Exodus 35:2 (KJV)
2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.


In this verse, God tells the Israelites to work for 6 days and rest on the 7th day for it is holy. On the surface level it looks like God is instituting a day of rest, but it's so much deeper than that. He’s foreshadowing the spiritual rest that is found in Jesus. After Jesus completed His work on earth—living a sinless life, fulfilling the Law, and taking the sins of the world upon Himself—He rested, seated at the right hand of God in heaven. This rest signifies completion, not inactivity, and it’s the place from which He reigns.

Being Christ-like isn’t about replicating Jesus’ earthly deeds or trying to perform as He did. Rather, it means entering into the same rest He now enjoys, fully believing that He has finished the work of salvation and that there’s nothing left for us to add. 

Hebrews 1:3 tells us “When he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Jesus is seated because His work is complete. To be Christ-like is to accept that nothing remains undone and that we’re invited to rest with Him, fully assured that He has accomplished everything. 

True Christ-likeness is living in Faith not effort.

Being like Christ is about faith in His finished work, not about replicating His actions or accomplishments. When we think of “Christ-likeness,” we often imagine following His example in actions—showing compassion, serving others, and living righteously. While these are beautiful fruits of faith, the core of Christ-likeness is faith in His work and resting in it, just as He rested.

In order to rest, we must believe. True faith in Jesus doesn’t lead to striving but to rest, knowing that we are fully accepted and complete in Him.

The reason why Jesus cried “It is finished” on the cross, wasn’t just a statement that he completed his mission, it was an invitation into His rest.

When we choose to rest in Jesus, we are, in the truest sense, being Christ-like. We are joining Him in His state of peace and completed work. Trying to “finish” what Jesus has already done is to deny the completeness of His sacrifice. To rest is to honor His victory and acknowledge that He alone is sufficient. 

In Exodus 35:2, the Sabbath is more than a day of ceasing from work; it is a call to embrace the rest of Jesus. It is true rest that comes from knowing our salvation is secure and our relationship with God is complete. Being Christ-like is less about following a set of behaviors and more about following Him into His rest, embracing the finished work He accomplished.

True Christ-likeness is resting in His finished work, not working to replicate His efforts.

Amen!

Hope to see you all at the bible study this Saturday @ 12pm PST.

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