. Luke 23:54-56

Sabbath keeping, instituted before sin, was kept by the Apostolic church and will be continued throughout eternity. Scripture contains no command that changes the Sabbath day. He blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. Only the LORD has the power to make holy. The seventh day may appear like the other six as “just another day.” It is an act of faith to believe that it is different! He finished His work of redemption just as He did at creation. Rest! The author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) takes personal responsibility for the process of refinement and growth, the very thing that Satan works so feverishly to hinder. He especially hates the Sabbath because of its designation as a holy day to rest in the Lord who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:7) “Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” (Ezekiel 20:12)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the LORD . . . . it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the LORD. Isaiah 66:22-23

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8