Rest In God: The Crisis In Your Life Had Passed

Christ gives rest to all who receive Him by faith. This rest comes to you when wearing Christ’s yoke and learning of Him.

Thus, on acceptance of His offer you receive a conscious finding and a sense of relief from doubt.

Moreover, it is the awareness that God is true, and that He never disappoints a soul who comes unto Him.

His pardon is full and free, and His acceptance of you means rest to your soul, rest in His love.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

Yoke up with Christ and bear only His burdens. 

Do not pile upon yourselves burdens that weigh you down to the ground.

Rest in His Love

Rest in the love of Christ and trust Him as your Redeemer and Life-giver to work out for you the salvation of your soul.

Thus you will know, as you draw nearer and still nearer to Him, what it means to endure the seeing of Him who is invisible.

God desires us to rest content in His love. The contentment that Christ bestows is a gift worth infinitely more than gold and silver and precious stones.

He invites the weary and heavy laden to come and find rest.

While you have been walking and working in meekness and lowliness of heart, a work has been done for you - a work that only God could do.

It is God who works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. That good pleasure is to see you abiding in Christ and resting in His love.

Let not anything rob your soul of peace, restfulness and of the assurance that you are accepted just now. Claim every promise of God.

They all are yours if you will comply with the prescribed terms. 

Entire self-surrender, an acceptance of Christ's ways is the secret of perfect rest in His love.

Look to Calvary - the assurance of acceptance

Christ came to the world to convince humankind that God is love. 

This fact is forever put at rest by evidence that could not be controverted with:

• unfallen worlds

• heavenly beings

• those who look upon an uplifted Savior.

They are convinced by the manifestation of the love of God displayed at Calvary.

Christ died for you. 

What greater evidence of God's love could you ask than that which has been given in the life, death and intercession of Jesus?

God has poured out all heaven in one gift, and there is no reason why we should doubt His love.

Christ worked out the principles of Divine Character in this world. Thus He left every human being without an excuse of withholding their allegiance from the God of Heaven.

Jesus was one with the Father. Yet He came to the world in the likeness of sinful flesh. 

Moreover, He condemned sin in the flesh by His own life of perfect obedience to the Law of God.

Thus He showed that humans may:

• become partakers of the divine nature

• through faith in Christ lay hold on moral power that has been brought within their reach through the love so abundantly expressed in their behalf

• form characters after the divine likeness, because of the great love wherewith Christ has loved us.

The cross is in direct line with the shining of the divine forbearing. 

Thus by beholding the cross humankind may see and know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3.

Furthermore, in beholding Christ's love on the cross:

• our view is extended to God and we discern His "hatred" of sin

• we also perceive His love for sinners, which is stronger than death.

Come unto Me and I will give you rest

This is His invitation. Jesus knows by experience what are:

• the weaknesses of humanity

• our needs

• our temptations and where the strength is.

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; 

but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15.

Are you tempted? He will deliver.

Are you weak? He will strengthen.

Are you ignorant? He will enlighten.

Are you wounded? He will heal.

The Lord telleth the number of the stars; and yet He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:4, 3.

Have you found this rest? If not, there is something for you to do.

Do not rely on an experience that you had years in the past. It is your privilege to have a living connection with Christ now.

Come to Him with brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit, praying for His grace. 

You may come with full assurance of faith, and He will fill your heart with rest, peace, and love.

Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance.

The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulties.

The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger you will become in His strength. 

The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer.

The rest that Christ offers depends upon conditions, but these conditions are plainly specified. 

They are those with which all can comply. He tells us just how His rest is to be found.

Heaven begins in the soul

We respond to Christ’s invitation and in this coming we begin the life eternal. Heaven is a ceaseless approach to God through Christ.

As heavenly-mindedness increases, Christ is more appreciated. 

Finally He becomes the Chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely. Song of Solomon 5:10, 16.

Thus, the longer we are in the heaven of bliss, more:

• glory will be opened to us

• intense will be our happiness.

As we walk with Jesus in this life, we may be filled with His love and satisfied with His presence. We may receive here all that humans can bear.

For we realize our need of Christ and with complete trust will rest in Him. 

Heavenly inspiration will have a part in our Christian experience as drinking of the divine water of life.

Thus we will grow unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the foulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13.

The Lord appeared of old time to Abraham and said: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:1.

This is the reward of all who follow Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:3, 9.

Furthermore, to comprehend more what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 

and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18, 19.

This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17.

Take my yoke upon you

Why is Christ's yoke easy and His burden light?

Because He bore the weight of it upon the cross of Calvary.

Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me...For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29, 30.

Come to Christ with brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit, praying for His grace. 

The melting power of God can do wonders in subduing your heart, and making it tender and impressible.

Those who learn of Him and take His yoke upon them, find that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever, promises, 

Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 28:20.

Those who come to Christ, weary and heavy-laden, find rest unto their souls.

He who leadeth us and teacheth us to profit, Isaiah 48:17, declared: 

I have kept my Father's commandments. John 15:10.

Moreover, those who follow Christ will do as He has done. 

Their steps will fall in His foot-prints all along the path of obedience that He has trodden before them as their example.

The law of our God is holy, and just, and good, Romans 7:12. 

It is to our highest interest that we come into perfect harmony with its precepts. Furthermore it is ordained unto life.

The yoke that binds believers to the will of God in service is the Law of God. 

The great law of love was revealed in Eden, proclaimed upon Sinai, and written in the heart in the new covenant.

The yoke of Christ lightens the burden

We do not bear the load alone. 

For He whom their soul loveth, Song of Solomon 3:3, walks with them, and the heaviest weight is borne by His loving and mighty heart.

If we were left to follow our own inclinations we will become possessors of Satan's attributes of character.

Therefore God desires that we shall patiently and wisely take up the duties of service. 

The yoke of service Christ Himself has borne in humanity.

I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. John 6:38.

Love for God, zeal for His glory, and love for fallen humanity brought Jesus to earth to suffer and to die. 

This was the controlling power of His life. This principle He bids us to adopt.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: 

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; 

Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah 41:10.

The yoke is placed upon the oxen to aid them in drawing the load and to lighten the burden.

We will find life's burden light when our will is swallowed up in the will of God and we use His gifts to bless others.

Believer who walks in the way of God's commandments is walking in company with Christ. And in His love the heart is at rest.

Moses asked God:

Show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee. Exodus 33:13.

The Lord answered him:

My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. Exodus 33:14.

O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, 

and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18.

Abide in Me

Our Savior is able and willing to do for us more than we can ask or even think. 

He would have us abide in Him every moment, that we may be complete in Him and accepted in the Beloved.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7.

Christ abides in you through His Word. This union is also represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

Furthermore, it is spirit and life, and you receive the life of the Vine. 

Thus you live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4.

The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. You will love as He loved when imbued with His Spirit. 

The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate you in all your dealing with others.

Christ likeness will be revealed in the life of His followers when He is cherished in their hearts. 

Humility will reign where pride was once predominant.

Submission, meekness and patience will soften down the rugged features of a naturally perverse personality. 

Love to Jesus will be manifested in love to His people.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34, 35.

The Lord desires us to rest in Him without questioning our measure of reward. 

The thought of reward is not uppermost when Christ abides in the soul.

This is not the motive that actuates our service. God desires us to appreciate His promised blessings. 

Love to God and to our fellow men should be our motive.

I no longer live but Christ lives in me

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20.

Apostle Paul showed us that his sufficiency was not in himself. 

He spoke of himself as always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:10.

Self was hidden and Christ was revealed and exalted.

Take advantage of the present opportunity to reach a higher experience. 

You can live this life only once. Will you not bring the pleasantness and the goodness of a perfect character into this life?

Through the power of the righteousness of Christ you will depart from all iniquity. 

There must be a living connection of your soul with your Redeemer.

Thus through the channel of communication you grow in grace and knowledge of God.

Furthermore as we behold the beauty of the Savior's character, you will be changed into His likeness.

The word believed becomes grace

Thus you will:

• be filled with sorrow for sin

• humble yourself, acknowledging the messages of warning, reproof, and encouragement

• not doubt His divine mercy or refuse Christ's infinite love

• have a personal experience, appropriating Christ's righteousness

• manifest your faith, relying upon the Christ's atoning sacrifice

• have Jesus as always present Savior, realizing your need of Him

• trust and rest in Him, drinking of the water of life from the divine, inexhaustible Fountain

• cast yourself upon Christ and become partaker of the divine nature.

Rest your faith altogether on Christ

He is a complete Savior.

Do you think there’s something you can do to make you fit before coming to Jesus?

Furthermore, do you think you can do something to save your own soul, and that Jesus will come and give the finishing touch to your salvation.

You can add nothing to your salvation. Contemplate His great love and meditate upon His self-denial and infinite sacrifice made on your behalf.

Thus your heart will be filled with joy, peace, and love. Moreover, your confidence that He is your personal Savior will strengthen.

The faith of humans in Christ as the Messiah is to rest on the excellence of character found in Him, which never had been found, neither could be in another.

All who loved virtue, purity, and holiness would be drawn to Christ. 

Moreover, they would see sufficient evidence of Him being the Messiah foretold by prophecy that should come.

Those who thus trusted in the Word of God, would receive the benefits of the teachings of Christ and finally of His atonement.

God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith.

His existence, character and the truthfulness of His word, are all established by abundant testimonies that appeal to our reason.

Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration.

Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity. On the other hand, hose who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.

Faith is essential. It surrounds the soul with the atmosphere that pervades Heaven. 

This is the rest that Christ has promised to all who come to him.

Rest in obedience

God stands toward His people in the relation of a father. He has a father's claim to our faithful service. 

Standing at the head of humanity Christ was serving His Father.

Christ served His Father with love, in willingness and freedom.

I delight to do Thy will, O My God, yea, Thy law is within My heart. Psalm 40:8.

In order to accomplish the work which He came to do, He counted no sacrifice too great and toil too hard. 

At the age of twelve He said:

Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? Luke 2:49.

He had heard the call, and had taken up the work.

My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34.

He is an example of what every son and daughter should and may be. God requires the same obedience from human beings today.

Obedience is not a mere outward compliance

Obedience is a service of love.

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19.

God longs to pour upon men and women the rich current of His love. He longs to see them delighting to do His will. 

Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess that love.

We will not work in order to earn God's love when surrendering our will to Him. His love as a free gift will be received into the soul.

Thus, from love to Him we'll delight to obey His commandments. 

Furthermore, we'll use all entrusted power in His service, teaching all who come within the sphere of our influence that the way to be treated as righteous for Christ's sake is to obey the Law.

Of those who faithfully serve Him the Lord says:

They shall be Mine...in that day when I make up My jewels; 

and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:17.

The Lord desires through His people to answer Satan's charges by showing the results of obedience to right principles.

Commemoration of the Creator's rest

The weekly cycle has been preserved and brought down to us through Bible history. 

God Himself measured off the first week as a sample for successive weeks to the close of time.

Like every other, it consisted of seven literal days. Six days were employed in God's work of creation. 

He rested on the seventh day. Then God blessed this day and set it apart as a day of rest for mankind.

God recognized the week and the facts upon which it is based in His law. He gave the command: 

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, specifying what shall be done on the six days, and what shall not be done on the seventh.

Furthermore He stated the reason for thus observing the week, by pointing back to His own example:

For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; 

wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11.

The first six days of each week are given to humanity for labor, because God employed the same period of the first week in the work of creation.

On the seventh day mankind is to refrain from labor in commemoration of the Creator's rest.

God has set apart this day as a sign between Him and His people. Furthermore, as a sign of their loyalty to Him.

The Law of God is immutable. It is as enduring as eternity. Therefore, we proclaim His law as changeless as its character. 

Those who obey this law will bear the seal of the living God.

There is no sanctification in the first day of the week. On the other hand, the Seventh-Day Sabbath was set a part as a memorial of the work of creation. 

Every one is to look to God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, for light and guidance. Him alone are they to honor and worship.

The Sabbath

The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. 

As ordained for mankind, it had its origin when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7.

Because He had rested upon the Sabbath, God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it. Genesis 2:3.

He set it apart to a holy use. He gave it to Adam as a day of rest. It was a memorial of the work of creation, and thus a sign of God's power and His love. 

The Scripture says:

He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered. Psalm 111:4.

The things that are made, declare the invisible things of him from the creation of the world, even his eternal power and Godhead. Romans 1:20.

There is no ground of the assumption that the events of the first week required thousands upon thousands of years. 

If true, it represents the Creator as commanding humans to observe the week of literal days in commemoration of vast, indefinite periods.

This is unlike His method of dealing with His creatures. It makes indefinite and obscure that which He has made very plain. 

Moreover it attacks the fourth commandment.

Conclusion

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, 

where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16.

God asks us to love Him back with all our hearts and mind. Moreover, to trust Him and appreciate His goodness and develop a Christlike character.

The Lord bids us:

Look unto Me, and be ye saved! Isaiah 45:22.

Come unto Me...and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.

Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29.

We may find rest and peace in God, casting all our care upon Him; for He careth for us. 1 Peter 5:7.

Come to Christ just as you are - weak and helpless.

What is the "rest"?

It is the consciousness that God is true and that He never disappoints a soul who comes to Him.

When we individually rest upon Christ, with full assurance of faith, trusting alone to the efficacy of His blood to cleanse from all sin, we will have peace in believing that what God has promised He is able to do.

Furthermore, we are to take His yoke of submission, restraint, and obedience, in meekness and lowliness of heart.

Thank God that in humility and obedience we shall find just that which we all need so much - the rest that is found in faith, confidence and perfect trust.

References:

1. RH, May 1910; BTS, Sep 1903; RH, Apr 1899; COL 398; RH, May 1891; GW92 432; ST, Jul 1893; DA 331; 6T 247; GW92 432; ST, Jan 1888; BTS, Sep 1903; SC 105. - The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King James Version (KJV

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