Works and the Sabbath Rest

Works and Sabbath Rest
1/22/06
“It is a time when the Bride is making herself ready (Rev 19:7,8). She will wear white, which is the righteous deeds of the saints. I send My Word into churches and ministries everywhere to prepare them to walk in white. For some think that their labor in Me is enough. However, if they labor for their own benefit, to exalt their own ministry, they are not wearing white. Their garment is spotted with the corruption of their flesh (Jude 23 & Rev 3:4). It is a temptation to trust in one’s own righteousness when looking at the work accomplished (Ez 33:13). The church at Sardis did not even see that their works were not complete, nor that they had become stained with their corrupt nature. This is the slumber which catches many by surprise; contentment of accomplishment. So strong is it amongst the churches of today that Christians compete with each other for the better ministries and the more eminent positions. These things seem strong and secure. But only those who wear white will enter into the wedding feast (Mt 25:10-13).

I have many in the churches who wear white and are a witness to their brethren of My overcoming power. They are servants. They come when called, and are not busy with their own aspirations. They help with ministries which are suffering and floundering, for they have not forgotten that they too once were fallen (Rev 2:5). Their commitment to the Bridegroom keeps them alert and awake, and their works are alive.

Works are alive when they carry out the Word of the Lord. My Word is alive, vibrant, and any ministry which follows Me will be alive also. The resurrection Life that is in Me is not just for Me, but for My brethren also. Those who have overcome have entered into the fellowship of My sufferings (Phil 3:10,11) and ceased from sin (1 Pet 4:1). Because they live no longer to do their own will, they will be glorified in doing My will. This is the “rest” spoken of in Hebrews 4:9; “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God: for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His”. This death to self is spoken of as “Those who die in the Lord” (Rev 14:13) and refers to the works of Man. Their own works will die with their death to self, and the deeds they do in the Lord will follow them. These deeds are works which I have prepared from the foundation of the earth for each Christian to do (Eph 2:10). Those who answer My call and overcome sin, the world, and their flesh, will walk in their predestined works and build My kingdom. Therefore is the admonition to make every effort to enter into that rest, realizing that one can fail through disobedience (Heb 4:11).

I am calling those who are prepared, who are standing idle in the marketplace because no man would hire them (Mt 20:6,7). I am calling the lame and undesirable Christians who have been delivered of demons, who were once homeless, who have filed bankruptcy in the past, and many other social offences (Lk 14:21). I am calling them for they have been washed in the blood (Rev 7:14). If they will come wearing the wedding garment (Mt 22:11,12), they will walk with Me.”