The Third Commandment

A Biblical Theology of Rest

God is the first one to 'rest' in the Bible (Genesis 2:2–3): ceasing labor
o His rest was a refreshment (Exodus 31:17) & delighting in his works (Psalm 104:31)

Humans are called to rest
o God's work & rest as a pattern for us his creatures (Exodus 20:11)
o Physically (Exodus 23:12)
o Metaphysically/Emotionally/Mentally (Exodus 23:12; Deuteronomy 33:12; Psalm 37:7)
o Spiritually as a way of remembering release from bondage via appointed times of worship (Deuteronomy 5:15)
o Salvifically as salvation is rest (Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28)
o Mortally as death is resting with the fathers (Job 3:17)
o Ultimately ['eschatologically'] with God (Hebrews 4:3,9–11; Revelation 14:13)

Adam was called to work 6 days then rest on the 7th & the command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good & evil had the promise of living with God forever in a state of rest ... Israel kept this pattern of 6 then 1 as a reminder that rest only comes after work ... Jesus came as the Second Adam & True Israelite to accomplish what no human is capable of; therefore, we rest on the 1st day then go out to work for 6 even as we lift up our hearts and anticipate full fruition of rest with God.

What this Means for Us (Q&A 103)
-Maintaining Ministry
-Assembling Diligently
-Beginning Eternity