The observance of the Sabbath.

Skeptics argue that these verses contradict Paul’s later statements that the Sabbath commandment was temporary and believers could decide for themselves regarding its observance (Rom. 14:5; Col. 2:14–16).

Scripture makes it clear that no one can be justified (made right with God) by keeping the Sabbath holy, or by keeping any other Commandment. All the Law does is bring the knowledge of sin to show us that we need a Savior. Jesus fulfilled the demands of the Law, which means we can be made right with God through faith in Him alone (see Eph. 2:8,9). Believers now serve in the spirit, not the letter of the law, and the principle behind the Sabbath is this: Just as God created for six days then rested on the seventh, man is to work for six days and rest on the seventh—to cease working. Those who trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross have ceased trying to be justified through their own efforts and instead find their rest in Him. (See Heb. 4:3,10.) That is why keeping the Sabbath is a non-issue for Christians when it comes to eternal salvation. It is simply a matter of conscience. Christians have incredible liberty—no one can tell us what we must eat or drink, or what days we must observe.

“The spiritual rest which God especially intends in this commandment is that we not only cease from our labor and trade but much more—that we let God alone work in us, and that in all our powers we do nothing of our own.” Martin Luther 

Exodus 35:1 Then Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said to them, “These are the words which the Lord has commanded you to do:2 Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. 3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.

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4 Responses to The observance of the Sabbath.

  1. Richard Taillefer says:

    The Lord has a day; the Lord’s day. Those reading that and who know Isaiah, would think of chapter 58.

  2. Reblogged this on The Recovering Legalist and commented:
    I came across this post by Ray Comfort. It’s not often that I get asked about worshiping on Saturday or Sunday, but it does happen. So, here are some thoughts for you to consider.

  3. Anthony, one additional point is that the requirement to keep the Sabbath was not placed upon the Gentile believers by the Jerusalem church. James says in Acts 15:28-29:

    “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” (NAS)

    There was no instruction for keeping the Sabbath because, as you rightly pointed out, Jesus is our Sabbath rest (Heb 4:3-10), for both Jewish and Gentile believers, although we are all one in Christ.

  4. Kerrie says:

    I’m curious, what then do you believe God meant when He called the sabbath a sign between Him and His people FOREVER? Also, it wasn’t given at Sinai, but at creation to be observed for all generations? Honest question.

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