There Remaineth Therefore a Rest to the People of God
The sermon highlights the contrast between the Christian's current state of toil and suffering and the eternal rest and satisfaction that awaits them in heaven.
The preacher delves into the concept of trembling in the Bible, emphasizing the profound reverence and respect it signifies, as seen in passages like Mark 16:8 and 1 Corinthians 2:3. The sermon explores the idea of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, not out of fear of losing salvation, but with humility, vigilance, and circumspection. Various theologians and commentators provide insights on the importance of trembling before God, highlighting the need for a serious and sober approach to the Christian life, striving for holiness and obedience.
Text
How different will be the state of the believer in heaven from what it is here! Here he is born to toil and suffer weariness, but in the land of the immortal, fatigue is never known. Anxious to serve his Master, he finds his strength unequal to his zeal: his constant cry is, "Help me to serve Thee, O my God." If he be thoroughly active, he will have much labour; not too much for his will, but more than enough for his power, so that he will cry out, "I am not wearied of the labour, but I am wearied in it."
Ah! Christian, the hot day of weariness lasts not for ever; the sun is nearing the horizon; it shall rise again with a brighter day than thou hast ever seen upon a land where they serve God day and night, and yet rest from their labours. Here, rest is but partial, there, it is perfect. Here, the Christian is always unsettled; he feels that he has not yet attained. There, all are at rest; they have attained the summit of the mountain; they have ascended to the bosom of their God.
Higher they cannot go. Ah, toil-worn labourer, only think when thou shalt rest for ever! Canst thou conceive it? It is a rest eternal; a rest that "remaineth." Here, my best joys bear "mortal" on their brow; my fair flowers fade; my dainty cups are drained to dregs; my sweetest birds fall before Death's arrows; my most pleasant days are shadowed into nights; and the flood-tides of my bliss subside into ebbs of sorrow; but there, everything is immortal; the harp abides unrusted, the crown unwithered, the eye undimmed, the voice unfaltering, the heart unwavering, and the immortal being is wholly absorbed in infinite delight. Happy day! happy! when mortality shall be swallowed up of life, and the Eternal Sabbath shall begin.
Sermon Outline
- The State of the Believer in Heaven
- The Christian's Current State
- The Eternal Rest
- Perfect and eternal
- No more sorrow or pain
Key Quotes
“Ah, Christian, the hot day of weariness lasts not for ever; the sun is nearing the horizon; it shall rise again with a brighter day than thou hast ever seen upon a land where they serve God day and night, and yet rest from their labours.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Canst thou conceive it? It is a rest eternal; a rest that 'remaineth.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Happy day! happy! when mortality shall be swallowed up of life, and the Eternal Sabbath shall begin.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- As a Christian, you can look forward to a future where you will experience no more sorrow or pain.
- Your current struggles and sufferings are not permanent, and God will one day bring you into a state of perfect rest and satisfaction.
- In heaven, everything will be immortal, and your joys will be eternal.