Come: Enter into the Rest of the Lord

Matthew 11:28-30; This solemn pronouncement by Jesus should be considered from two aspects: (1) The doctrine, teaching, and message it contains; and (2) The authoritative manner in which the message is presented.

Matthew 11:28-30; As to the message: It is a call to repentance, to forsake the world, to come unto Christ, to believe his gospel, to conform to his teachings—with the sure promise that in such a course will be found spiritual rest and peace.

Matthew 11:28-30; As to the mode of expression chosen: It is one that in its nature affirms the divine status and Sonship of Jesus. He did not say, "Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him" (Moroni 10:32), as Moroni did; nor did he follow Isaiah's pattern: "Seek ye the Lord, . . . return unto the Lord, . . . and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7.) His language was not that of a prophet speaking for Deity; rather, as Diety, he was speaking for himself. He did not say, 'Come unto God and find salvation,' but instead, 'Come unto me and find salvation, for I am God, the very Messiah in whom salvation centers.'

Matthew 11:28. Though men labor to gain spiritual blessings, they remain laden with sin and never find rest of soul until they come unto Christ and accept him as their Savior.

Matthew 11:29; 29. Rest unto your souls] Faithful members of the Church find perfect peace and rest to their souls; they enter into what is called the rest of the Lord. (Moroni 7:3; Hebrews 3:7-19; 4:1-11; D&C 84:17-25.) Attainment of this status includes the gaining of a perfect knowledge of the divinity of the Lord's earthly kingdom. "It means entering into the knowledge and love of God," President Joseph F. Smith said, "having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else; we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive." It is rest "from the cry that is going forth, here and there—lo, here is Christ; lo, there is Christ." (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed., pp. 58, 125-126.)

Matthew 11:30; 30. To those who love God, "his commandments are not grievous." (1 John 5:3.)