Enter Into Rest

"For we which have believed, do enter into rest." —Hebrews 4:3 [KJV]

When Christ is known and believed on in the heart, ease and rest are enjoyed in the conscience. Therefore Jesus is esteemed a precious Saviour. The operations of the Spirit prove that He is the COMFORTER, by thus leading us to Christ. Hence faith and experience go hand in hand. There remaineth for the people of God a rest, perfect and uninterrupted in glory. We have the earnest of the inheritance of it on earth: by faith we enter into it: and while we abide in Jesus we enjoy rest. 

Who is able to conceive? Who can describe the tumult of conscience, the distress of soul, under a feeling sense of sin and fear of wrath? None can, but the heart which knows its own bitterness. Who can express the sweet peace, the calm repose of that soul who finds rest in Jesus? It is a joy which a stranger intermeddles not with. It was God's command under the law, "When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war for one year." —Deuteronomy 24:5. This is sometimes the case with the children of faith. When they are first married to the Lamb, and have just entered into His rest, the sound of war is not heard in their camp for a season. Jesus keeps their souls in undisturbed repose: no enemy is suffered to annoy them. 

The joyful sound of the jubilee-trumpet proclaims in their heart full freedom and sweet liberty from the guilt of sin, the bondage of the law, and the tyranny of Satan. Hence they are apt to conclude their enemies are all dead, and they shall see war no more; but it is not so; our enemies live and are mighty. Bless Jesus for rest; fear not thine enemies; know thou must continue in the militant state whilst in the flesh; but here is the mystery of faith, to triumph in the victory of Jesus. Whilst all are in arms against the soul, though troubled, distressed, perplexed, on every side; fightings without, fears within: although there is no rest from any other quarter, yet it is the sweet privilege of disciples to rest in Jesus. 

Saith Paul to his dear children, "You, who are troubled, rest with us."—II Thessalonians 1:7. Abide in Jesus; rest satisfied: shortly your Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, to destroy all your enemies, and to make you forever happy in His rest in glory. Disciple, indulge not a murmuring thought against thy sovereign; expect no rest any where but IN HIM. If the world smiles, it is pleasing to the flesh, but it often proves a snare to the soul; therefore saith thy ever-loving Jesus, "In the world you shall have tribulation;" that is his legacy. Here is thy rich, thy never-failing portion, "IN ME you shall have peace."—John 16:33.

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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