Christ's obedience to the law as our Representative included constant, perfect observance of the sabbath day throughout the days of his earthly life. Never once did the Son of God break a sabbath, though the Pharisees often accused him of doing so. Then, when he had finished the work of redemption, our Savior entered into his rest. "For he that is entered into his rest (his eternal sabbath), he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." As God rested on the seventh day because his work of creation was finished, Christ has entered into his rest in heaven because he has made all things new for his people (II Cor. 5:17- 21). He entered into eternal rest, because he finished his work (Heb. 10:10-14). Behold our exalted Savior! Do you see him upon his throne in heaven? There he sits, resting, in the undisturbed serenity of absolute sovereignty. And "his rest is glorious" (Isa. 11:10). His rest is his glory (John 17:2-4; Phil. 2:9-11). Christ, as our Federal Head and Representative, has fulfilled the sabbath for us, as he did all the other requirements of the law. And now he is keeping an everlasting, glorious sabbath rest (Isa. 53:10-12). His rest, which is his glory, assures us of three things...
(1.) CHRIST HAS FINISHED THE WORK HE CAME TO DO.
He came to do his Father's will, which means he came to save his people from their sins. And the fact that he is seated in heaven tells us that the work of salvation is completely finished. The Lord Jesus finished the work of righteousness (John 17:4) by his obedience to God throughout the days of his earthly life. And he finished the work of redemption (John 19:30) by pouring out his life's blood unto death as our sin-atoning substitute.
(2.) THE SALVATION OF GOD'S ELECT IS AN ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY (Heb. 9:12).
Christ has infallibly obtained the salvation of his people. Do you think he would be seated, resting, if the salvation of his elect were in jeopardy? Of course not!
(3.) ALL HIS ENEMIES SHALL BECOME HIS FOOTSTOOL (Heb. 10:13).
Every foe of God's dear Son will bow before his sovereign throne. Elect sinners, though enemies by nature, shall bow in faith and submission of heart by grace. All others, fallen men, fallen angels, and satan himself shall bow to Christ and acknowledge his rightful dominion at the last day. Therefore, he rests! He keeps eternal sabbath!