§ 13. That this rest shall be enjoyed by the people of God, is a truth which the Scripture, if its testimony be further needed, clearly asserts in a variety of ways. As for instance, That they are _foreordained to it, and it for them. God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city._[208] They are styled _vessels of mercy, afore prepared unto glory_.[209] _In Christ they have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will._[210] And _whom he did predestinate, them he also glorified_.[211] Who can bereave his people of that rest which is designed for them by God's eternal purpose?—Scripture tells us, they are _redeemed to this rest. By the blood of Jesus we have boldness to enter into the holiest_;[212] whether that entrance means by faith and prayer here, or by full possession hereafter. Therefore the saints in heaven _sing a new song_ unto him who has _redeemed them to God by his blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and made them kings and priests unto God_.[213] Either Christ then must lose his blood and sufferings, and never _see of the travail of his soul_, or else _there remaineth a rest to the people of God_.—In Scripture this rest is _promised to them_. As the firmament with stars, so are the sacred pages bespangled with these Divine engagements. Christ says, _fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom_.[214] _I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom_,[215] _&c. &c. &c._—All the means of grace, the operations of the Spirit upon the soul, and gracious actings of the saints, every command to repent and believe, to fast and pray, to knock and seek, to strive and labor, to run and fight, prove that there remains a rest for the people of God. The Spirit would never kindle in us such strong desires after heaven, such love to Jesus Christ, if we should not receive what we desire and love. He that _guides our feet into the way of peace_,[216] will undoubtedly bring us to the end of peace. How nearly is the means and end conjoined? _The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force._[217] They that _follow Christ in the regeneration, shall sit upon thrones of glory_.[218]—Scripture assures us, that the saints have the _beginnings, foretastes, earnests, and seals_ of this rest here. _The kingdom of God is within them._[219] _Though they have not seen Christ, yet loving him, and believing in him, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls._[220] They _rejoice in hope of the glory of God_.[221] And does God _seal them with that holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of their inheritance_, and will he deny the full _possession_?[222]—The Scripture also mentions, by name, _those who have entered_ into this rest. As Enoch, Abraham, Lazarus, the thief that was crucified with Christ, &c. And if there be a rest for these, sure there is a rest for all believers. But it is vain to heap up Scripture proofs, seeing it is the very end of Scripture to be a guide to lead us to this blessed state, and to be the charter and grant by which we hold all our title to it.
[Footnote 208] Hebrews xi, 16.
[Footnote 209] Romans, ix, 23.
[Footnote 210] Ephesians i, 11.
[Footnote 211] Romans viii, 30.
[Footnote 212] Hebrews x, 19.
[Footnote 213] Revelation v, 8-10.
[Footnote 214] Luke xii, 32.
[Footnote 215] Luke xxii, 29, 30.
[Footnote 216] Luke i, 79.
[Footnote 217] Matthew xi, 12.
[Footnote 218] Matthew xix, 28.
[Footnote 219] Luke xvii, 21.
[Footnote 220] 1 Peter i, 8, 9.
[Footnote 221] Romans v, 2.
[Footnote 222] Ephesians i, 13, 14.