Isaiah 30:15
Author: Steve Amato
Keywords: bible study,bible, isaiah

Translations: 简体中文 繁體中文

## Repentance and Rest

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."

There are those who work hard at resisting God, even among the religiously zealous, as Jesus rebuke Saul saying, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Acts 26:14 They should rest instead of resist. While Muslims and other such legalistic religions may view Christianity as a way of laziness, God's way is the way of rest, quietness and trust. So also the repentance which is characteristic of salvation is not one in which one attempts to earn favor with God through works, as it is written, "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 'Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.'" Romans 4:4-8

Those born of God rest in the grace of God relying upon Jesus as Savior, who saves us from all the consequences of sin. We need not even speak up on the judgement day for "we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense— Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." 1John 2:1

But why is it that so many will have none of this? They reckon the way of rest with contempt. I think it is primarily due to pride which hardens their heart and so darkens their understanding to the right way. For the way of rest is as one recognizing that God's standard of holiness is unattainable in the flesh. How can sin be removed from the sinner in a permanent sense so that he can eternally dwell with God free from sin? The proud think they can do it themselves in the flesh. But for the humble God has provided a way through first atoning for their sins so as to satisfy his judicial nature, and then bringing healing upon them leading up to perfect sanctification. But Great Physician needs for us to be willing to undergo the operation. But for those others who say, "No thanks. I'll heal myself", they have taken the road in opposition to God and lack of trust.

The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources