Observing the Sabbath by Shalene Kearney

For the law was given through Moses, [but] grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

Yesterday, while reading another blog (that I thoroughly respect, for the record) I came across a post about observing the Sabbath and what that means for today's Christian. While what my brother in Christ stated made perfect sense, and he did attempt to back up what he said with scripture, I must beg to differ.

My brother explained that while he is not a Seventh Day Adventist, he is of the opinion that the bible indicates that Christians should indeed practice the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, as opposed to Sunday as many, if not most do. (Of those that observe a Sabbath at all.) Now before I go any further, let me say this: I do try to observe a day of rest. Can I call it a Sabbath in the traditional sense? No. I cannot. Why is that, you ask?

These are the requirements for Sabbath-keeping: A person placed under that Sabbath law could not leave his home on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:29), he could not build a fire (Exodus 35:3), and he could not cause anyone else to work (Deuteronomy 5:14). A person breaking the Sabbath law was to be put to death (Exodus 31:15; Numbers 15:32–35).

I do leave my home on my day of rest, I do cook sometimes (or at least heat leftovers made from Friday's meal,) and at times, I have gone shopping, which makes another person work. Aside from that, I am not a Jew, but a Gentile and therefore the true purpose of the Sabbath is not for me. The purpose of keeping the Sabbath was to remember Israel's slavery in Egypt and God delivering them from that slavery. (Deuteronomy 5:15)

'Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.' Exodus 31:16-17 NKJV (emphasis mine)

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Colossians 2:16–17 NKJV (emphasis mine)

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 NKJV (emphasis mine)

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. Romans 14:5-6 NKJV

Now, I am by no means an expert on biblical study, but I think this makes my point. Though a day of rest is a very good idea, in my opinion, strictly for refreshment of the body and soul, (reading and studying God's Word, fellowship with like-minded believers, and to just plainly remember that this life is just a moment in time to be used to glorify the Lord.) A Sabbath in the traditional sense is not meant for Christians at all.

"The Sabbath was given to Israel, not the church. The Sabbath is still Saturday, not Sunday, and has never been changed. But the Sabbath is part of the Old Testament Law, and Christians are free from the bondage of the Law (Galatians 4:1-26; Romans 6:14). Sabbath keeping is not required of the Christian—be it Saturday or Sunday. The first day of the week, Sunday, the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10) celebrates the New Creation, with Christ as our resurrected Head. We are not obligated to follow the Mosaic Sabbath—resting, but are now free to follow the risen Christ—serving." (emphasis mine)(1)

So having said all that, I will say here that I am going to continue to take my day of rest on Sunday and that I will continue to worship the Lord every day. Not just Sunday, or Saturday. I will attend services within my church on both days, as is needed (because I serve in a capacity that at times may require this.) But I will serve my fellow man every day. You make the choice for yourself, between yourself and God. It is for no one else to judge you in this regard.

--Lord, I pray that these words are edifying to the believer and that they glorify You above all. I thank You, that in your divine wisdom You provided a means for the children of Israel to remember their delivery from bondage. I also thank You for nailing to the cross the requirements of that law for the Gentile that I am. May Your Name be praised Forever. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

(1) http://www.gotquestions.org/Saturday-Sunday.html