Resting in Christ: Embracing the New Covenant Promise
In the bustling world we live in, finding true rest can be a daunting challenge. Yet, the New Covenant offers a profound invitation to experience rest in Christ like never before. This article will explore the concept of resting in Christ within the context of the New Covenant, shedding light on what it means and how to embrace this promise.
Understanding the New Covenant
Before we delve into resting in Christ, it’s crucial to grasp the essence of the New Covenant. The New Covenant is a central theme in the Bible, and it represents the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It was prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
In the Old Covenant, people had to follow a complex system of laws and sacrifices to attain righteousness and forgiveness. However, the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus brings a profound shift. It is characterized by grace, forgiveness, and a new relationship with God through faith in Christ.
1. Resting from Works
The primary aspect of resting in Christ in the New Covenant is the freedom from striving to earn righteousness through our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
This means we can rest from the constant struggle to be “good enough” for God’s love and approval. Instead, we simply trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
2. Resting in Forgiveness
In the Old Covenant, forgiveness of sins required the repeated offering of animal sacrifices. But in the New Covenant, the blood of Jesus Christ is the ultimate and once-for-all sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10:14 assures us, “For by a single offering, he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Resting in Christ means we can fully embrace the forgiveness and cleansing offered through His sacrifice. We no longer carry the burden of guilt and condemnation.
3. Resting in God’s Promises
The New Covenant is rich with promises of God’s presence, guidance, and provision. We can rest in the assurance that God is with us and will fulfill His promises. Hebrews 13:5b-6 reminds us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
Practical Steps to Rest in Christ
1. Daily Surrender: Start your day by surrendering your worries and anxieties to Christ in prayer. Acknowledge your dependence on Him.
2. Study the Word: Dive into the Bible to understand the depth of God’s love, grace, and promises. Meditate on scriptures that speak of rest and God’s faithfulness.
3. Embrace Grace: Recognize that you don’t have to earn God’s love or favor. Embrace the grace that flows freely from the New Covenant.
4. Trust in Christ: Place your trust in Jesus Christ for everlasting life and daily living. Trust that He is working all things for your good.
5. Abide in Christ: Jesus encouraged believers to abide in Him, just as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:4). Abiding means staying closely connected to Jesus through prayer, worship, and obedience. As we abide in Him, we draw strength, wisdom, and peace from His presence.
6. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of thankfulness. Count your blessings daily, acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life. Gratitude can shift your focus from worries to the abundance of God’s provision.
7. Seek Fellowship: The New Covenant is not just an individual experience; it’s also about being part of the body of Christ. Connect with fellow believers, share your burdens, and support one another in your journey of resting in Christ.
8. Be Patient with Yourself: Understand that resting in Christ is a lifelong process. There will be times when you stumble or feel overwhelmed. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Trust that God’s grace is sufficient for your weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).
9. Practice Sabbath Rest: God instituted the Sabbath as a day of rest in the Old Testament. While the strict observance of the Sabbath is not required in the New Covenant, the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remains important. Regularly take time to rest physically and spiritually, dedicating it to God.
10. Remember the Cross: Regularly reflect on the cross of Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s love and the sacrifice that secured our salvation. When you remember what Jesus did for you, it strengthens your faith and reinforces your ability to rest in Him.
In conclusion, resting in Christ within the New Covenant is both a profound theological truth and a practical reality for every believer. It’s an invitation to find peace, joy, and fulfillment in Christ’s finished work, His grace, and His promises. By following these practical steps and immersing yourself in the truth of the New Covenant, you can experience the rest that Jesus offers—a rest that transcends the chaos of the world and provides deep, lasting peace for your soul.