Topical Bible: Faith: Through It Is: Rest in Heaven

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Faith, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is through faith that believers are justified, sanctified, and ultimately find rest in heaven. This entry explores the concept of faith as a pathway to eternal rest, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Faith as Assurance and Conviction

The Epistle to the Hebrews defines faith as both assurance and conviction. This dual aspect of faith underscores its role as a foundation for the believer's hope in eternal life. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust in God's promises. The patriarchs, prophets, and apostles exemplified this faith, living as "strangers and exiles on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13), with their eyes set on a heavenly homeland.

Faith and Justification

The doctrine of justification by faith is pivotal in Christian theology. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, asserts that "since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). This peace is a foretaste of the ultimate rest believers will experience in heaven. Justification is not earned by works but is a gift received through faith, aligning the believer with God's righteousness.

Faith and Sanctification

Faith is also integral to the process of sanctification, the believer's growth in holiness. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5). This progression in faith leads to a life that reflects the character of Christ, preparing the believer for eternal rest. Sanctification is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Faith and Eternal Rest

The ultimate promise of faith is rest in heaven. Jesus assures His followers, "In My Father’s house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). This promise of eternal rest is a source of comfort and hope for believers, who anticipate a future free from the trials and tribulations of this world. The Book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of this heavenly rest, where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21:4).

Faith in the Life of the Believer

Faith is not static but dynamic, influencing every aspect of the believer's life. It is through faith that believers endure trials, as James writes, "the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:3). This perseverance is essential for maintaining hope in the promise of eternal rest. Faith also manifests in love and good works, as James further emphasizes, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).

The Role of Faith in the Church

The Church, as the body of Christ, is a community of faith. It is through the Church that believers are nurtured in their faith, receiving the sacraments, teaching, and fellowship necessary for spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul describes the Church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15), where faith is both proclaimed and lived out. The communal aspect of faith strengthens believers as they journey toward their heavenly rest.

Conclusion

Faith, as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, is the believer's pathway to rest in heaven. Through faith, believers are justified, sanctified, and sustained in their hope of eternal life. The promise of heavenly rest is a central theme in Scripture, offering comfort and encouragement to those who trust in God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 4:3
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Degrees of Glory in Heaven.
... not remain in the seventh seat, the place of rest, but are promoted, through the
active ... worthy of another fold and mansion, in proportion to their faith. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv degrees of glory in.htm

Sanctified by Faith
... It is as true as heaven, despite all the ... inheritance of sanctification, our land
of rest, our very own ... we, the spiritual seed of Abraham through faith in Christ ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter vi sanctified by faith.htm

Entrance into Rest.
... say, "I believe, heartily, there is rest in a life of faith." Israel passed through
two stages ... in the possibility that there is such a land of rest for me ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iv entrance into rest.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... all "who would not make void the law through faith,") that faith ... It follows, that
although faith is of no value in ... without this, what would all the rest avail? ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 36 the law established.htm

Justification by Faith
... It is "through our Lord Jesus Christ." Simple as the ... But remember that faith is not
the work of the Spirit ... That upon which I must rest as my meritorious hope ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/justification by faith.htm

The Knowledge of God Can be Attained Only through Faith.
... And though heaven be called His throne, not even ... the Greek laws, and by the rest
of the ... one who exhibits to himself the previous demonstration through faith. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the knowledge of god.htm

Heaven.
... O ye halls of Heaven,. Where the holy have their home,. They whose hearts were riven,.
But through faith have overcome; ... Never can my breast. Find elsewhere a rest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/heaven.htm

The Confessions and Letters of St
... Love in God, in Whom There is Rest Through Jesus Christ ... the Good Things Which are
Made in Heaven and Earth ... Having Been Converted to the Faith Through the Reading ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the confessions and letters of st/

The Law Established through Faith
... We consent to rest the cause on this issue; to ... the declaring that he will come from
heaven in flaming ... A Second way of making void the law through faith is, the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

On the Discoveries of Faith
... distance, that they appear no larger through our finest ... But still, wherever they
seek rest, they will find ... Moreover, faith opens another scene in the eternal ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 110 on the discoveries.htm