Biblical Rest

Rest

Scripture recognises the need for physical and spiritual relief and stresses that the true resting-place of humanity lies in God, the Creator and Redeemer.

5057

rest, physical

The need for physical rest is recognised in Scripture, and provision is made for ensuring that people are allowed time for rest.

Jesus Christ needed physical rest

Jn 4:6 See also Mk 4:38; 6:31; Lk 9:58

The provision for our rest

The need for rest Mk 6:31 See also Ps 23:2-3; Pr 17:1; Ecc 4:6; Mt 11:28-30

Provision of sleep for rest Ps 4:8 See also Ps 127:2; Ecc 5:12

Provision of a Sabbath-rest Ex 34:21; Mk 2:27 See also Ex 20:8-11 pp Dt 5:12-15; Ex 31:15; 35:2; Lev 23:3; Ne 13:15; Isa 58:13-14

The purpose of rest

To renew strength La 5:5 See also Isa 40:29-31

To know peace Mt 6:25-34 See also Job 11:18-19; 16:8; Pr 3:24; Php 4:6-7

The destruction of rest

By business Ps 39:6 See also Ge 31:40; Ecc 1:13; 2:23; 8:16; Lk 21:34

By conflict 2Co 7:5 See also La 5:5

By grief Jer 45:3 See also Job 3:26; Ps 77:4; Da 6:18

By unconfessed guilt Ps 32:3-5 See also Psalm 51; Isa 48:22; 57:20-21; Rev 14:11

By sickness Job 30:17 See also Job 7:4-5

rest, spiritual

To be at rest spiritually is to find peace with God through Jesus Christ. This rest is promised to all who put their trust in God and obey him.

The human desire for spiritual rest

La 5:19-22 See also Ps 55:4-8; La 3:25-26; 1Ti 2:2

Spiritual rest is to be found in God alone

Mt 11:28-30 See also Ex 33:14; Ps 51:12; 62:1-2,5-8; Isa 26:3-4; Jn 14:27; Ro 5:1; Col 1:20

God promises his people spiritual rest

Heb 4:9-11 See also Ps 116:7; 119:165; Pr 29:25; Ro 8:6

Spiritual rest is not for the wicked

Ps 1:4-5 See also Ps 112:10; Isa 48:22; 57:20-21