The Rest of the Lord

In Hebrews 3:8 – 4:16 the apostle Paul writes to the Hebrews about entering into the rest of the Lord. He wrote about the children of Israel who were with Moses in the wilderness. They lost their faith and provoked the Lord’s anger because of the sins they were committing. The Lord declared, through Moses, that they would not enter into his rest because of their apostasy and stiffneckedness. They hardened their hearts and fell prey to the deceitfulness of sin. Because their hearts were far from God they were cursed to never enter into the rest of the Lord.

Moses was trying to plainly teach them about the higher order of the priesthood. Without the ordinances of the Melchizedek priesthood man cannot “see the face of God, even the Father, and live” (D&C 84:22). Moses wanted the children of Israel to have the fullness of the gospel including all of the saving blessings of the temple but the people were not ready to receive it. In Doctrine and Covenants 84:24 it is further explained they the people “hardened their hearts” and “could not endure his presence”. This helps define more clearly what it means to enter into the rest of the Lord. It is simply entering into his presence, either in this life or the next, and covenanting with him with faith.

Paul repeatedly warned against hardening our hearts and turning away from the Lord so we would not have to incur this same punishment. He preached about having faith and listening to the Lords voice. We can listen to the Lord today by reading our scriptures, attending church, and preparing for, watching, and studying the talks from General Conference.

In Hebrews 4 we are taught that we must forsake our sins and devote ourselves to God. He goes on to teach about the power of the word of God and how it can pierce our very souls. When allow the word to take root in our hearts we will be more inclined to keep the commandments so that someday we can enter in the rest of the Lord.

In Matthew 7:21-23 the Lord tells us that there will be many who expect to be welcomed into his kingdom because of the good works they have done. However, they will be sadly surprised when the Lord turns his back on them because of their secret evil acts. In John 7:17 Jesus teaches that we must be doers of the word and not just talk about it. James 1:22 further clarifies that if we only hear the word and do not act on it we are only deceiving ourselves. The Lord knows our thoughts and actions. It takes both good thoughts and obedient actions to be worthy to enter into the rest of the Lord.

When you think of your own life are your actions in line with the doctrines you have been taught? Is there room for improvement? I know there always is in my life. I challenge you to not only be hearers of the word but doers also so that you too can enter into the rest of the Lord which he has prepared for you.