Eternal Rest Assurance is the promise God gives to His people and the everlasting peace and tranquility they get after death. Frankly speaking, to many, knowing that you’ll one day die is a scary thing to think of.
Today, we will explore how we can receive and enjoy this assurance of eternal rest, learn how to live in the light of eternity, prepare for our departure, comfort those who mourn, and anticipate our glorious resurrection.
We will also discover how this assurance of eternal rest can inspire us to live with purpose, passion, intentionality, and peace in this present life.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways to Eternal Rest Assurance
- Divine Promise: God promises eternal rest to those who die in the Lord
- Eternal Rest: Eternal rest means peace, joy, and comfort in God’s presence
- Our Focus: We can have assurance of eternal rest by trusting in Jesus and following his commands
Anchor Bible Verse of the day
And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.
Revelation 14:13 (NKJV)
This verse of Revelation 14:13 is part of a vision that John saw of the end times when God will judge the wicked and reward the righteous. In it, he heard a voice from heaven declaring a blessing on those who die in the Lord.
The Spirit affirmed that those who die in the Lord will enjoy eternal rest, which is a state of peace, joy, and comfort in God’s presence.
This, beloved, is the ultimate hope and goal of every believer, to be with God forever and experience his love and glory.
Key Explanations
- Die in the Lord: To have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and to live according to his will
- Rest from their labors: To be free from all the hardships, trials, and pains of this life
- Their works follow them: To be rewarded for their good deeds and faithful service to God
Reflection on Eternal Rest Assurance
Many people struggle with the fear of death and what happens after it. They wonder if they will be judged, punished, or forgotten by God. They worry about leaving behind their loved ones, their unfinished work, or their unfulfilled dreams. They doubt if they have done enough to please God and earn His favor.
But we are assured in the Bible that:
- Those who die in the Lord are blessed.
- They are not forgotten but remembered by God.
- They are not punished but rewarded for their work.
- They are not separated but united with Christ and His saints.
- They are not restless, but at peace in His presence.
What a comforting promise God has given to those who believe in Him.
But how can we have this assurance of eternal rest? How can we be sure that we will die in the Lord and not apart from Him?
The answer is simple: by trusting in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Jesus said in John 11:25:
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
If we believe in Jesus, we have nothing to fear in death. Death is not the end, but the beginning of a new and glorious existence. Death is not a curse, but a blessing. Death is not a loss, but a gain.
As Paul said in Philippians 1:21:
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But what about our loved ones who have died in the Lord? How can we find solace in eternal rest when we miss them so much?
Well, the Bible assures us that we will see them again. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul writes:
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
What a glorious day that will be! When Jesus returns, He will bring with Him those who have died in Him. We will be reunited with them and with Him. We will be transformed into His likeness and share in His glory. We will experience lasting serenity after death.
This is our blessed hope as Christians. This is our eternal rest assurance. This is what Revelation 14:13 means for us.
Today, we know that the assurance of eternal rest is a gift from God to those who trust in Him and follow His ways. It is not based on our merit but on His grace. It is not dependent on our feelings but on His faithfulness. It is not a vague hope, but a sure reality.
Call to Action
Today, let us thank God for His wonderful promise of eternal rest. Let us rejoice in His grace and mercy that has saved us from sin and death. Let us live for Him and serve Him with all our hearts.
Let us share this good news with others who need to hear it. And let us look forward to that day when we will see Him face to face and enter into His rest forever.
Prayer Points for Today
- Assurance of eternal rest: Pray that God will fill your heart with the assurance of eternal rest in Christ and that you will not fear death or the judgment to come.
- Everlasting peace in Revelation 14:13: Pray that God will reveal to you the meaning and the promise of Revelation 14:13, which says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Pray that you will experience the everlasting peace that comes from knowing that your soul is secure in God’s hands.
- Guaranteed tranquility after death: Pray that God will help you to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to Him and that you will have the confidence that He will reward you with guaranteed tranquility after death. Pray that you will not be troubled by the troubles of this world, but look forward to the glory that awaits you in heaven.
Let’s pray
Our Father, we thank You for the gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus Christ. We thank You for the assurance of eternal rest and everlasting peace. We ask You to help us to live for You and to die in You.
We ask You to comfort us with Your presence and Your promises. We ask You to prepare us for the day when we will see You face to face. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, we pray. Amen.
My prayer for you today: I pray that the assurance of eternal rest envelops you, brings you peace and moves you to live with intentionality.
