V. 10.— For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
The Israelites enjoyed rest from labour on the Sabbath, and when they reached the land of Canaan they rested from the fatigues of their journey through the wilderness, but still they were subject to that labour and toil to which man is doomed during his pilgrimage here below; so that their fellowship with God in his rest was incomplete, but he that is entered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God hath ceased from his own works as God did from his. His fellowship with God is complete. As God rested on the seventh day from all his works, so does he that is entered into his rest cease not only from the sore travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith, but from the warfare in which the believer is engaged in journeying to the Heavenly Canaan. In short, his fellowship with God is complete, he hath ceased from his own works as God did from his; to the same purpose it is written: “ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours.” Revelation 14:13. Into this rest Christ hath entered as their forerunner, having finished the work which the Father had given him to do; the everlasting doors were thrown open, and he entered as the forerunner of his people, to prepare for them those mansions in which they shall for ever dwell, where each shall exclaim, with joyful lips, “Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.”