RIP

Imagine you and I are having a conversation. At the end of our little chat, just as we’re about to part ways, you say “Goodbye!”, and I say “Rest in peace!” What would your response be? Awkward silence? Head cocked to the side? Or would you go full court press and ask “What do you mean?”

There are so many idioms. So many words and phrases common to how we communicate that come with their own rules. We’ve all accepted the idea that “Rest in Peace” is only appropriate as a condolence to be used in situations of someone’s death. I wish it weren’t so exclusive. Its narrow usage has forfeited its ability to illuminate a glorious truth: When you think about that string of words and our walk in The Spirit, it would be such an apropos statement for us to use much more freely as a blessing toward one another.

Here’s The Word:

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee

When we learn about the Messiah and receive His gift of salvation, that’s our first introduction to a new kind of rest. Rest from the idea that we need to work to earn Heaven. Sadly, this is the ultimate futility of the human experience, and there is no rest in that because there is no assurance.
Our trust in the finished work of Christ IS the basis for our assurance, and therefore, peace with Him. The second peace comes with maturity. We learn how to ‘put on’ Christ and begin to realize the reality of the struggle between Spirit and flesh. The Spirit teaches us patience and endurance, still well connected to the assurance that Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Through sanctification, we learn to rest in that peace.

Here’s The Word:

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Now we need to be careful that we don’t confuse this.

Here’s The Word:

Hebrews 4:8-9 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Using the phrase “Rest in Peace” is specifically intended to speak to a constant consistency of casting our cares, and fully walking in the understanding that God is working all things together for our good, to the point that we should realize that us being unsettled or worrisome in our spirit, serves no good purpose. This is not to say that we are to consider ourselves “at rest” from the good works prepared for us, to walk in them (Eph 2:10), but to actively pursue their progression and completion. There are right parameters to how we understand our current expectation of work, and our current embrace of Spirit-given rest.

As you go on your way, don't just understand, but embody the connection between rest and peace. In closing, don’t be surprised and don’t think it awkward if you ever hear me proclaim “Rest in Peace” outside of its usual consideration. It’s not that I’m confused about what it usually means, it just means that I’m more persuaded about what it could and should mean for us who are dead. Dead to sin, but alive in Christ, quickened and sealed by His Spirit and assured in His triumph over the penalty and power of sin….in which we rest.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:with you.

Rest in Peace,
Cros