Christ Has Fulfilled The
Sabbath
Hebrews 4:10
Christ's obedience to
the law as our Representative included constant, perfect observance of the sabbath day throughout the days of his earthly life. Never
once did the Son of God break a sabbath, though the
Pharisees often accused him of doing so. Then, when he had finished the work of
redemption, our Savior entered into his rest. "For he that is entered into
his rest (his eternal sabbath), he also hath ceased
from his own works, as God did from his." As God rested on the seventh day
because his work of creation was finished, Christ has entered into his rest in
heaven because he has made all things new for his people (II Cor. 5:17- 21). He entered into eternal rest,
because he finished his work (Heb. 10:10-14). Behold our exalted Savior! Do you
see him upon his throne in heaven? There he sits, resting, in the undisturbed
serenity of absolute sovereignty. And "his rest is glorious" (Isa. 11:10). His rest is his glory (John 17:2-4;
Phil. 2:9-11). Christ, as our Federal Head and Representative, has fulfilled
the sabbath for us, as he did all the other
requirements of the law. And now he is keeping an everlasting, glorious sabbath rest (Isa. 53:10-12). His rest, which is his glory,
assures us of three things...
(1.) CHRIST HAS FINISHED THE WORK HE CAME TO DO. He came to do his
Father's will, which means he came to save his people from their sins. And the
fact that he is seated in heaven tells us that the work of salvation is
completely finished. The Lord Jesus finished the work of righteousness (John
17:4) by his obedience to God throughout the days of his earthly life. And he
finished the work of redemption (John 19:30) by pouring out his life's blood unto
death as our sin-atoning substitute. (2.) THE SALVATION OF GOD'S ELECT IS AN
ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY (Heb. 9:12). Christ has infallibly obtained the
salvation of his people. Do you think he would be seated, resting, if the
salvation of his elect were in jeopardy? Of course not! (3.) ALL HIS ENEMIES
SHALL BECOME HIS FOOTSTOOL (Heb. 10:13). Every foe of God's dear Son will bow
before his sovereign throne. Elect sinners, though enemies by nature, shall bow in faith and submission of heart by grace.
All others, fallen men, fallen angels, and satan
himself shall bow to Christ and acknowledge his rightful dominion at the last
day. Therefore, he rests! He keeps eternal sabbath!
Don Fortner