Resting in the Finished Work of Christ
📖 Hebrews 4:10-11 – "For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore, let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience."
A Rest That Is Already Ours
The Christian life is not about striving but about abiding. Yet, many struggle to let go of self-effort, believing rest must be earned rather than received. The paradox is that surrender feels like a struggle, though it is merely the relinquishing of control. Even Christ, in Gethsemane, wrestled with yielding His will to the Father, not from rebellion, but from the weight of what lay ahead.
This is why so many find Romans 7 familiar—trying, failing, and trying again, convinced that if they just had more discipline, more effort, more resolve, they could break through. But God never intended for us to overcome in our own strength. He intends for us to yield to the overcoming life of Christ already within us.
Hebrews 4:10-11 reminds us that entering into God's rest is not passive but a deliberate act of faith. It is ceasing from our own works and trusting that Christ’s work is truly finished. The same way we received salvation—by faith—is the same way we experience freedom from self-effort. Just as the ten lepers were healed on the way (Luke 17:14), many only experience the reality of rest as they step forward in faith, trusting what is already true.
Living in the Reality of Rest
How do we practically walk in this?
Recognize the futility of self-sufficiency – The law was given to show us our inability so that we might rely on Christ completely.
Affirm our identity in Christ – Who we are is not based on our performance, but on the finished work of Christ.
Yield moment by moment – Rest is not a passive state but an active trust, choosing to rely on Christ rather than fall back into old patterns.
Step forward in faith – Just as the Israelites had to cross the Jordan by stepping in first, we walk in the truth by trusting that what God says about us is real, regardless of what we feel.
A Simple Illustration
Imagine a traveler given a first-class ticket for a long journey. Unaware of its value, he struggles, carrying his luggage, standing in the aisle, exhausted. Others tell him to take his seat, enjoy the provision, but he insists he must do something to earn his place. Only when he believes and acts upon what is already his does he find rest.
So it is with the believer—when we rest in Christ, we stop carrying burdens that were never ours to bear.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places. Thank You that the work is finished, and we are not left striving to make ourselves acceptable before You. We trust the life of Christ within us, fully sufficient for all we face today. We yield to Your indwelling presence, choosing to abide in the rest You have already given. Thank You that we lack nothing in Christ. Amen.
đź“· Photo Credit: Unsplash
đź“ť Devotional inspired by Hebrews 4 and selected reflections from Dr. John Woodward at Grace Fellowship International.