Is Sabbath Important?

Last updated on November 16, 2024

The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship that originates in the Bible and holds significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a time set apart to pause from work, reflect on spiritual matters, and connect with God. Here’s a breakdown of its origins and meaning:

Biblical Origin

Creation Story: In Genesis 2:2-3, God rested on the seventh day after creating the universe, blessing and sanctifying it. This established the concept of the Sabbath as a holy day of rest.
Ten Commandments: The Sabbath commandment appears in Exodus 20:8-11, where God instructs the Israelites to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” It was intended as a weekly day of rest, reflecting God’s rest in creation and serving as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel.

What the Sabbath Means

Day of Rest: The Sabbath is a day to cease from labor and everyday activities, providing physical and spiritual renewal.
Time for Worship: Traditionally, it is dedicated to prayer, worship, and focusing on God’s blessings.
Symbol of Freedom: For the Israelites, the Sabbath also commemorated their liberation from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15).
A Holy Day: The Sabbath is “set apart” for sacred purposes, symbolizing God’s authority and creation.

When is the Sabbath Observed?

Judaism: The Sabbath (Shabbat) begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. As Christians, we follow this time of Sabbath observance.

Christians’ views of the Sabbath vary widely based on denominational teachings and individual beliefs. While many Christians do not observe the Sabbath as a strict day of rest or worship, this is largely influenced by theological interpretations, historical developments, and cultural practices.

Why Some Christians Don’t Emphasize Sabbath Observance:

New Covenant Theology: Many Christians believe Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament law, including Sabbath observance. They often cite scriptures like Colossians 2:16-17, which suggests that the Sabbath is a “shadow” of things to come, with Christ being the substance.
Sunday Worship Tradition: Historically, most Christians began worshiping on Sunday instead of Saturday (the traditional Sabbath) to honor the day of Jesus’ resurrection. This practice became more formalized with the rise of the early church.
Grace Over Law: Many modern Christians focus on grace and spiritual freedom rather than strict adherence to Old Testament laws, viewing the Sabbath as symbolic of rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Modern Interpretation

For many today, the Sabbath represents:

Rest and Renewal: A time to unplug from work and daily stress.
Worship: A day to congregate and worship God.
Spiritual Focus: A chance to deepen one’s connection with God and community.
Family and Community: A day to spend with loved ones, fostering relationships.

The Sabbath as a sign is a key biblical concept that signifies a covenant, relationship, and identity between God and His people. This idea is especially emphasized in the Old Testament but also carries theological implications in the New Testament. Here’s an explanation:

Biblical Foundation of Sabbath as a Sign

Covenant with Israel:
- In Exodus 31:13, 16-17, God declares the Sabbath a sign of His covenant with the people of Israel:
  “You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.”
- The Sabbath marked Israel as God’s chosen people, distinct from other nations, and served as a reminder that God is the Creator and their sanctifier.
A Sign of Creation:
- The Sabbath commemorates God’s rest on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Observing the Sabbath reflects acknowledgment of God as the Creator of the universe.
A Sign of Redemption:
- In Deuteronomy 5:15, the Sabbath is linked to Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It signifies freedom and God’s saving power, reminding them of their dependence on Him.

Sabbath as a Spiritual Symbol

For many believers, the Sabbath carries deeper meanings:

Rest in God: The Sabbath symbolizes the spiritual rest found in God, pointing to trust in His provision rather than human effort.
Holiness: By observing the Sabbath, believers acknowledge God’s role in sanctifying them.
Eternal Rest: In Christian theology, the Sabbath can foreshadow the ultimate rest believers will experience in God’s eternal kingdom (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Significance for Modern Believers

While the observance of the Sabbath varies, the idea of it as a sign remains relevant in different ways:

Identity: It reminds believers of their relationship with God and their calling to live set-apart lives.
Faithfulness: Observing the Sabbath is seen by some as an outward demonstration of trust and obedience to God.
Grace and Redemption: For Christians, the Sabbath can reflect resting in Christ’s finished work of salvation, moving from works-based righteousness to grace.

The Fourth Commandment:

The Sabbath commandment is found in both Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, with slightly different emphases:

Exodus 20:8-11 (Focus on Creation):
- “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work… For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
- Here, the Sabbath is tied to creation, reflecting God’s rest after His work.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (Focus on Redemption):
- “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you… Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”
- In this version, the Sabbath is tied to Israel’s liberation from slavery, emphasizing rest and freedom.

Key Features of the Sabbath Commandment

Holiness: The day to be “set apart” for sacred purposes, dedicated to God.
Rest: Both individuals and the community (including servants and animals) are to cease from work.
Universal Scope: The command extends to all members of the household, highlighting equality and compassion.
Reminder: The Sabbath is a weekly reminder of God’s role as Creator and Redeemer.

Purpose of the Commandment

Rest and Renewal: Encourages physical rest and refreshment after six days of labor.
Spiritual Focus: Provides time to reflect on God’s goodness, worship Him, and grow in faith.
Social Justice: Protects workers and vulnerable members of society from exploitation, ensuring everyone enjoys rest.
Covenantal Identity: Marks the Israelites as God’s chosen people, bound by His law.

Relevance to Christians

Continuity or Fulfillment?
- Some Christians see the Sabbath as still binding, observing it on Saturday (Seventh-day Adventists and other smaller denominations).
- Others believe that Jesus fulfilled the law, including Sabbath observance, making it a matter of spiritual rest rather than a legal requirement (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Reflection

The Sabbath as a commandment is not just about physical rest but also about trusting God’s provision, reflecting on His creation and redemption, and nurturing a relationship with Him. How do you view the Sabbath commandment in your life? Is it a practice you follow or a principle you value?

The Sabbath as a covenant highlights its role as a formal agreement between God and His people, symbolizing their unique relationship and mutual commitments. This concept is especially emphasized in the Old Testament, where the Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Biblical Basis for the Sabbath as a Covenant

Exodus 31:13-17:
- “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy… The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever.”
- The Sabbath is explicitly called a “lasting covenant” and a “sign” of God’s sanctifying work and His ongoing relationship with Israel.
Ezekiel 20:12, 20:
- “I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy… Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.”
- The Sabbath signifies God’s role as the sanctifier and sustainer of His people.

What Does It Mean for the Sabbath to Be a Covenant?

A Sacred Agreement:
- The Sabbath represents a two-way commitment: God promises to bless and sanctify His people, while they demonstrate their loyalty and trust in Him by keeping the Sabbath.
Identity and Relationship:
- The Sabbath is a defining marker of God’s covenant people, setting them apart from other nations and reinforcing their identity as God’s chosen ones.
Sign of Holiness:
- Observing the Sabbath is a reminder of God’s holiness and His desire for His people to live holy lives, reflecting His character.
Perpetual Significance:
- The term “lasting covenant” indicates that the Sabbath is not merely a ritual but a perpetual reminder of the divine-human relationship.

Covenant Themes of the Sabbath

Creation:
- The Sabbath covenant recalls God’s rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3), reinforcing His role as Creator and Sustainer.
Redemption:
- It commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15), symbolizing freedom and dependence on God.
Sanctification:
- God declares the Sabbath holy, signifying that it is set apart for spiritual purposes and that His people are to be sanctified (Exodus 31:13).

Relevance of the Sabbath as a Covenant Today

For Jews:
- The Sabbath remains a central covenantal practice, emphasizing obedience to God’s commandments and the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people.
For Christians:
- Some Christian denominations, like Seventh-day Adventists, view Sabbath observance as an ongoing covenant.
- Others interpret the Sabbath covenant as fulfilled in Christ, focusing on spiritual rest rather than specific day observance (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Reflection on the Sabbath as a Covenant

The Sabbath as a covenant is a profound declaration of God’s care, provision, and desire for a relationship with His people. It reminds believers to rest in Him, reflect on His work, and remain faithful to their identity in God.

The Blessings and Rewards Of The Sabbath

The Sabbath is a sign, covenant, and commandment God gave His people. By observing the Sabbath you are being obedient to God’s commandment and He will reward you with the following blessings:

Ride The Heights Of The Land

Isaiah 58:13-14 “If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Be Blessed

Isaiah 56:1-3 This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.”

Everlasting Memorials and a Better Name

Isaiah 56:4-5 For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

God Will Bring You To His Holy Mountain (Kingdom of God)

Isaiah 56: 6-8 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants— all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” Thus declares the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.”

The Lord Jesus Christ and the Sabbath

Faithful Sabbath Keeper:
- As a Jew, Jesus observed the Sabbath, attending synagogue and teaching (Luke 4:16).
- His observance reflects His respect for God’s law.
Challenging Legalism:
- While observing the Sabbath, Jesus often clashed with religious leaders who imposed strict, burdensome rules about what was permissible (Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-11).
- He emphasized the spirit of the law over rigid interpretations, showing that the Sabbath was meant to bless humanity, not to oppress it.

Jesus’ Teachings on the Sabbath

The Sabbath is for Humanity:
- In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
- This highlights that the Sabbath is a gift for rest, renewal, and relationship with God, not a legalistic burden.
Lord of the Sabbath:
- Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28).
- This statement asserts His authority over the Sabbath and His ability to define its true purpose.
Mercy Over Sacrifice:
- When criticized for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 12:7).
- He taught that acts of mercy and compassion align with the Sabbath’s intent, prioritizing human needs over legalistic burdens.

Jesus’ Actions on the Sabbath

Healing on the Sabbath:
- Jesus performed several healings on the Sabbath, such as healing a man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-13), a crippled woman (Luke 13:10-17), and a man born blind (John 9:1-14).
- These acts demonstrated that the Sabbath is a time for restoration and doing good.
Plucking Grain:
- Jesus defended His disciples when they plucked grain to eat on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28), pointing to David eating the consecrated bread as an example of human need taking precedence over ceremonial law.

The Significance of Jesus and the Sabbath

Fulfillment of the Sabbath:
- In Christ, Jesus invites believers to rest in Him, trusting in His completed work of redemption.
Redefining Rest:
- Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual rest alongside physical rest, focusing on fostering a relationship with God rather than adhering to strict rules.

Did Jesus completely abolish the physical rest aspect of the Sabbath?

The answer is no? The Lord Jesus Christ himself said that he did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill. This would include the Sabbath.

Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Moreover, when God establishes the new heaven and the new earth, the law will no longer be necessary in its current form because it will be written on people’s hearts instead. At that time, people will naturally live according to God’s will, as instinctively as they eat or breathe.

Apostle Paul On The Sabbath

Hebrews 4:9 “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.”

Conclusion

Although observing the Sabbath is not required for salvation, it holds great blessings and rewards. Therefore, the obervance of the sabbath is still important for people who believes in God.

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