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Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Rest of Christ

"Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden--and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

There is also a FUTURE rest beyond any that can be experienced here, though our best conceptions are most inadequate of the glory awaiting the people of God.

In Heaven, there shall be a perfect resting from all of our sins--for nothing shall ever enter there, which could either defile or disturb our peace. The Christian yearns to be done with sin forever--that there may never again be anything in his heart or life dishonoring unto the One who has redeemed him at such infinite cost. He pants for perfect conformity to the image of Christ, and for unbroken fellowship with Him.

What it will mean to be delivered from indwelling corruptions--no mortal tongue can tell. The plague of their hearts is a constant occasion of grief to the saints--as long as they are left in this wilderness of sin. It is a burden under which they groan, and from which they long to be delivered. The closer a believer's walk with the Lord, and the more intimate his communion with Him--the more bitterly he bewails that sin within him, which is ever fighting against his endeavors after holiness. Therefore it was, that the Apostle cried out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death!" (Romans 7:24) But blessed be God, we shall not carry this burden beyond the grave--the hour of death will free us from all indwelling evil.

In Heaven, there will be perpetual rest from all our afflictions. Though afflictions are needful for us in this present scene, and when sanctified to us are also profitable; nevertheless they are grievous to bear. But a day is coming when such tribulations will no longer be necessary, for all the dross shall have been purged from the gold. The storms of life will all be behind, and an unbroken calm shall be the believer's portion forever and ever!

Where there shall be no more sin--there shall be no more sorrow! "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes! And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever!" Revelation 21:4

"Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away, and be at rest!" Psalm 55:6

(Arthur Pink)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maureen,
Beautiful words! Indeed, I find it so interesting lately, my heart has been stirred and my mind thinking about what it will be like living in the New Earth after Christ's Second Coming. And...you know what? As I have been browsing about, reading others' blogs, I am very much finding many, many others experiencing the same stirrings.

I think this is no coincidence. I think, perhaps, the Holy Spirit is preparing our minds and hearts...for our future!!

Blessings,
~Amy :)

Maureen said...

Oh yes, it is a wonderful thing to contemplate Amy. Such a hope we have! To be all together, worshipping God. Amazing thought.

Leonard said...

I haven't told anybody this yet but my big hope for the millennium is to be assigned in the same region as my blogging buddies, I know it probably sounds corny, but that's what I've been thinking or dreaming about.
Leonard

Thanks for bringing it up Amy. Great post Mac.

Maureen said...

Leonard: corny but sweet. It would be nice. All together, praising God. (Do you think we will be dancing at all when we are there???? :o)

Leonard said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft53kxCxWAE

Anonymous said...

No more sin!!!!


"I'm Baaack"

Maureen said...

Leonard: you Smarty Pants you :)

Maureen said...

Anon: precisely!!!!

(Welcome Back!!)