This is a very long document (19,395 words), which will take 97 minutes to read (actually longer to read and much longer to study), therefore I encourage you to view the INTRODUCTION and use the outline to find a section or specific subject.
ARE CHRISTIANS REQUIRED TO “KEEP THE SABBATH?”
In this document, I will try to show that the Sabbath laws are not obligatory for New Testament believers in Christ. I will try to show that Sabbath laws were given to Old Testament Jews and are part of their religious rituals, along with laws attached to sacrifices, priestly and tabernacle duties, diet, feast days and circumcision. I will point out that the fourth commandment has both ethical and ritual facets. I will explain how the law served God’s purpose, but law keeping does not save anyone.
INTRODUCTION Christ has saved us from all guilt and He empowers us to live righteously in this present evil world, but He does not hold us accountable for any of the Jewish laws. No one will be judged on whether they have touched a dead mouse, for instance, but all people will be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh, whether good or evil (Mt. 7:17, 12:33-37; Jn. 5:28-29; Ro. 2:5-16). This does not mean that anyone will be justified by their obedience to the law (Ro. 3:20) since all have sinned (Ro. 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Ro. 6:23). The Bible clearly says that we are justified by faith (Ro. 5:1). I intend to show that the Bible does not instruct us to follow Sabbath keeping laws. People who are conscientious about their service and obedience to God sometimes think that they are under obligation to set the seventh day aside for worship and rest, because of Old Testament teaching concerning the Sabbath. The Sabbath laws of the Old Testament require more than simply making Saturday “a day of rest.” There are festivals, Sabbath weeks, Sabbath years and several prohibitions associated with “keeping the Sabbath.” If we are under obligation to keep the Sabbath, we are under obligation to observe all of the facets of Sabbath law. There is no passage in the Old or New Testaments that allows for “partial obedience” to Sabbath laws. When a person claims to be a Sabbath keeper, yet does not fully follow Sabbath laws, the person is simply yielding “lip service.” The New Testament makes it clear that we are not under any Jewish laws, including Sabbath keeping. Understanding the spiritual application of the various Old Testament Jewish rituals is helpful in our walk with Christ. Being obligated to them is destructive, since Jesus is the end and fulfilling of the law, i.e. Jesus is the substance of those shadows. Even in the Garden of Eden, the Sabbath was a picture of a future rest, to be enjoyed by God’s people after the coming of the Messiah. The “rest” or “Sabbath” for God’s people is not the seventh day of the week, but the “rest” that is found in Jesus.
Document Plan I will give an Outline Overview and then I will give the body of work. The body of the document contains Scriptural references and quotations. I know this is a long document, but I tried to be somewhat thorough, without being verbose. I have given the Outline Overview first, in hopes that it will whet your interest to read the article. For each main section, I alternate between black and blue, just to make this document easier to follow.
OUTLINE OVERVIEW OF DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION
I. THE SABBATH WAS A COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND ISRAEL OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. A. The Sabbath Was A Sign And A Covenant. B. Sabbath Day Was A Memorial. C. Different Covenants For Different People. D. God Has No Seventh Day Covenant With Christians. E. The Cost Of Keeping The Sabbath Laws. F. Various Facets of Sabbath Keeping.
II. SABBATH KEEPING IS NOT REQUIRED OF BELIEVERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. A. The Church Was Comprised Of Jewish People, Not Jewish Laws And Practices. B. Weak Christians. 1. Jewish Law Observers Were The Weaker Christians. 2. Christ Is Lord Of Weak And Strong Believers. 3. Clean And Unclean Activities. 4. The Kingdom Of God Is Not Meat And Drink. 5. No Stumbling Blocks To Fellow Christians Allowed. 6. No Stumbling Blocks To Pagans. 7. The Jew, The Gentile And The Church of God. 8. Adding Jewish Laws, Takes Away Christian Liberty. 9. Jews Live Legalistically, Gentiles Live Loosely And Christians Live Lovingly. C. Early Church Rejected Judaizers. 1. Jews Or Jesus, Final Authority? 2. New Testament Non-Sabbatarian. 3. Council At Jerusalem Was Non-Sabbatarian. D. Points From Galatians. E. The Apostles Abandoned Jewish Laws. F. Jewish Laws are Not The Same As Moral Laws. G. Abraham And His Descendants Saved By Faith, Not Saved By Law. H. Keeping One Jewish Law Requires Keeping All Jewish Laws. I. Jewish Laws Are “Elements of this World.”
III. “SABBATH KEEPING” OFTEN LEADS TO OTHER FORMS OF JEWISH LAW KEEPING. A. Sabbath Keepers Believe In “Faith Plus” Salvation. B. Sabbath Keeping Is More Than, “Not working On Sabbath.” C. Sabbath Keeping Was Not Always A Covenant. D. First Day Worshipers In Book Of Acts. E. Sabbath Laws Were Never An Issue. F. Sabbath Laws Were Subsequent To Passover. G. Dietary Laws Are Not Required of Christians. 1. Kill And Eat 2. Every Creature Good, Nothing To Be Refused H. God Determines What Is Required And Acceptable.
IV. ALL OF THE JEWISH CEREMONIAL, RITUAL, DIETARY, AND SACRIFICIAL LAWS WAS FULFILLED AND ENDED IN CHRIST. A. Jesus Fulfills the Law. B. Jesus Is The End Of The Law. C. Barnes’ Notes D. Clark‘s Commentary. E. Romans, Galatians and Colossians.
V. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN, NOT MAN FOR THE SABBATH. A. The Background. B. Jesus Charged With Violating Sabbath Laws. C. Jesus Responds To Charges Of Sabbath Breaking. 1. Jesus Planned Ahead. 2. David Broke The Sabbath. 3. The Priests Profaned The Sabbath. 4. Jesus Is Greater Than The Sabbath And He Is Lord Of The Sabbath. 5. The Sabbath Was Made for Man, Man Was Not Made For The Sabbath. D. Things To Learn From Jesus’ Response. 1. Human Need Is Of Greater Importance Than Sabbath Ritual. 2. The Priesthood Had Priority Over Sabbath Law. 3. Jesus, As Lord Of The Sabbath And The Passover Lamb, Has Fulfilled And Canceled The Claim Of The Sabbath Laws. 4. The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man for the Sabbath. E. We Worship The Reality, Not The Shadow.
VI. THE SABBATH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS A “SIGN” THAT REPRESENTED A “REST,” WHICH BELIVERS WOULD ENTER.(THE SABBATH IS A PICTURE OF SALVATION AND ETERNITY.) The Sevenfold Fulfillment Of The Sabbath Rest. A. Sabbath Introduced On Seventh Day of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 16:1-8). B. Israel’s Sabbath Law At Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11). God told them that He gave them the Sabbath laws for three reasons. 1. A Sign. It was a sign, that is, it sign-i-fied something that was still in the future. 2. A Covenant. It was a perpetual covenant with Israel to remind them and to direct their attention, talents and energies toward a right relationship with God. 3. A Memorial It was a memorial to Israel, because it would remind them that God had delivered them from their bondage in Egypt and therefore would deliver them from all of their oppressors. C. Israel To Rest In Promised Land (Hebrews 3:10-11, 16-19). 1. Rest Promised. 2. Rest Relinquished. D. Israel Promised Rest Through David (Psalm 95:6-11). E. The Sabbath Rest Of Salvation (Hebrews 3:7-4:13). 1. Hebrews Quotes David. 2. Christians Called To Remain Faithful. 3. True Sabbath Is Spiritual Rest. 4. Spiritual Rest Is A Choice.F. The 1,000 Year Sabbath Rest (Isaiah 11:10). G. The Eternal Sabbath Rest (Revelation 14:13).
VII. RANDOM POINTS A. Jews On Seventh, Church On First. B. Physical Labor And Rest… Spiritual Labor And Rest… Eternal Service And Rest. C. Relationship, Not Regulations
ARE CHRISTIANS REQUIRED TO “KEEP THE SABBATH?”
I. THE SABBATH WAS A COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND ISRAEL OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Though the idea of the Sabbath was introduced in the creation account, it did not become a law until the days of Moses. In the following passages, God tells Israel three very important things concerning the keeping of the Sabbath.
A. The Sabbath Was A Sign And A Covenant. Sabbath keeping was a sign between God and Israel, to remind them that God was their LORD and that He sanctified them. Along these same lines, the keeping of the Sabbath was a perpetual covenant between Israel and God. Those who require Sabbath keeping of Christians are going outside of New Testament revelation and are therefore adding to the word of God. The Bible makes it clear that keeping the Sabbath was a responsibility given to Old Testament Israel (Ex. 31:13, 16, 17; 5:15)].
Exodus 31:12-18 12 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. [see notes below] 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. [see notes below] 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. [see notes below] 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Notes Ex. 31;13 This command was directed to Israel specifically. Israel was to keep the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath was a sign between God and Israel. This command is not repeated for anyone other than Israel of the O.T. Ex. 31:15 The penalty for breaking the Sabbath was death. This penalty was never removed from this command. If the command is still in force, the penalty is still in force. Ex. 31:16 The Sabbath was to be kept by the children of Israel as a perpetual covenant. Israel is named as a party to this covenant. God never added the Church to this covenant and therefore this covenant does not apply to the Church.
B. Sabbath Day Was A Memorial. The giving of the Sabbath law was also recorded in the second giving of the law, in Deuteronomy, where it is a MEMORIAL.
Deuteronomy 5:14-15 14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. [see notes below] 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. [see notes below]
Notes Deut. 5:14 The Sabbath law forbade the Jews from employing other people on the Sabbath. Those who claim to keep the Sabbath must not put others to work for them on the Sabbath. This includes restaurant workers and everyone who renders a service, other than an emergency service. The Sabbath law was binding on the stranger within the Israelite’s home. Deut. 5:15 The people who were required to keep Sabbath laws were the people that God had rescued from slavery in Egypt.
PLEASE NOTE If we interpret the Egyptian slavery as an historical fact, which is also a type, we must interpret the Sabbath law as an historical fact, which is also a “type.” If the Sabbath law is literal, then the people who are commanded to keep the Sabbath law must literally be the people who were literal slaves in a literal Egypt and were literally delivered by God. If the Sabbath laws are obligatory for us today, then so are the other Jewish laws. However, Christians are not obligated to keep the Jewish laws, including the Sabbath law.
C. Different Covenants For Different People. Throughout the Bible, God established covenants with people. Those covenants were specifically related to either people or time. God’s covenant with one person or group is not necessarily appropriate to anyone else. Covenants are not a “one size fits all” reality. Therefore, the covenant that God had with His people, Israel, was not the same as the covenant that He has with His people, the Church. It is true that God called the Sabbath “holy” and He rested from His creative works in the garden, but we do not have Biblical evidence that it was binding upon people until the exodus from Egypt. At that time, God specifically said that it was a sign, a covenant and a memorial with Israel. Just as God required blood sacrifices and circumcision to be practiced by Israel, but does not require those things from His Church, so God required Sabbath observation from Israel, but does not require it from the Church.
D. God Has No Seventh Day Covenant With Christians. The New Testament differentiates between Israel and the Church. There are obligations and opportunities promised to Israel that apply to Israel and not to the Church and there are rights and responsibilities attached to the Church that are not associated with Israel. The New Testament calls the “Church” a mystery, hidden from past ages. The Church is God’s channel of blessing since the time of Christ’s earthly ministry, just as the Nation of Israel was God’s channel of blessing between the time of Moses and the New Testament. John said, “The law came by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Israel and the Church are not, one and the same. The fact that there is the old covenant of the Old Testament and the new covenant of the New Testament proves that they God deals differently with His people in the Old Testament times than He does with His people in the New Testament times. Those who are under the New Testament are not obligated to the Old Testament. The New Testament message and ministry of the Church became suspect to the first century Jews because the Church had obviously broken with Jewish ceremonial laws and Jewish customs. The Church was so totally different from Israel that the Apostles held a council at Jerusalem (Acts 15) to establish which of Judaism’s practices were still applicable to the mixed body of believers, known as “the Church. I will come back to this point later, but let me mention this; converts to Christ were not obligated to observe the Sabbath, in any way, shape or form.
E. The Cost Of Not Keeping The Sabbath Laws. Not only were Israelites required to keep the Sabbath laws, along with its many attending responsibilities, but also everyone who defiled the Sabbath was to be cut off from the people and stoned to death.
Exodus 35:2-3 2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. 3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day. Very few crimes in Israel were capitol offenses, but Sabbath breaking was punishable by death. There is no such stipulation today. If the Sabbath law is unchanging, then Christians should stone to death those people who do not keep the Sabbath. We cannot pick and choose what parts of the ceremonial laws we are obligated to observe. The Church is not obligated to observe the Sabbath laws and we do not execute anyone for disobedience to the laws of God, whether they are moral or ceremonial laws. The Church is not a modern Israel. The Church is a totally different entity and it is not required to keep the Sabbath.
F. Various Facets Of Sabbath Keeping. The Sabbath law prohibited the gathering of manna on the Sabbath. Jews were not allowed to plant or cultivate or harvest or grind on the Sabbath. They were required to stay at home on the Sabbath. They were not allowed to gather wood or start a fire or cook on the Sabbath. They were not allowed to do work and they were not allowed to allow others to work for them on the Sabbath. There were other sacrificial, feast, dietary and celebration laws that were part of the Sabbath observance. All of these laws were binding on the Old Testament Jew. Those who are going to obey the Sabbath law must obey all of the Sabbath law.
PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS NO PASSAGE THAT STATES, INFERS OR IMPLIES THAT THE SABBATH LAW IS A SIGN, COVENANT OR MEMORIAL FOR THE CHURCH. THIS COMMAND IS NOT REPEATED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. A PERSON HAS TO ADD TO THE WORD OF GOD IN ORDER TO SAY THAT IT IS ADDRESSED TO THE CHURCH OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. NO ONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS COMMANDED TO BE A SABBATH KEEPER. NO ONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS COMMENDED FOR BEING A SABBATH KEEPER. NO ONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS CONDEMNED FOR NOT BEING A SABBATH KEEPER. SABBATH KEEPING IS NOT AN ISSUE FOR THE CHURCH, BECAUSE IT WAS AN OLD TESTAMENT SIGN, COVENANT AND MEMORIAL FOR OLD TESTAMENT ISRAEL. THE SABBATH COMMAND WAS “PEOPLE SPECIFIC” AND THE PENALTY WAS CLEARLY STATED. IF WE ARE OBLIGATED TO KEEP THE SABBATH, THEN WE ARE OBLIGATED TO KEEP THE WHOLE SABBATH LAW, INCLUDING THE EXECUTION OF SABBATH LAW VIOLATORS. IF WE DO NOT KEEP THE WHOLE SABBATH LAW, THEN WE ARE NOT SABBATH LAW KEEPERS.
II. SABBATH KEEPING IS NOT REQUIRED OF BELIEVERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.
The Sabbath laws existed between God and Israel as a nation, but the obligation to observe Sabbath laws does not exist in the New Testament. There are almost 4,000 verses in the New Testament and almost 140,000 words, yet there is not one single place in the New Testament that tells anyone that they must observe the Sabbath. There is not one single place in the New Testament where God condemns anyone for not keeping the Sabbath. NOT ONE, LOOK FOR IT AND WHEN YOU FIND IT, LET ME KNOW. Do not spend much time looking though, since it does not exist. The reason it does not exist is that God does not require Christians to observe the Sabbath.
A. The Church Was Comprised Of Jewish People, Not Jewish Laws And Practices.
The Old Testament was the record of God’s relationship with the Jews. The early Church was comprised primarily of Jews. Jesus was a Jew, the Apostles were Jews and almost all of the first converts were Jews. The people in the Gospel narrative were Jews, who lived by the Old Testament standards. Therefore, we expect to find the main characters of the early Church living like Jews, since they were Jews. The Sabbath is mentioned only about ten times after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and it is never given as a requirement for Christian living. It is mentioned in reference to a Sabbath day’s journey, Jews meeting on the Sabbath and the problem of people using the observance of the Sabbath as an indicator of Christian faithfulness. However, not one single time does the New Testament ever say that keeping the Sabbath is essential or even a part of the Christian experience. With that many people knowing and following Jewish laws, it would have been easy to bring Jewish law keeping into the early Church. In fact, after Pentecost, God condemned those who tried to impose Jewish laws on the followers of Christ. Every one of the Ten Commandments is reiterated, except the command to keep the Sabbath. The other nine commandments are concerned with moral behavior. The first three commandments address the Person, work and character of God. Those principles are restated repeatedly in the New Testament. The last six commandments relate to moral relations on the human level. The New Testament agrees with the Ten Commandments in calling for people to honor their parents, and forbidding killing, adultery, stealing, bearing false witness and coveting other people’s possessions. However, there is not one time that the New Testament commands anyone to keep the Sabbath.
B. Weak Christians. The Jewish Christians were accustomed to following Jewish laws, which foreshadowed the Christian faith. Since those laws were related to this new message, the laws were not inherently evil, therefore some Jewish Christians continued to observe Jewish laws while following Christ.
1. Jewish Law Observers Were The Weaker Christians.
Christians who felt compelled to observe Jewish laws concerning diet and days were said to be the weaker brothers.
Romans 14:1-6 1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
2. Christ Is Lord Of Weak And Strong Believers.
Paul said Christians should not judge one another concerning Jewish laws related to “days” and “food.” Each servant is answerable to his master. Each Christian is answerable to Christ. Gentiles had no connection with Jewish laws, which were attached to days and food. Gentiles Christians had no right to condemn Jewish brothers for their observances, but Jewish Christians had no right to impose Jewish laws on any believers.
Romans 14:5-8 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Take note, Paul was addressing the Jewish laws of Sabbaths and diet. He was not questioning the Christian practice of gathering on the first day of the week, which was also called, “the Lord’s day.” Jesus was raised from the dead on the first day of the week, and He met with the believers that night. It is reasonable to think that the believers met together every day during that first week, but we only have the record that Jesus met with them again on the following first day. Not only do we have the New Testament record that the Apostolic Church met on first day, we also have the witness of early church documents (first, second and third century Church) that they met on first day. We also have record that only the Jewish congregations continued to meet on seventh day as well as first day. The practice of the Early Church never changed from seventh day worship, because it had always been first day worship. It was only fitting that God would designate a different day for the Church, since the Church is not under Jewish law and the Church was a secret, hidden from the Old Testament saints. The message is new, the body of believers is new and the day is new. Not only is everything new, everything is better (book of Hebrews).
3. Clean And Unclean Activities.
Paul then made an interesting statement. He said that there is nothing unclean of itself and each person should decide what is acceptable. However, Paul was talking specifically about Jewish laws, not moral precepts. Adultery is inherently unclean and wrong. Blasphemy is inherently unclean and wrong. The issues that are not inherently unclean and wrong are those which the Jewish laws addressed, such as holy days, diet and festivals.
Romans 14:14-17 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
4. The Kingdom Of God Is Not Meat And Drink.
Paul warned the Church that Jewish laws should not be the cause of one Christian destroying another Christian. The weak should not encumber the strong and the strong should not offend the weak.
Romans 14:17, 20-21 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
5. No Stumbling Blocks To Fellow Christians Allowed.
In a similar vein, Paul said that a person should not allow their liberty in Christ to become a stumbling block to Jewish believers who would be offended by eating meat which had been used in a pagan ritual. Often the meat in the meat market had been offered in a pagan sacrifice, before it was sold.
1 Corinthians 8:8-13 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
6. No Stumbling Blocks To Pagans.
Christians must not allow their liberty to become an unnecessary stumbling block to the unsaved. If eating sacrificed meat would offend the unsaved, Paul told the Christian not to eat that meat.
1 Corinthians 10:25-31 25 Whatsoever is sold in the meat market, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof: [see notes below] 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Notes 1 Co. 10:25-31 Christian love prohibits me from offending others who are weak. I must not allow them to weaken me, but I must not be callous concerning their legitimate frailties. Paul is not referring to Gentiles who have chosen to put themselves under Jewish law. He actually condemns that in other places. He is referring to Jews, who have been raised all of their lives with the belief that they must practice the ceremonial laws or else be considered as unclean by God. Jewish believers needed a period of adjustment, just as the Apostles needed time and truth to lead them out of their ceremonialism. Remember, the disciples had spent three years with Jesus and they were present on the Day of Pentecost and they were specially gifted with wisdom and knowledge, yet Peter fell back into Jewish legalism. Paul had spent three years in the desert, alone with God, learning the new message of Christianity. Paul confronted Peter about his lapse and Peter was saved from legalism. If the Apostles needed time and mercy, how much more did these new Jewish converts need it also? But Gentile believers had no reason to go into the shadows, having been born in the light. People today err when they burden themselves with Jewish legalism.
7. The Jew, The Gentile And The Church Of God.
Paul points out that there are three separate groups of people in the world; the Jew, the Gentile and the Church of God. Christians need to understand and be sensitive to the cultural and spiritual needs of other people. None of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself. We are servants of God and of each other, denying ourselves, so that others may be reached.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33 32 Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. [see notes below]
Notes 1 Co. 10:32-33 God tells us that there is a difference between the Jews, the Gentiles and the Church. All three have a different world view, values system and objective. Though there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, as far as salvation is concerned, Paul approached Jewish and Gentile believers in the Church differently when he was explaining Biblical truth. Though God used the Jews as a conduit, through which He would send His Son and salvation, the Church is not the same as Old Testament Judaism. Christianity is a brand new revelation, or as the Bible calls it, “a mystery.” A mystery, in the Bible, is not like a modern, “who-done-it.” A mystery, in the Bible, is a, “secret” truth, hidden with God. The Bible tells us that the “Church” was a mystery, in which God would join Jews and Gentiles together as one body of believers. This mystery was not steeped in Jewish laws and ceremony, but rather was a totally new revelation.
8. Adding Jewish Laws, Takes Away Christian Liberty.
We must not offend others, by requiring unnecessary rules and regulations, beyond the message of New Testament Christianity. We live here for a short time, in order to lead others to Christ. We are not here to lead people into Jewish legalism. We must not add anything to the Gospel. Adding Jewish legalism drives people away from God. Living in love will draw people to Christ. We are saved by grace without any Jewish laws and we have no right to add Jewish laws when we present the Gospel, either by word or by action. Do Not Add to the Gospel.
Galatians 2:4 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Galatians 5:1 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
9. Jews Live Legalistically, Gentiles Live Loosely and Christians Live Lovingly.
Galatians 5:13-14 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
C. Early Church Rejected Judaizers.
1. Jews Or Jesus, Final Authority?
Most of the major points of dispute in the early Church focused on the importance of practicing Jewish laws. The Jewish leaders during the time of Jesus tried to impose Jewish laws on Jesus and His disciples and then they tried to impose those laws on the first coverts of the Church. The legalistic Jews tried to bring Jewish Christians under the bondage of Jewish laws. They also tried to bring Gentile converts under the same bondage to Jewish laws and practices. However, neither Jesus nor the Apostles ever told the Church that we are obligated to keep the Sabbath or its laws. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles ever condemned the Church for not keeping Jewish laws.
2. New Testament Non-Sabbatarian.
When the early Church stated what was required of Gentiles who became followers of Jesus Christ, they did not call for the keeping of the Sabbath. In fact, Sabbath keeping was such a clearly Jewish practice that it was not even an issue for the early Church. Jewish believers were not condemned for being Sabbath keepers, but neither were non-Jews condemned for not being Sabbath keepers.
3. Council At Jerusalem Was Non-Sabbatarian.
The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15) had the perfect opportunity to require Sabbath keeping in the early Church, but they chose not to impose Sabbath keeping on the followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit led the Apostles at the Jerusalem council and the Holy Spirit did not attach Sabbath keeping to the Church. It is interesting that the Jewish laws, which drew the most interest and stirred the most conflict, were circumcision laws and dietary laws. There was no focus on Sabbath observation in the early Church. It was not an issue, since it was clearly a Jewish sign, covenant, and memorial. God addressed the problem of Judaistic bondage in various parts of the New Testament. The book of Galatians is a good example of anti-ceremonialism.
D. Points From Galatians.
There is a distinct difference between the religion of the Jews and the salvation that is by faith.
Galatians 1:11-14 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. [see notes below] 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [see notes below] 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. [see notes below] 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: [see notes below] 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Notes Ga. 1:11 Paul did not simply repeat the Old Testament message that he had been taught by his instructors. Ga. 1:12 Paul received a completely new revelation from Jesus Christ, not a rehashing or confiming of Jewish laws. Ga. 1:14 Paul had been trained as a Jew and had followed the Jewish laws. Paul (Saul) had been a promoter of the Jewish message and life style. Ga. 1:16 The new revelation required a new message. Christianity was not just a new version of Judaism, since Christ had fulfilled the Jewish laws. The Christian message was new and better truths.
E. The Apostles Abandoned Jewish Laws.
Peter had turned back from the truth of the Gospel to some of their Jewish practices for a short time. Paul confronted Peter and he repented. Even the Jewish Christians had to forsake the Jewish laws if they wanted to have salvation by grace.
Galatians 2:14-21 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? [see notes below] 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. [see notes below] 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. [see notes below] 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. [see notes below] 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. [see notes below] 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 2:14 Peter had participated with those who were bringing Jewish laws into the Church, but Paul reproved him for his hypocrisy. Ga. 2:16 Paul declares that the Jewish laws do not save us. Ga. 2:17 You cannot mix Christianity with Jewish laws. To mix grace with Jewish law keeping was sin. Ga. 2:18 To rebuild a system of Jewish laws is sin. Ga. 2:19 Being a Christian makes me dead to the Jewish legal system. If I am active in the Jewish legal system, I am dead to Christ, but if I am alive to God, I am dead to the Jewish legal system. Ga. 2:21 If the Jewish laws bring righteousness, then Christ died in vain. A person is not more righteous because he keeps the Sabbath.
F. Jewish Laws Are Not The Same As Moral Laws.
Remember, we are talking about Jewish laws, not about moral laws. Though we are not saved by keeping moral laws (since we have all broken the moral law of God), we are saved so that we can keep the moral law of God. We are not saved so that we can keep the Jewish laws. We are completely delivered from any and all obligation to observe the Jewish laws. Paul calls Christians to obey the gospel; he does not call us to obey Jewish laws. The New Testament calls us to morality, not ceremonialism.
Galatians 3:1-2 1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 3:2 For a Christian to turn back to Jewish laws is to be led astray, as if by a spell, cast by an evil spirit. We received the Spirit of God by faith, not by works of the law.
G. Abraham And His Descendants Saved By Faith, Not Saved By Law.
Galatians 3:6, 8-9 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 3:9 Abraham was saved out of heathendom and paganism, simply by trusting God. He was not saved by keeping the Sabbath. The heathen (Gentiles) of the first century were also saved simply by faith. They were not told to keep the Sabbath laws, in any way shape or form. People are saved today simply by trusting Christ. There is not a verse in the New Testament that says Sabbath keeping is necessary for a right relationship with God. Sabbath law was a sign, a covenant and a memorial between God and Israel, not between God and the heathen (Gentiles, nations). People are saved without keeping Jewish laws.
H. Keeping One Jewish Law Requires Keeping All Jewish Laws.
Galatians 3:10, 12-18, 24, 26 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. [see note below] 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. [see note below] 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. [see note below] 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [see note below] 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. [see note below] 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. [see note below] 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis-annul, that it should make the promise of none effect. [see note below] 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [see note below]
Notes Ga. 3:10 No one is saved by keeping the Jewish law and we do not stay saved by keeping Jewish law. We are saved by faith, not by Jewish laws. Ga. 3:11 The Jewish law was fulfilled in Christ and we are not obligated to keep the Jewish law. Ga. 3:12 Clearly, the law is not of faith. That which is not of faith is sin (Ro. 14:23)]. Ga. 3:13 The law curses those who break the law. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law Ga. 3:14 The promise of salvation given to Abraham is readily available to the Gentiles, provided they receive it and keep it by faith and not by the works of the law. Ga. 3:15 Since God made the covenant with Abraham, the Jewish laws cannot be added as requirements. The promise of God was made to Abraham, through Christ, and the laws that came through Moses do not over ride or nullify the promise that salvation is by faith rather than by law. Ga. 3:17 The covenant in Christ, which was God’s primary objective, cannot be dis-annulled by the law, which was God’s way of introducing His plan. The shadow does not dis-annul the reality. The shadow passes, the reality abides. The Law of Moses came 430 years after God’s promise to Abraham. Ga. 3;26 God did not save us to become obligated to Jewish laws. All saved people, whether Jew or Gentile, are equally delivered from Jewish laws.
I. Jewish Laws Are “Elements Of This World.”
Paul calls the Jewish laws, “elements of the world.” This was actually a Jewish phrase referring to the fundamentals. The word “elements” means basic building blocks, such as the letters of the alphabet. The same word is translated in the book of Hebrews as “first principles” of the Christian faith (He. 6:1). The Jewish laws were the first principles or building blocks through which God began to reveal His will and plan of salvation. It is called the elements of “the world” because the world is passing away. The law was not intended to continue. It was intended to serve a period of time in bringing people to Christ and then it was to be replaced by Christ. When the building blocks are in there proper place, they serve a good purpose, but when they are out of place, they become stumbling blocks.
Galatians 4:3-5, 9-10 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. [see notes below] 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 4:3-5 We know that the “elements of the world” kept the Jews in bondage, because Paul said that Christ redeemed them from under the law. Paul equates “elements of the world” with the law, from which Jesus redeemed them. (Paul also makes the same reference in Ga. 4:9, Co. 2:8 and Co.2:20). The Jewish law was called “bondage.” Deliverance from the bondage of Jewish law is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. Along with circumcision, Passover and Jewish festivals, the keeping of the Sabbath is a Jewish law. It is an element of the world. Ga. 4:10 Paul tells us that when we observe Jewish celebrations of days, times, months and years, we are turning back to weak, poor, fundamentals (elements of the world) that cannot save us.
Galatians 5:1, 3-4, 13-23 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [see notes below] 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” [see notes below] 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 5:1 Paul warned the Galatian Christians not to become entangled again in the yoke of bondage. They had been entangled before, when they were living under the Jewish laws and they were returning to those laws, thinking that the obedience to those laws made them more perfect. Ga. 5:4 Those who believe that they are obligated to keep the Sabbath laws are obligate to keep the completely Jewish law. Ga. 5:23 Christians are called to be liberated from Jewish laws. We are called to the “law of love” which fulfills all of our obligations before God. This passage does not tell us that Sabbath breaking is sin and it does not tell us that Sabbath keeping is expected. It deals only with the moral law, not the ceremonial law. The law of love fulfills the moral law. Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians ever told to keep the Sabbath.
III. “SABBATH KEEPING” OFTEN LEADS TO OTHER FORMS OF JEWISH LAW KEEPING.
As the Scripture says, (Gal 5:9) “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” My observation, through the years, shows that those who believe that Christians are obligated to keep the Jewish Sabbath laws eventually begin to think that they must also keep the Jewish dietary laws. Bondage leads to bondage. Legalism leads to legalism.
A. Sabbath Keepers Believe In “Faith Plus” Salvation. Salvation empowers and enables us to obey God. Though obeying moral law does not save anyone, the New Testament says that saved people keep God’s moral law. The New Testament never says that saved people keep the Jewish laws. People who break the moral law of God are not saved. If the Sabbath laws are moral laws, then those who break the Sabbath laws are morally culpable. The New Testament never condemns Christians for not obeying Sabbath laws. Some Sabbath keepers say they do not believe that Sabbath keeping is essential to salvation, yet they believe it is a command from God. In fact, they think that it is an eternally important and unchanging law. If God requires us to obey His Sabbath laws, then those who do not keep the Sabbath are guilty of disobedience to God’s commandment. Those who live in disobedience to the commands of God are not saved. Therefore, if the Sabbath law is in effect, then those who do not keep the Sabbath laws are not saved. The Seventh Day Adventist goes as far as to say that first day or Sunday worship is the “Mark of the Beast” and they call those who worship on First Day, “the whore church.” Before you laugh me off, maybe you should read their doctrinal position (if you can find it) and then find an honest SDA pastor who will admit this damnable heresy. I say this because I have encountered SDA pastors who try to hide their doctrinal position, and because I meet very few SDA parishioners who know their religious doctrine. Think about this; how few SDA parishioners have you ever met, who know that their religion equates “Sunday Worship” with the “Mark of the Beast?” The SDA has been going through major changes in their doctrinal position, but they still allow Jewish legalism to separate between them and the blood bought, Spirit called, Bride of Christ. It is a dangerous thing to call the people of God, “the whore church.” It is wrong to say that those who worship on the day of Chirst’ resurrection are taking the “Mark of the Beast.” This is where “Faith Plus” religion takes you. This is why the Apostles condemned all legalism to Jewish laws. When Jewish laws are exalted to this level, truth takes a back seat. The belief that “Sabbath keeping” is essential to salvation, means that faith, plus Sabbath keeping, is essential to salvation. Those who believe that we are saved by faith, plus the keeping of the Sabbath laws tend to believe that the Jewish dietary laws are also essential to salvation. If we add any of the Jewish laws we are obligated to add all of the Jewish laws (Ja. 2:10).
B. Sabbath Keeping Is More Than, “Not working on Sabbath.”
In the Old Testament, Sabbath keeping was interwoven with several different ceremonial, ritual, dietary and sacrificial laws. In order to keep the Sabbath, a person had to keep other Jewish laws. Biblical Sabbath keeping is more than “not working on the Sabbath.” If we are obligated to keep any of the Sabbath law, we are obligated to keep all of the Sabbath law. A person who claims to keep the Sabbath, but does not keep all of the Sabbath law is not only a Sabbath breaker but also a hypocrite and is taking the name of God in vain. To claim to be God’s covenant people, while breaking the covenant is an empty boast.
C. Sabbath Keeping Was Not Always A Covenant.
As important as Sabbath keeping was in the Old Testament, it was no more important than the law of circumcision. God instituted circumcision with Abraham long before the law was given to Moses (Ge. 17:10). The seed of Sabbath observance is found in the creation account, but the actual covenant and command to observe the Sabbath laws was given in the days of Moses.
D. First Day Worshipers In Book Of Acts.
When the Gentiles accepted the message of salvation, they met on the first day of the week. Since the Gentile segment of the Church continued to grow and since the Jewish side of the Church was dwindling, there were more people who worshiped on the first day. Contrary to the teachings of the Jehovah Witnesses, and false claims of the Roman Catholic Church, the move from seventh day to first day actually took place naturally and during the days of the New Testament, when there was no such organization as the Jehovah Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists or the Roman Catholic Church.
E. Sabbath Laws Were Never An Issue.
Remember, the Sabbath did not become part of a covenant until Moses, but the covenant of circumcision dates all the way back to Abraham. Also, remember, both of those covenants were termed “eternal” or “everlasting.” Whatever that means, it did not mean that the actual “cutting of the flesh” or the “keeping Sabbath” laws is obligatory for those who came to God through Christ. We know this because of the New Testament record. As basic and important as circumcision was, it was not binding on anyone in the New Testament, including Jewish believers. However, there were people trying to impose circumcision on Christian converts and the writers of the New Testament addressed that problem. But notice, there is not one passage where anyone tried to impose Sabbath keeping on the new Christian converts. The writers addressed all forms of Jewish legalism when they reproved the Judaizers. It is true that the very first converts met on the seventh day, but that is because they were Jews. They also met on the first day because the resurrection of Jesus took place on first day. Christian believers therefore met on the first day and the seventh day. There is no command to meet on both days and there is no condemnation for not meeting on either of those two days. Jews, in the early Church, also celebrated various Jewish feasts, practiced circumcision, made Jewish vows and followed other Jewish practices. As long as their practice did not taint the truth of the Christian message, they were allowed to do those things. However, none of those things was required, either of the Jews or the Gentiles. If we are going say that Sabbath keeping is required because the early Christian Jews kept the Sabbath laws, we must say that other forms of Jewish law keeping, such as circumcision, is also obligatory. However, we know that is not true.
F. Sabbath Laws Were Subsequent To Passover.
As important as Sabbath keeping was in the Old Testament, it was no more important than celebrating the Passover. In fact, Passover laws (Ex. 12:14-15) were instituted prior to Sabbath laws (Ex. 16:26-30; 20:10-11). Yet the New Testament does not require the celebration of the Passover. Jesus is the end of the Passover. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover. There is not a single place in the New Testament that requires the keeping of the Sabbath or the celebrating of the Passover. It is worth noting that the Passover was the predecessor to the Jewish sacrifices and to the sacrifice of Christ. In fact, God often revealed His will to mankind through series of events. Likewise, the Sabbath, which was introduced in the creation account and was made into a sign, covenant and memorial for Israel, is also a predecessor to both the, “rest” that Christians experience in salvation through Christ and also “the world without end” that awaits all of us at the end of this age. It is interesting to note that in the week of creation, God did not say the seventh day was “good,” as He had said concerning the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth days. When He was finished with His six days of creation, God did say that everything He had made was “very good” but He did not say the same for the seventh day. It was not because the seventh day was not good. Could it be that God commented on the first six days because His work was finished, but the first Sabbath was only an introduction to the true Sabbath? In other words, God was not finished with the Sabbath. The seventh day in the garden was only the beginning of what He intended for the ultimate rest. The shadow of seventh day “Sabbath keeping” was replaced by the true Sabbath of salvation, which came with the arrival of the Jesus. The ultimate and eternal day without end will begin when this transient world is past.
G. Dietary Laws Are Not Required Of Christians.
There was nothing more important to the average Jew than keeping the dietary laws of Israel. In fact, the more conservative Jews of today live a kosher life. As a Christian Jew, Peter kept the dietary laws, with its various regulation concerning cooking and utensils. The laws about, “clean” and “unclean” food and cookware also determined the relationship that existed between Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles were unclean, according to Jewish law. It was unthinkable for a Jew to eat with a Gentile. The whole experience was beset with ceremonial uncleanness. Remember, ceremonial uncleanness disqualified a person from religious activities and required the polluted Jew to go through some very strenuous cleansing ceremonies. Ceremonial uncleanness was an ordeal to avoid when possible. Eating unclean foods, from unclean vessels with unclean people was not on a good Jews menu.
1. Kill And Eat
However, in a vision, the Holy Spirit told Peter to “kill and eat” all manner of ceremonially unclean animals. When Peter refused to comply, based on being a good Jew, the Holy Spirit told Peter not to call “unclean,” that which God had called “clean.”
Acts 10:9-16 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [see notes below] 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [see notes below] 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [see notes below]
Notes Ac.10:12 These were the unclean animals that God called unclean in the Old Testament and they were not acceptable for human consumption. Ac.10:14 Peter understood that the voice was speaking the message of God, because Peter responded to the command to “kill and eat” with a refusal. Ac. 10:16 God’s message to Peter was, “What God hath cleansed, do not call unclean.” The uncleanness of the animals was a ceremonial uncleanness, not a natural uncleanness. If it had been an inherent uncleanness or defilement, then God would not have declared it to be acceptable in this passage. It was ceremonial and it was changed.
2. Every Creature Good, Nothing To Be Refused.
1 Timothy 4:1-6 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [see notes below]
Notes 1 Tim. 4:6 Paul explains that it is a doctrine of demons to forbid the eating of every kind of animal. In the Old Testament, God forbade the eating of certain animals because He had declared them to be “unclean.” However, since those Jewish dietary laws were fulfilled in Christ, the dietary laws no longer apply. Paul said that there is no such thing as any unclean food. In fact, any creature can be on the Christian menu. Anyone who says that God forbids the eating of certain kinds of food is teaching a doctrine of demons.
H. God Determines What Is Required And Acceptable.
That which was from God and considered good in the Old Testament can be from Satan and considered evil in the New Testament. The Old Testament laws were for bringing people to Christ. Today the observing of those same laws can be considered an act of self-righteousness and disobedience to God. To return to that which is no longer in effect is to turn away from God. According to Paul, when a person attempts to keep Old Testament Jewish laws in order to perfect their faith and relationship with God, he is falling from grace (Ga. 5:4). Concerning the relationship of the Old Testament to the New Testament, someone has said, “the New is in the Old concealed and the Old is in the New revealed.” The Old is the shadow, and the New is the substance. To worship the types and images of the Old is idolatry.
IV. ALL OF THE CEREMONIAL, RITUAL, DIETARY AND SACRIFICIAL LAW WAS FULFILLED IN CHRIST.
Here are a few verses that tell us that Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Jewish laws.
A. Jesus Fulfills The Law.
Matthew 3:13-18 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. [see notes below] 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [see notes below]
Notes Mt. 3:15 Jesus was baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness, that is, He was baptized in order to qualify as our Savior. Mt. 3:18 Jesus had to qualify before He could become our Savior. This would require Him to achieve or attain to a certain level of proficiency in His obedience to the Father and experience being Human, without being sinful. As the sacrificial lamb had to be without blemish, so Christ must also be without blemish in order to make atonement for mankind (He. 5:8-9).
B. Jesus Is The End Of The Law.
Romans 10:4, 9-11
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. [see notes below] 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [see notes below] Notes Ro. 10:4 Christ was the destination of the law. The law brought us to an understanding of our need for Christ. The law could not save, but it could bring us to the One Who can save. The law brought us as far as it could, and Jesus takes us into salvation. Jesus did what the law required, in terms of being a Savior. In addition, Jesus did what the law could not do; He finished what the law only prefigured. Christ can save whoever recognizes their inability to save themselves. Christ can save whoever recognizes that they cannot attain to righteousness by keeping laws. Whoever believes in Christ, obtains righteousness. Christ is the end of righteousness to everyone who believes. Ro. 10:11 Salvation comes to those who confess that they are lost sinners in need of a Savior. Salvation comes to those who believe in their heart that God has raised Christ from the dead. Belief provides righteousness and confession leads to righteousness.
C. Barnes’ Notes Here are notes taken from Barnes’ Notes. “Is the end of the law – The word translated “end” means what completes a thing, or renders it perfect; also the boundary, issue, or termination of anything, as the end of life, the result of a prophecy, etc.; Jn.13:1; Lk. 22:37. It also means the design or object which is had in view; the principal purpose for which it was undertaken; 1Ti. 1:5,” The end of the commandment is charity;” the main design or purpose of the command is to produce love; 1Pe.1:9, “The end of your faith, the salvation of your souls;” the main design or purpose of faith is to secure salvation; Rom.14:9, “To this end Christ both died,” etc. For this design or purpose. This is doubtless its meaning here. “The main design or object which the perfect obedience of the Law would accomplish, is accomplished by faith in Christ.” That is, perfect obedience to the Law would accomplish justification before God, secure his favor and eternal life. The same end is now accomplished by faith in Christ.” Barnes’ Notes, Romans 10:4.
D. Clark‘s Commentary Romans 10:4
“For Christ is the end of the law – Where the law ends, Christ begins. The law ends with representative sacrifices; Christ begins with the real offering. The law is our schoolmaster to lead us to Christ; it cannot save, but it leaves us at his door, where alone salvation is to be found. Christ as an atoning sacrifice for sin, was the grand object of the whole sacrificial code of Moses; his passion and death were the fulfillment of its great object and design. Separate this sacrificial death of Christ from the law, and the law has no meaning, for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins: wherefore the Messiah is represented as saying, Sacrifice and observing thou didst not desire; burnt-offering and sin-offering thou hast not required; then said I, Lo, I come to do thy will; a body hast thou prepared me, Psa. 40:6, Psa. 40:7; Heb. 10:4-10; which proves that God never designed that the sacrifices of the law should be considered the atonement for sin, but a type or representative of that atonement; and that The atonement was the sacrifice offered by Christ. Thus he was the End of the law, in respect to its sacrifices.”
DLG comment… These two notes are representative of the various explanations on this passage. I believe them to be accurate, not because they all agree, but because they all agree with what the passage and the Greek studies say about this passage. Jesus is the end, the fulfillment of the law. Christians have no obligation to keep Old Testament, Jewish laws.
E. Romans, Galatians And Colossians. Romans 14:5-9 5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. [see notes below] 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. [see notes below] Notes Ro. 14:6 We know the subject is Jewish laws because the passage mentions “days” and “eating.” This is not about the Christian’s meeting on the “first day.” The validity of meeting on first day was never a question. The question was about “seventh day” or other Jewish days of celebration. Ro. 14:9 Paul tells us that Jesus died and rose again, “to this end” for this purpose, that He might be Lord of the living and the dead. Just as Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, so He is Lord of the Church. Jesus decides what days to commemorate and He decides what ceremonies His people should celebrate. He has not overthrown the Jewish Sabbath, He has brought to reality what the Jewish Sabbath signified, or foreshadowed.
Galatians 3:21-29 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. [see notes below] 22 But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [see notes below] 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [see notes below] 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [see notes below] 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 3:21 According to this passage, there is no law that can give life, and righteousness does not come by any law. Ga. 3:24 The law brought us to Christ. Ga. 3:25 We no longer need someone to bring us to Christ. God has phased-out the Jewish laws. Ga. 3:28 There is no difference in the way a Jew and a Gentile comes to salvation. We all come through faith, not laws, not Jewish laws. We all come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through observation of Sabbath days. Ga. 3:29 Just as Abraham was saved by believing God, without attaining to a moral law as a qualifier and just as he did not have to keep ceremonial laws, so too, we are saved by faith in Christ, Who fulfilled the law. All of the Jewish laws pointed to Christ and His salvation. All of those Jewish laws found fulfillment in Christ. All of those laws end in Christ.
Colossians 2:13-22 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [see notes below] 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [see notes below] 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: [see notes below] 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. [see notes below] 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, [see notes below] 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. [see notes below] 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, [see notes below] 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; [see notes below] 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Notes Col. 2:13 Sin separated us from God. Col. 2:14 The ordinances were the Jewish laws. They were nailed to His cross. Our debt was cancelled because of Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus satisfied our debt. Col. 2:16 We should not allow anyone to judge us because of our refusal to keep Jewish laws. This includes Sabbaths, and all of the issues that go with keeping the Sabbath. The Holy Spirit specifically says “Sabbaths.” The KJV says “days” in italics, because the word “days” is not in the original Greek language. Those who are determined that Sabbath observance is obligatory to Christians sometimes try to explain this passage away by saying this reference to “Sabbaths” does not include” “the Sabbath.” However, the passage, the context and the entire New Testament tells us that Christians are not obligated to keep the Sabbath. This passage tells us that Christians are not under Jewish laws. Co. 2:17 The Old Testament Jewish laws, including Sabbath keeping, were only shadows of God’s plan. All of those sacrifices, foods, festivals and washings along with all of the tabernacle and priestly functions were fulfilled in Christ. The Mosaic laws were a mere resemblance of the reality, but Christ is the reality. We are to exchange the shadow for the reality. To hold on to a shadow instead of grasping the reality is idolatry. When we have a hold of the real, we do not need or want to hold on to the shadow. Col. 2:18 The word “beguile” alludes to an umpire or judge defrauding a player through a bad call. Paul is saying; “Do not let anyone judge you out of your reward by imposing extraneous rules” Do not be ensnared by seemingly spiritual activities, which are neither required by God nor forbidden by God. Do not become proud of your law keeping religion. My observation has been that those who call themselves “Sabbath keepers” usually see themselves as being more Biblical and more obedient to God than those who do not “keep the Sabbath.” Of course, those who call themselves “Sabbath keepers” are “Sabbath keepers” in name only, since they “keep” a revised slandered version of the Sabbath. Co. 2:19 Those who call themselves “Sabbath keepers” are not faithfully holding to Christ as the “end of the law” or “the fulfillment of the law.” Those who preach “Sabbath keeping” as part of their faith are replacing faith with religious works. They are holding to a shadow rather than holding to the Substance. Co. 2:20 “The rudiments of the world” is another way of saying, “the elements of the world” (see above section entitled, JEWISH LAWS ARE “ELEMENTS OF THE WORLD”). Christians are to be dead to the elements of the world, the rudiments of the world. Christ has set us free from the rules and regulation religion of Judaism. Our obligation to keep the Jewish laws was nailed to the cross, in other words, obligation to follow Jewish law was cancelled out through the death of Jesus Christ. Col. 2:21 Verse 21 reflects the impact of Jewish laws on first century Jews. Jewish laws were filled with prohibitions against things that were not inherently evil. Jewish laws forbade the Jews from wearing clothes that were a mixture of wool and linen. Jewish law forbade sowing a field with mingled seed. Though some of the Jewish laws were not always inherently right or wrong, they always served God’s purpose. People may point out some of the problems with eating pork or shellfish or some other meats and they may point out the problems related to other Jewish laws, however, the prohibitions were not based on inherent evil. The problem with violating the ceremonial laws was simply a matter of rebellion against God’s authority.
Think about this; Moses was denied access to the Promised Land because he hit the rock rather than speaking to the rock. The rock, the hitting, the speaking and the water were all symbols of spiritual realities. Moses’ sin was simply disobeying God. Just as the rock represented Christ, and the water represented the Holy Spirit, the Sabbath represents a greater truth. The Sabbath is a sign of a coming reality. Disobedience, to the laws that God gave to Israel, was evil. On the other hand, when Christ fulfilled all righteousness, including Jewish laws, God rescinded those laws. Remember, God did not cancel or rescind the moral code or the moral laws. The moral laws of the Old Testament are restated repeatedly in the New Testament, but it does not confirm the Jewish laws. We know there were laws related to the sacrifices, priests and the tabernacle, which are not binding to Christians. In fact, it would be sin to practice those laws today, in light of the Gospel of Christ.
V. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN, NOT MAN FOR THE SABBATH.
A. The Background.
The very first time “Sabbath” is mentioned by name in the Old Testament it was related to the Israelites gathering “manna” during their exodus travels, subsequent to God delivering them from bondage to the Egyptians.
Exodus 16:23 23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. Through Moses, God led the Israelites out of Egypt, the land of their oppression and bondage. There were approximately 2 million people who followed Moses out of Egypt, headed for the Promised Land. Providing food and water for such a large entourage required miraculous intervention from God. He provided food for them every morning, according to their needs. All they had to do was collect it and use it during that day. If they tried to gather more than a days worth, the “manna” or “heavenly bread” would turn bad. However, God commanded them to collect enough on the sixth day to last through the seventh day, since they were not allowed to collect it on the seventh day. In this same passage, concerning the gathering of manna for the Sabbath, the Israelites were also told not to do any food preparations on the Sabbath. The law of God also forbade the gathering of wood for a fire and the building of a fire to cook the food. Actually, this was just a portion of the Sabbath law that God gave to Israel. Those who were guilty of doing these things were sentenced to execution by stoning. If we are going to observe the Old Testament Sabbath laws, we should be observing all of the facets associated with Sabbath keeping; otherwise, we are just playing games. If we are going to observe the Old Testament Sabbath laws, we should be stoning people who break those laws. If we do not keep the whole Sabbath law, we have no right to claim that we are Sabbath keepers. We have no right to claim obedience to the Sabbath commandment if we do not observe every part of it. If we do not keep the whole ceremonial law, we are not obligated to keep any of the ceremonial law. If we keep any of the ceremonial law, we are obligated to keep all of it. Remember, to break one part of the law is to break the whole law.
B. Jesus Charged With Violating Sabbath Laws.
It is interesting to note that the first time the Sabbath is mentioned in the New Testament, Jesus was being charged with violating the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:1-8 1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Notes Jesus and His disciples were passing by a field on a Sabbath day. The men were hungry and Jesus allowed them to gather grain. The Pharisees saw this as a violation of the Sabbath, and they confronted Jesus about this behavior. Jesus responded to their accusations with a couple of arguments.
C. Jesus Responds To Charges Of Sabbath Breaking.
1. Jesus Planned Ahead.
Jesus did not deny that His disciples had acted contrary to the Sabbath laws. They had gathered and ground food for themselves. Jesus could have just as easily planned ahead for this situation, or He could have directed His disciples to forego that meal, and they would have obeyed Him. Jesus did plan, but His plan was to confront the Sabbath question head-on. Though Jesus did observe Sabbath laws during His earthly ministry, He did not serve Sabbath laws. It is interesting to note, obligatory Sabbath keeping never became an issue with the Apostles or the early Church, whereas circumcision and Jewish dietary laws caused contention with the first believers. Could it be that this pre-emptive strike by Jesus made it clear that neither He not His followers were going to come under Jewish laws.
Remember, He strengthened the moral code by condemning hate as well as murder; by condemning lust as well as adultery; by condemning oath taking as well as oath breaking. Jesus did not promote the Jewish laws, rather He fulfilled them, He ended them. Jesus never gave directives for us to keep the Jewish laws.
2. David Broke The Sabbath.
Jesus referred the Pharisees to the Old Testament occasion when David took bread from the table of the Tabernacle and shared it with his hungry comrades. Jesus was pointing out that the Sabbath law, as great as it was in the Old Testament, was not an absolute law. It was not a moral law. It could be set aside in the service of other people. There was no special revelation from God, saying that David should eat the shewbread. They ate the bread because it was a need, not because it was a command.
3. The Priests Profaned the Sabbath.
Jesus also pointed out that the priests “profaned the Sabbath” on a regular basis, yet they were considered “blameless” in the eyes of God. The priests built fires, slew and burned animals, and they made sacrifices, all on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, they were allowed to do these things because they were priests. In the New Testament, all Christians are priests and Jesus is the High Priest. We are not bound by the same legalistic laws of the Sabbath, as were the Old Testament Israelites. The Sabbath laws were not all encompassing and unbending. However, they were binding upon the Israelites, to the extent that those Israelites who broke the Sabbath laws would be stoned to death.
4. Jesus is Greater than the Sabbath and He is Lord of the Sabbath.
Jesus continued to explain to the Pharisees that He was greater than the Sabbath and that He was Lord of the Sabbath. His disciples were to follow His directives rather than the Old Testament Sabbath laws given to Israel.
5. The Sabbath was Made for Man, Man was not Made for the Sabbath.
In the Mark passage, Jesus also said that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Man was made first and then the Sabbath was made.
D. Things To Learn From Jesus’ Response.
There are several issues at work here.
1. Human Need Is Of Greater Importance Than Sabbath Ritual.
Sabbath laws were not absolute or immutable. God is immutable and God is absolute but He does not give Divine status to His laws, much less, to ceremonial laws. God’s people are not always expected to be Sabbath keepers, but God’s people are always expected to honor and obey God. Therefore, Sabbath keeping is not identical with being faithful to God, nor is it to be confused with true worship of God. There are people who have kept the Sabbath laws but are lost eternally. Sabbath keeping does not save and refusal to keep Sabbath does not condemn. Since Sabbath law was not immutable or absolute in the Old Testament, where it was commanded and enforced as a capitol offence, then it should not be exalted to such a position in the New Testament, where it is neither commanded nor enforced. Requiring Sabbath keeping goes beyond the revelation of God. It is adding to the word of God.
2. The Priesthood Had Priority Over Sabbath Law.
The Jewish Priesthood was exempt from keeping all of the Sabbath laws in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, all Christians are priests to God and they are also exempt from those Old Testament laws. We have entered into the reality rather than living in the shadow of truth.
3. Jesus, As Lord Of The Sabbath And The Passover Lamb, Has Fulfilled And Canceled The Claim Of The Sabbath Laws.
Since the Jewish laws were designed to foreshadow the coming of God’s deliverance through the sacrifice of His Son, and since Jesus has fulfilled the law, then they are no longer binding on us today.
4. The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man For The Sabbath.
God provided the Sabbath for man’s benefit, not for man’s observance. Genesis 2:2-3 is not the final word on the Sabbath, it is only the introduction. God rested, desisted, from His creative work and He sanctified the seventh day, set it apart as a day of rest. It was not a day of rest for God, since God does not get tired, but it was set aside as a day of rest for human beings. In Deuteronomy 5:14 we are told expressly that the Sabbath was for the purpose of giving rest to mankind. It is in this sense that the Sabbath law comes closest to a moral law. Men need time to come aside from their labors in order to rest their bodies, minds and emotions, and to build their relationships with God and their families, and to join other believers in worshipping and serving God corporately.
E. We Worship The Reality, Not The Shadow.
As great as the Sabbath was, it was a day set aside for man to rest and for Israel to worship God. The Sabbath was not a day set aside to be worshiped. Sabbatarians criticize those who do not keep the Sabbath. They criticize Christians for worshiping on the first day of the week, as a memorial and honor, rendered to Christ’s resurrection and our deliverance from sin. Because we worship on first day, Sabbatarians call us “Sunday worshipers.” Actually, we do not worship “Sunday” or “First Day,” we have set aside “Sunday” or “First Day” as a day of rest and worship, as is allowed in the New Testament and as it was modeled by the first Christians, since the day of Christ’s resurrection. Gathering on first day was not a Roman Catholic decision; it was a Holy Spirit decision. He is the One Who called His people together on the first day. However, Sabbatarians actually do worship the Sabbath or Saturday. They have made an idol of the Sabbath.
VI. THE SABBATH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS A “SIGN” THAT REPRESENTED A “REST,” WHICH BELIEVERS WOULD ENTER.(THE SABBATH IS A PICTURE OF SALVATION AND ETERNITY.)
God’s word is practical for the now and revelatory for the future. God’s revelation is layered. In other words, there are truths behind truths. God gave the Sabbath as a revelation concerning several different truths.
The Sevenfold Fulfillment Of The Sabbath Rest.
A. Sabbath Introduced On Seventh Day Of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 16:1-8).
Humans need a day of rest. However, it is more than simply physical, mental, emotional and relational rest that we need. We need to come apart from our daily pursuits, so that we might spiritually rest, be refreshed and strengthened. We need to take the time to worship and focus on spiritual realities and relationships. God demonstrated this when He sanctified the Sabbath in the garden. God did not bind Adam with ceremonial attachments when He gave him the Sabbath, as He did when He established the Sabbath as a sign, covenant and memorial with Moses and Israel. He simply laid down a basic principle. If God had intended for us to understand that He was establishing the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant with Adam and the entire human family at that time, He would have said so in His word. While He did sanctify the Sabbath, it was as a day of rest and a shadow of the “rest” that God was going to give His people. God reiterated this concept of trusting Him and honoring Him when the Israelites came out of Egypt (EXODUS 16:1-8). He provided them with manna, but they were not allowed to gather it on the Sabbath. They needed to trust God for their daily supply and seek Him rather than worldly provision.
B. Israel’s Sabbath Law At Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11).
The Sabbath laws were given to Israel to keep their focus on God. They had abandoned their Sabbath observance while in Egypt and they had to be reminded to worship and serve God through the Passover, including a reminder to set a day apart from daily responsibilities. The Fourth Commandment, along with the collateral passages throughout the Pentateuch, was especially given to the Israelites. They had shown their laxness in honoring God. They would continue to fail in their obedience to God, even while the Decalogue was being delivered on Mount Sinai. Sabbath keeping, along with blood sacrifices, dietary restrictions and circumcision were all given as aids to worship and devotion. They were called to account every week, at the threat of death. They were forced into an opportunity to know and serve God.
Exodus 20:8-11 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. God told them that He gave them the Sabbath laws for three reasons.
1. A Sign.
It was a sign, that is, it sign-i-fied something that was still in the future. It signified a coming rest that was more than the “day of rest” mentioned in Genesis; a spiritual rest, for those who loved, trusted and obeyed God. Until the substance arrived, the “sign” would help people keep their focus on the real meaning to life, which is, to love and serve God rather than seek the world and its treasures.
2. A Covenant.
It was a perpetual covenant with Israel to remind them and to direct their attention, talents and energies toward a right relationship with God. God gave Israel this covenant at the same time He gave them the moral, civil, sacrificial and dietary laws. God was telling them that a right relationship with Him was more than simply keeping laws and following rituals. A right relationship with Him required that they take time to be holy; that they turn in faith to God, rather than trusting in their own religious accomplishments.
3. A Memorial.
It was a memorial to Israel, because it would remind them that God had delivered them from their bondage in Egypt and therefore would deliver them from all of their oppressors.
C. Israel to Rest In Promised Land (Hebrews 3:10-11, 16-19).
1. Rest Promised.
The Sabbath anticipated the “rest” that Israel would experience as a nation, after they crossed the Jordan River and conquered their enemies in Canaan. They would rest from their time of bondage in Egypt and their time of wandering in the wilderness. The Sabbath laws were given specifically to Israel as a sign, a perpetual covenant and a memorial.
Deuteronomy 12:9-10 9 For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you. 10 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;
Joshua 11:23 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
2. Rest Relinquished.
However, the generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt did not enter into the Promised Land or the promised rest, because they did not mix faith with obedience. They rebelled against God during their sojourn in the wilderness and God denied them access to the promised land.
Hebrews 3:10-11 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Hebrews 3:16-19 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
D. Israel Promised Rest Through David (Psalm 95:6-11).
Psalm 95:6-11 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I swore in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. From the time of the kingdom, God promised His people that they could enter into a spiritual rest. It was not accomplished during the Old Testament. It did not happen until Jesus came and fulfilled all righteousness and ended the law. Promised rest only comes to those who fully trust Christ as their Savior.
E. The Sabbath Rest Of Salvation (Hebrews 3:7-4:13).
1. Hebrews Quotes David. Hebrews 3:7-11 7 Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
2. Christians Called To Remain Faithful.
Then the writer challenged his Christian readers to remain faithful, so that they would be able to enter that spiritual rest, which was signified by the seventh day rest found in Genesis (Hebrews 3:12-15; HEBREWS 4:1-3).
Hebrews 3:12-15 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Hebrews 4:1-11 1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
3. True Sabbath Is Spiritual Rest.
This passage is not speaking about “seventh day” or “Sabbath” observance; it is speaking about a spiritual rest that comes to the believer in Christ, when he ceases to depend on, or yield to, the flesh, or sinful nature. It is not a once a week rest; it is a seven-day a week rest that lasts a lifetime, as we trust in Christ. The Sabbath of the Old Testament was a picture of the Sabbath rest we have in Christ.
4. Spiritual Rest Is A Choice.
Notice also, this rest is something we deliberately enter into, by choice. We must decide to live in the Sabbath rest of God. In order to enter into this rest, we must believe and obey; we must not harden our hearts. We must guard ourselves against sin or we may come short of it. This rest is something that is available to all Christians, but not all Christians have it. This is a rest that we enter into while laboring for the right thing.
F. The 1,000 Year Sabbath Rest (Is. 11:10).
There is a Sabbath rest that awaits all believers after this present age is past. Christ will set up His earthly kingdom for one thousand years. At that time there will be no war, oppression, disease, famine or man’s inhumanity to man. Christ will rule in truth, love, compassion and justice. The natural world as well as the world’s population will enjoy rest from suffering, as it lives under the Lordship of Christ. For the first time since the garden, humans will begin to understand what life was meant to be like.
Isaiah 35:1-10 1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. 3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. 8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Also read Is. 11:1-11; 65:20-23
Revelation 7:9-17 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 20:1-6 1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
G. The Eternal Sabbath Rest (REVELATION 14:13).
There is a Sabbath rest that will crown all of human history (REVELATION 14:13). It will be the unending, eternal bliss experienced by those who have finished their course and have kept the faith. It is a rest that goes beyond time. There will be a New Heaven, a New Earth and a New Jerusalem. It will be “world without end,” in the presence of the True and Living God. It will come when time is finished and eternity begins.
Revelation 14:13 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Also, see Isaiah 65:17-19;
Revelation 21:1-7 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (See also Revelation 21:9-22:21).
VII. RANDOM POINTS.
I had several more thoughts that came to me as I was writing this article, but I will only mention a few.
A. Jews On Seventh, Church On First.
The commemoration of the “seventh day” was a Jewish commemoration of their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The commemoration of the “first day” is a Christian commemoration of our deliverance from sin. Both days of commemoration have their origin with God. As a Gentile, I am not culturally or emotionally attached to the Exodus from Egypt. The Exodus from Egypt is only an example of my deliverance from sin (1 Co. 10:1-14). We should worship our Deliverer, not our day of deliverance.
B. Physical Labor And Rest… Spiritual Labor And Rest… Eternal Service And Rest.
The six days of creation led to the seventh day, the day of rest.
While it is true that Christians can enter a “rest” which is beyond justification, we are presently laboring in the field of lost souls. However, we have ceased from our own works and from the works of the flesh, but we are co-laborers with Christ, as we seek the lost and serve the saints.
Our labors here are leading us to an eternal rest. Rest is not to be confused with slumber or annihilation. Remember, God rested, but God did not retire or cease to be creative and productive. Our eternal rest will take us to a higher form of service and existence than we enjoy now.
C. Relationship, Not Regulations.
The Jews have two calendars. One is the civil calendar and the other is the religious calendar. Companies have their own fiscal calendars as well as the Gregorian calendar. Christendom has its liturgical calendar as well as its yearly calendar. The Jewish religious calendar started at the time of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Likewise, the spiritual calendar for every Christian begins with the time he got saved. Before a person’s salvation, there is no life; there is no meaning. Life begins when we meet Christ as our Savior. A Christian’s life calendar does not start with Israel’s deliverance from Egypt; it begins with his deliverance from sin. Our day of worship is not founded in the Exodus from Egypt; it is founded in our Exodus from sin. Our lives should be viewed and valued by our relationship with Jesus.
PLEASE NOTE… I do not believe that first day is a Sabbath in the Old Testament sense of the word. I do not believe there is a Christian Sabbath, in the legal sense of the word. I do believe that God turned the focus from His deliverance of the Israelites in Egypt to His deliverance of all men through the death and resurrection of His Son. He died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Jesus rose on the first day of the week (which also became known as “Lord’s day) and that is when the believers started to meet together (1 CO. 16:2, Ac. 20:7, Re. 1:10, Jn. 20:1, 19, 26; Lk. 24:1; Mk. 16:2, 9; Mt. 28:1, ) Jesus actually met with them on the first day eighth day. The Apostles not only met on the first day, they met with Jesus and His approval, on the eighth or first day. We are sure that the disciples met every day, but Jesus put His sanction on first day meetings by meeting with them. Jesus still meets with His people on first day. The absence of Jesus at so many churches does not mean that they should not meet on first day; it means they are not meeting with Him on first day. They have closed Him out (Re. 3:20).] Do not let these last few thoughts detract from the arguments in the first part of this document. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
Seaside Chapel
INTRODUCTION Christ has saved us from all guilt and He empowers us to live righteously in this present evil world, but He does not hold us accountable for any of the Jewish laws. No one will be judged on whether they have touched a dead mouse, for instance, but all people will be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh, whether good or evil (Mt. 7:17, 12:33-37; Jn. 5:28-29; Ro. 2:5-16). This does not mean that anyone will be justified by their obedience to the law (Ro. 3:20) since all have sinned (Ro. 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Ro. 6:23). The Bible clearly says that we are justified by faith (Ro. 5:1). I intend to show that the Bible does not instruct us to follow Sabbath keeping laws. People who are conscientious about their service and obedience to God sometimes think that they are under obligation to set the seventh day aside for worship and rest, because of Old Testament teaching concerning the Sabbath. The Sabbath laws of the Old Testament require more than simply making Saturday “a day of rest.” There are festivals, Sabbath weeks, Sabbath years and several prohibitions associated with “keeping the Sabbath.” If we are under obligation to keep the Sabbath, we are under obligation to observe all of the facets of Sabbath law. There is no passage in the Old or New Testaments that allows for “partial obedience” to Sabbath laws. When a person claims to be a Sabbath keeper, yet does not fully follow Sabbath laws, the person is simply yielding “lip service.” The New Testament makes it clear that we are not under any Jewish laws, including Sabbath keeping. Understanding the spiritual application of the various Old Testament Jewish rituals is helpful in our walk with Christ. Being obligated to them is destructive, since Jesus is the end and fulfilling of the law, i.e. Jesus is the substance of those shadows. Even in the Garden of Eden, the Sabbath was a picture of a future rest, to be enjoyed by God’s people after the coming of the Messiah. The “rest” or “Sabbath” for God’s people is not the seventh day of the week, but the “rest” that is found in Jesus.
Document Plan I will give an Outline Overview and then I will give the body of work. The body of the document contains Scriptural references and quotations. I know this is a long document, but I tried to be somewhat thorough, without being verbose. I have given the Outline Overview first, in hopes that it will whet your interest to read the article. For each main section, I alternate between black and blue, just to make this document easier to follow.
OUTLINE OVERVIEW OF DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION
I. THE SABBATH WAS A COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND ISRAEL OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. A. The Sabbath Was A Sign And A Covenant. B. Sabbath Day Was A Memorial. C. Different Covenants For Different People. D. God Has No Seventh Day Covenant With Christians. E. The Cost Of Keeping The Sabbath Laws. F. Various Facets of Sabbath Keeping.
II. SABBATH KEEPING IS NOT REQUIRED OF BELIEVERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. A. The Church Was Comprised Of Jewish People, Not Jewish Laws And Practices. B. Weak Christians. 1. Jewish Law Observers Were The Weaker Christians. 2. Christ Is Lord Of Weak And Strong Believers. 3. Clean And Unclean Activities. 4. The Kingdom Of God Is Not Meat And Drink. 5. No Stumbling Blocks To Fellow Christians Allowed. 6. No Stumbling Blocks To Pagans. 7. The Jew, The Gentile And The Church of God. 8. Adding Jewish Laws, Takes Away Christian Liberty. 9. Jews Live Legalistically, Gentiles Live Loosely And Christians Live Lovingly. C. Early Church Rejected Judaizers. 1. Jews Or Jesus, Final Authority? 2. New Testament Non-Sabbatarian. 3. Council At Jerusalem Was Non-Sabbatarian. D. Points From Galatians. E. The Apostles Abandoned Jewish Laws. F. Jewish Laws are Not The Same As Moral Laws. G. Abraham And His Descendants Saved By Faith, Not Saved By Law. H. Keeping One Jewish Law Requires Keeping All Jewish Laws. I. Jewish Laws Are “Elements of this World.”
III. “SABBATH KEEPING” OFTEN LEADS TO OTHER FORMS OF JEWISH LAW KEEPING. A. Sabbath Keepers Believe In “Faith Plus” Salvation. B. Sabbath Keeping Is More Than, “Not working On Sabbath.” C. Sabbath Keeping Was Not Always A Covenant. D. First Day Worshipers In Book Of Acts. E. Sabbath Laws Were Never An Issue. F. Sabbath Laws Were Subsequent To Passover. G. Dietary Laws Are Not Required of Christians. 1. Kill And Eat 2. Every Creature Good, Nothing To Be Refused H. God Determines What Is Required And Acceptable.
IV. ALL OF THE JEWISH CEREMONIAL, RITUAL, DIETARY, AND SACRIFICIAL LAWS WAS FULFILLED AND ENDED IN CHRIST. A. Jesus Fulfills the Law. B. Jesus Is The End Of The Law. C. Barnes’ Notes D. Clark‘s Commentary. E. Romans, Galatians and Colossians.
V. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN, NOT MAN FOR THE SABBATH. A. The Background. B. Jesus Charged With Violating Sabbath Laws. C. Jesus Responds To Charges Of Sabbath Breaking. 1. Jesus Planned Ahead. 2. David Broke The Sabbath. 3. The Priests Profaned The Sabbath. 4. Jesus Is Greater Than The Sabbath And He Is Lord Of The Sabbath. 5. The Sabbath Was Made for Man, Man Was Not Made For The Sabbath. D. Things To Learn From Jesus’ Response. 1. Human Need Is Of Greater Importance Than Sabbath Ritual. 2. The Priesthood Had Priority Over Sabbath Law. 3. Jesus, As Lord Of The Sabbath And The Passover Lamb, Has Fulfilled And Canceled The Claim Of The Sabbath Laws. 4. The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man for the Sabbath. E. We Worship The Reality, Not The Shadow.
VI. THE SABBATH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS A “SIGN” THAT REPRESENTED A “REST,” WHICH BELIVERS WOULD ENTER.(THE SABBATH IS A PICTURE OF SALVATION AND ETERNITY.) The Sevenfold Fulfillment Of The Sabbath Rest. A. Sabbath Introduced On Seventh Day of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 16:1-8). B. Israel’s Sabbath Law At Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11). God told them that He gave them the Sabbath laws for three reasons. 1. A Sign. It was a sign, that is, it sign-i-fied something that was still in the future. 2. A Covenant. It was a perpetual covenant with Israel to remind them and to direct their attention, talents and energies toward a right relationship with God. 3. A Memorial It was a memorial to Israel, because it would remind them that God had delivered them from their bondage in Egypt and therefore would deliver them from all of their oppressors. C. Israel To Rest In Promised Land (Hebrews 3:10-11, 16-19). 1. Rest Promised. 2. Rest Relinquished. D. Israel Promised Rest Through David (Psalm 95:6-11). E. The Sabbath Rest Of Salvation (Hebrews 3:7-4:13). 1. Hebrews Quotes David. 2. Christians Called To Remain Faithful. 3. True Sabbath Is Spiritual Rest. 4. Spiritual Rest Is A Choice.F. The 1,000 Year Sabbath Rest (Isaiah 11:10). G. The Eternal Sabbath Rest (Revelation 14:13).
VII. RANDOM POINTS A. Jews On Seventh, Church On First. B. Physical Labor And Rest… Spiritual Labor And Rest… Eternal Service And Rest. C. Relationship, Not Regulations
ARE CHRISTIANS REQUIRED TO “KEEP THE SABBATH?”
I. THE SABBATH WAS A COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND ISRAEL OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Though the idea of the Sabbath was introduced in the creation account, it did not become a law until the days of Moses. In the following passages, God tells Israel three very important things concerning the keeping of the Sabbath.
A. The Sabbath Was A Sign And A Covenant. Sabbath keeping was a sign between God and Israel, to remind them that God was their LORD and that He sanctified them. Along these same lines, the keeping of the Sabbath was a perpetual covenant between Israel and God. Those who require Sabbath keeping of Christians are going outside of New Testament revelation and are therefore adding to the word of God. The Bible makes it clear that keeping the Sabbath was a responsibility given to Old Testament Israel (Ex. 31:13, 16, 17; 5:15)].
Exodus 31:12-18 12 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. [see notes below] 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. [see notes below] 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. [see notes below] 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Notes Ex. 31;13 This command was directed to Israel specifically. Israel was to keep the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath was a sign between God and Israel. This command is not repeated for anyone other than Israel of the O.T. Ex. 31:15 The penalty for breaking the Sabbath was death. This penalty was never removed from this command. If the command is still in force, the penalty is still in force. Ex. 31:16 The Sabbath was to be kept by the children of Israel as a perpetual covenant. Israel is named as a party to this covenant. God never added the Church to this covenant and therefore this covenant does not apply to the Church.
B. Sabbath Day Was A Memorial. The giving of the Sabbath law was also recorded in the second giving of the law, in Deuteronomy, where it is a MEMORIAL.
Deuteronomy 5:14-15 14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. [see notes below] 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. [see notes below]
Notes Deut. 5:14 The Sabbath law forbade the Jews from employing other people on the Sabbath. Those who claim to keep the Sabbath must not put others to work for them on the Sabbath. This includes restaurant workers and everyone who renders a service, other than an emergency service. The Sabbath law was binding on the stranger within the Israelite’s home. Deut. 5:15 The people who were required to keep Sabbath laws were the people that God had rescued from slavery in Egypt.
PLEASE NOTE If we interpret the Egyptian slavery as an historical fact, which is also a type, we must interpret the Sabbath law as an historical fact, which is also a “type.” If the Sabbath law is literal, then the people who are commanded to keep the Sabbath law must literally be the people who were literal slaves in a literal Egypt and were literally delivered by God. If the Sabbath laws are obligatory for us today, then so are the other Jewish laws. However, Christians are not obligated to keep the Jewish laws, including the Sabbath law.
C. Different Covenants For Different People. Throughout the Bible, God established covenants with people. Those covenants were specifically related to either people or time. God’s covenant with one person or group is not necessarily appropriate to anyone else. Covenants are not a “one size fits all” reality. Therefore, the covenant that God had with His people, Israel, was not the same as the covenant that He has with His people, the Church. It is true that God called the Sabbath “holy” and He rested from His creative works in the garden, but we do not have Biblical evidence that it was binding upon people until the exodus from Egypt. At that time, God specifically said that it was a sign, a covenant and a memorial with Israel. Just as God required blood sacrifices and circumcision to be practiced by Israel, but does not require those things from His Church, so God required Sabbath observation from Israel, but does not require it from the Church.
D. God Has No Seventh Day Covenant With Christians. The New Testament differentiates between Israel and the Church. There are obligations and opportunities promised to Israel that apply to Israel and not to the Church and there are rights and responsibilities attached to the Church that are not associated with Israel. The New Testament calls the “Church” a mystery, hidden from past ages. The Church is God’s channel of blessing since the time of Christ’s earthly ministry, just as the Nation of Israel was God’s channel of blessing between the time of Moses and the New Testament. John said, “The law came by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Israel and the Church are not, one and the same. The fact that there is the old covenant of the Old Testament and the new covenant of the New Testament proves that they God deals differently with His people in the Old Testament times than He does with His people in the New Testament times. Those who are under the New Testament are not obligated to the Old Testament. The New Testament message and ministry of the Church became suspect to the first century Jews because the Church had obviously broken with Jewish ceremonial laws and Jewish customs. The Church was so totally different from Israel that the Apostles held a council at Jerusalem (Acts 15) to establish which of Judaism’s practices were still applicable to the mixed body of believers, known as “the Church. I will come back to this point later, but let me mention this; converts to Christ were not obligated to observe the Sabbath, in any way, shape or form.
E. The Cost Of Not Keeping The Sabbath Laws. Not only were Israelites required to keep the Sabbath laws, along with its many attending responsibilities, but also everyone who defiled the Sabbath was to be cut off from the people and stoned to death.
Exodus 35:2-3 2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. 3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day. Very few crimes in Israel were capitol offenses, but Sabbath breaking was punishable by death. There is no such stipulation today. If the Sabbath law is unchanging, then Christians should stone to death those people who do not keep the Sabbath. We cannot pick and choose what parts of the ceremonial laws we are obligated to observe. The Church is not obligated to observe the Sabbath laws and we do not execute anyone for disobedience to the laws of God, whether they are moral or ceremonial laws. The Church is not a modern Israel. The Church is a totally different entity and it is not required to keep the Sabbath.
F. Various Facets Of Sabbath Keeping. The Sabbath law prohibited the gathering of manna on the Sabbath. Jews were not allowed to plant or cultivate or harvest or grind on the Sabbath. They were required to stay at home on the Sabbath. They were not allowed to gather wood or start a fire or cook on the Sabbath. They were not allowed to do work and they were not allowed to allow others to work for them on the Sabbath. There were other sacrificial, feast, dietary and celebration laws that were part of the Sabbath observance. All of these laws were binding on the Old Testament Jew. Those who are going to obey the Sabbath law must obey all of the Sabbath law.
PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS NO PASSAGE THAT STATES, INFERS OR IMPLIES THAT THE SABBATH LAW IS A SIGN, COVENANT OR MEMORIAL FOR THE CHURCH. THIS COMMAND IS NOT REPEATED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. A PERSON HAS TO ADD TO THE WORD OF GOD IN ORDER TO SAY THAT IT IS ADDRESSED TO THE CHURCH OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. NO ONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS COMMANDED TO BE A SABBATH KEEPER. NO ONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS COMMENDED FOR BEING A SABBATH KEEPER. NO ONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS CONDEMNED FOR NOT BEING A SABBATH KEEPER. SABBATH KEEPING IS NOT AN ISSUE FOR THE CHURCH, BECAUSE IT WAS AN OLD TESTAMENT SIGN, COVENANT AND MEMORIAL FOR OLD TESTAMENT ISRAEL. THE SABBATH COMMAND WAS “PEOPLE SPECIFIC” AND THE PENALTY WAS CLEARLY STATED. IF WE ARE OBLIGATED TO KEEP THE SABBATH, THEN WE ARE OBLIGATED TO KEEP THE WHOLE SABBATH LAW, INCLUDING THE EXECUTION OF SABBATH LAW VIOLATORS. IF WE DO NOT KEEP THE WHOLE SABBATH LAW, THEN WE ARE NOT SABBATH LAW KEEPERS.
II. SABBATH KEEPING IS NOT REQUIRED OF BELIEVERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.
The Sabbath laws existed between God and Israel as a nation, but the obligation to observe Sabbath laws does not exist in the New Testament. There are almost 4,000 verses in the New Testament and almost 140,000 words, yet there is not one single place in the New Testament that tells anyone that they must observe the Sabbath. There is not one single place in the New Testament where God condemns anyone for not keeping the Sabbath. NOT ONE, LOOK FOR IT AND WHEN YOU FIND IT, LET ME KNOW. Do not spend much time looking though, since it does not exist. The reason it does not exist is that God does not require Christians to observe the Sabbath.
A. The Church Was Comprised Of Jewish People, Not Jewish Laws And Practices.
The Old Testament was the record of God’s relationship with the Jews. The early Church was comprised primarily of Jews. Jesus was a Jew, the Apostles were Jews and almost all of the first converts were Jews. The people in the Gospel narrative were Jews, who lived by the Old Testament standards. Therefore, we expect to find the main characters of the early Church living like Jews, since they were Jews. The Sabbath is mentioned only about ten times after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and it is never given as a requirement for Christian living. It is mentioned in reference to a Sabbath day’s journey, Jews meeting on the Sabbath and the problem of people using the observance of the Sabbath as an indicator of Christian faithfulness. However, not one single time does the New Testament ever say that keeping the Sabbath is essential or even a part of the Christian experience. With that many people knowing and following Jewish laws, it would have been easy to bring Jewish law keeping into the early Church. In fact, after Pentecost, God condemned those who tried to impose Jewish laws on the followers of Christ. Every one of the Ten Commandments is reiterated, except the command to keep the Sabbath. The other nine commandments are concerned with moral behavior. The first three commandments address the Person, work and character of God. Those principles are restated repeatedly in the New Testament. The last six commandments relate to moral relations on the human level. The New Testament agrees with the Ten Commandments in calling for people to honor their parents, and forbidding killing, adultery, stealing, bearing false witness and coveting other people’s possessions. However, there is not one time that the New Testament commands anyone to keep the Sabbath.
B. Weak Christians. The Jewish Christians were accustomed to following Jewish laws, which foreshadowed the Christian faith. Since those laws were related to this new message, the laws were not inherently evil, therefore some Jewish Christians continued to observe Jewish laws while following Christ.
1. Jewish Law Observers Were The Weaker Christians.
Christians who felt compelled to observe Jewish laws concerning diet and days were said to be the weaker brothers.
Romans 14:1-6 1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
2. Christ Is Lord Of Weak And Strong Believers.
Paul said Christians should not judge one another concerning Jewish laws related to “days” and “food.” Each servant is answerable to his master. Each Christian is answerable to Christ. Gentiles had no connection with Jewish laws, which were attached to days and food. Gentiles Christians had no right to condemn Jewish brothers for their observances, but Jewish Christians had no right to impose Jewish laws on any believers.
Romans 14:5-8 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Take note, Paul was addressing the Jewish laws of Sabbaths and diet. He was not questioning the Christian practice of gathering on the first day of the week, which was also called, “the Lord’s day.” Jesus was raised from the dead on the first day of the week, and He met with the believers that night. It is reasonable to think that the believers met together every day during that first week, but we only have the record that Jesus met with them again on the following first day. Not only do we have the New Testament record that the Apostolic Church met on first day, we also have the witness of early church documents (first, second and third century Church) that they met on first day. We also have record that only the Jewish congregations continued to meet on seventh day as well as first day. The practice of the Early Church never changed from seventh day worship, because it had always been first day worship. It was only fitting that God would designate a different day for the Church, since the Church is not under Jewish law and the Church was a secret, hidden from the Old Testament saints. The message is new, the body of believers is new and the day is new. Not only is everything new, everything is better (book of Hebrews).
3. Clean And Unclean Activities.
Paul then made an interesting statement. He said that there is nothing unclean of itself and each person should decide what is acceptable. However, Paul was talking specifically about Jewish laws, not moral precepts. Adultery is inherently unclean and wrong. Blasphemy is inherently unclean and wrong. The issues that are not inherently unclean and wrong are those which the Jewish laws addressed, such as holy days, diet and festivals.
Romans 14:14-17 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
4. The Kingdom Of God Is Not Meat And Drink.
Paul warned the Church that Jewish laws should not be the cause of one Christian destroying another Christian. The weak should not encumber the strong and the strong should not offend the weak.
Romans 14:17, 20-21 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
5. No Stumbling Blocks To Fellow Christians Allowed.
In a similar vein, Paul said that a person should not allow their liberty in Christ to become a stumbling block to Jewish believers who would be offended by eating meat which had been used in a pagan ritual. Often the meat in the meat market had been offered in a pagan sacrifice, before it was sold.
1 Corinthians 8:8-13 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
6. No Stumbling Blocks To Pagans.
Christians must not allow their liberty to become an unnecessary stumbling block to the unsaved. If eating sacrificed meat would offend the unsaved, Paul told the Christian not to eat that meat.
1 Corinthians 10:25-31 25 Whatsoever is sold in the meat market, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof: [see notes below] 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Notes 1 Co. 10:25-31 Christian love prohibits me from offending others who are weak. I must not allow them to weaken me, but I must not be callous concerning their legitimate frailties. Paul is not referring to Gentiles who have chosen to put themselves under Jewish law. He actually condemns that in other places. He is referring to Jews, who have been raised all of their lives with the belief that they must practice the ceremonial laws or else be considered as unclean by God. Jewish believers needed a period of adjustment, just as the Apostles needed time and truth to lead them out of their ceremonialism. Remember, the disciples had spent three years with Jesus and they were present on the Day of Pentecost and they were specially gifted with wisdom and knowledge, yet Peter fell back into Jewish legalism. Paul had spent three years in the desert, alone with God, learning the new message of Christianity. Paul confronted Peter about his lapse and Peter was saved from legalism. If the Apostles needed time and mercy, how much more did these new Jewish converts need it also? But Gentile believers had no reason to go into the shadows, having been born in the light. People today err when they burden themselves with Jewish legalism.
7. The Jew, The Gentile And The Church Of God.
Paul points out that there are three separate groups of people in the world; the Jew, the Gentile and the Church of God. Christians need to understand and be sensitive to the cultural and spiritual needs of other people. None of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself. We are servants of God and of each other, denying ourselves, so that others may be reached.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33 32 Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. [see notes below]
Notes 1 Co. 10:32-33 God tells us that there is a difference between the Jews, the Gentiles and the Church. All three have a different world view, values system and objective. Though there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, as far as salvation is concerned, Paul approached Jewish and Gentile believers in the Church differently when he was explaining Biblical truth. Though God used the Jews as a conduit, through which He would send His Son and salvation, the Church is not the same as Old Testament Judaism. Christianity is a brand new revelation, or as the Bible calls it, “a mystery.” A mystery, in the Bible, is not like a modern, “who-done-it.” A mystery, in the Bible, is a, “secret” truth, hidden with God. The Bible tells us that the “Church” was a mystery, in which God would join Jews and Gentiles together as one body of believers. This mystery was not steeped in Jewish laws and ceremony, but rather was a totally new revelation.
8. Adding Jewish Laws, Takes Away Christian Liberty.
We must not offend others, by requiring unnecessary rules and regulations, beyond the message of New Testament Christianity. We live here for a short time, in order to lead others to Christ. We are not here to lead people into Jewish legalism. We must not add anything to the Gospel. Adding Jewish legalism drives people away from God. Living in love will draw people to Christ. We are saved by grace without any Jewish laws and we have no right to add Jewish laws when we present the Gospel, either by word or by action. Do Not Add to the Gospel.
Galatians 2:4 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Galatians 5:1 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
9. Jews Live Legalistically, Gentiles Live Loosely and Christians Live Lovingly.
Galatians 5:13-14 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
C. Early Church Rejected Judaizers.
1. Jews Or Jesus, Final Authority?
Most of the major points of dispute in the early Church focused on the importance of practicing Jewish laws. The Jewish leaders during the time of Jesus tried to impose Jewish laws on Jesus and His disciples and then they tried to impose those laws on the first coverts of the Church. The legalistic Jews tried to bring Jewish Christians under the bondage of Jewish laws. They also tried to bring Gentile converts under the same bondage to Jewish laws and practices. However, neither Jesus nor the Apostles ever told the Church that we are obligated to keep the Sabbath or its laws. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles ever condemned the Church for not keeping Jewish laws.
2. New Testament Non-Sabbatarian.
When the early Church stated what was required of Gentiles who became followers of Jesus Christ, they did not call for the keeping of the Sabbath. In fact, Sabbath keeping was such a clearly Jewish practice that it was not even an issue for the early Church. Jewish believers were not condemned for being Sabbath keepers, but neither were non-Jews condemned for not being Sabbath keepers.
3. Council At Jerusalem Was Non-Sabbatarian.
The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15) had the perfect opportunity to require Sabbath keeping in the early Church, but they chose not to impose Sabbath keeping on the followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit led the Apostles at the Jerusalem council and the Holy Spirit did not attach Sabbath keeping to the Church. It is interesting that the Jewish laws, which drew the most interest and stirred the most conflict, were circumcision laws and dietary laws. There was no focus on Sabbath observation in the early Church. It was not an issue, since it was clearly a Jewish sign, covenant, and memorial. God addressed the problem of Judaistic bondage in various parts of the New Testament. The book of Galatians is a good example of anti-ceremonialism.
D. Points From Galatians.
There is a distinct difference between the religion of the Jews and the salvation that is by faith.
Galatians 1:11-14 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. [see notes below] 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [see notes below] 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. [see notes below] 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: [see notes below] 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Notes Ga. 1:11 Paul did not simply repeat the Old Testament message that he had been taught by his instructors. Ga. 1:12 Paul received a completely new revelation from Jesus Christ, not a rehashing or confiming of Jewish laws. Ga. 1:14 Paul had been trained as a Jew and had followed the Jewish laws. Paul (Saul) had been a promoter of the Jewish message and life style. Ga. 1:16 The new revelation required a new message. Christianity was not just a new version of Judaism, since Christ had fulfilled the Jewish laws. The Christian message was new and better truths.
E. The Apostles Abandoned Jewish Laws.
Peter had turned back from the truth of the Gospel to some of their Jewish practices for a short time. Paul confronted Peter and he repented. Even the Jewish Christians had to forsake the Jewish laws if they wanted to have salvation by grace.
Galatians 2:14-21 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? [see notes below] 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. [see notes below] 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. [see notes below] 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. [see notes below] 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. [see notes below] 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 2:14 Peter had participated with those who were bringing Jewish laws into the Church, but Paul reproved him for his hypocrisy. Ga. 2:16 Paul declares that the Jewish laws do not save us. Ga. 2:17 You cannot mix Christianity with Jewish laws. To mix grace with Jewish law keeping was sin. Ga. 2:18 To rebuild a system of Jewish laws is sin. Ga. 2:19 Being a Christian makes me dead to the Jewish legal system. If I am active in the Jewish legal system, I am dead to Christ, but if I am alive to God, I am dead to the Jewish legal system. Ga. 2:21 If the Jewish laws bring righteousness, then Christ died in vain. A person is not more righteous because he keeps the Sabbath.
F. Jewish Laws Are Not The Same As Moral Laws.
Remember, we are talking about Jewish laws, not about moral laws. Though we are not saved by keeping moral laws (since we have all broken the moral law of God), we are saved so that we can keep the moral law of God. We are not saved so that we can keep the Jewish laws. We are completely delivered from any and all obligation to observe the Jewish laws. Paul calls Christians to obey the gospel; he does not call us to obey Jewish laws. The New Testament calls us to morality, not ceremonialism.
Galatians 3:1-2 1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 3:2 For a Christian to turn back to Jewish laws is to be led astray, as if by a spell, cast by an evil spirit. We received the Spirit of God by faith, not by works of the law.
G. Abraham And His Descendants Saved By Faith, Not Saved By Law.
Galatians 3:6, 8-9 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 3:9 Abraham was saved out of heathendom and paganism, simply by trusting God. He was not saved by keeping the Sabbath. The heathen (Gentiles) of the first century were also saved simply by faith. They were not told to keep the Sabbath laws, in any way shape or form. People are saved today simply by trusting Christ. There is not a verse in the New Testament that says Sabbath keeping is necessary for a right relationship with God. Sabbath law was a sign, a covenant and a memorial between God and Israel, not between God and the heathen (Gentiles, nations). People are saved without keeping Jewish laws.
H. Keeping One Jewish Law Requires Keeping All Jewish Laws.
Galatians 3:10, 12-18, 24, 26 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. [see note below] 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. [see note below] 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. [see note below] 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [see note below] 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. [see note below] 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. [see note below] 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis-annul, that it should make the promise of none effect. [see note below] 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [see note below]
Notes Ga. 3:10 No one is saved by keeping the Jewish law and we do not stay saved by keeping Jewish law. We are saved by faith, not by Jewish laws. Ga. 3:11 The Jewish law was fulfilled in Christ and we are not obligated to keep the Jewish law. Ga. 3:12 Clearly, the law is not of faith. That which is not of faith is sin (Ro. 14:23)]. Ga. 3:13 The law curses those who break the law. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law Ga. 3:14 The promise of salvation given to Abraham is readily available to the Gentiles, provided they receive it and keep it by faith and not by the works of the law. Ga. 3:15 Since God made the covenant with Abraham, the Jewish laws cannot be added as requirements. The promise of God was made to Abraham, through Christ, and the laws that came through Moses do not over ride or nullify the promise that salvation is by faith rather than by law. Ga. 3:17 The covenant in Christ, which was God’s primary objective, cannot be dis-annulled by the law, which was God’s way of introducing His plan. The shadow does not dis-annul the reality. The shadow passes, the reality abides. The Law of Moses came 430 years after God’s promise to Abraham. Ga. 3;26 God did not save us to become obligated to Jewish laws. All saved people, whether Jew or Gentile, are equally delivered from Jewish laws.
I. Jewish Laws Are “Elements Of This World.”
Paul calls the Jewish laws, “elements of the world.” This was actually a Jewish phrase referring to the fundamentals. The word “elements” means basic building blocks, such as the letters of the alphabet. The same word is translated in the book of Hebrews as “first principles” of the Christian faith (He. 6:1). The Jewish laws were the first principles or building blocks through which God began to reveal His will and plan of salvation. It is called the elements of “the world” because the world is passing away. The law was not intended to continue. It was intended to serve a period of time in bringing people to Christ and then it was to be replaced by Christ. When the building blocks are in there proper place, they serve a good purpose, but when they are out of place, they become stumbling blocks.
Galatians 4:3-5, 9-10 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. [see notes below] 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 4:3-5 We know that the “elements of the world” kept the Jews in bondage, because Paul said that Christ redeemed them from under the law. Paul equates “elements of the world” with the law, from which Jesus redeemed them. (Paul also makes the same reference in Ga. 4:9, Co. 2:8 and Co.2:20). The Jewish law was called “bondage.” Deliverance from the bondage of Jewish law is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. Along with circumcision, Passover and Jewish festivals, the keeping of the Sabbath is a Jewish law. It is an element of the world. Ga. 4:10 Paul tells us that when we observe Jewish celebrations of days, times, months and years, we are turning back to weak, poor, fundamentals (elements of the world) that cannot save us.
Galatians 5:1, 3-4, 13-23 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [see notes below] 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” [see notes below] 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 5:1 Paul warned the Galatian Christians not to become entangled again in the yoke of bondage. They had been entangled before, when they were living under the Jewish laws and they were returning to those laws, thinking that the obedience to those laws made them more perfect. Ga. 5:4 Those who believe that they are obligated to keep the Sabbath laws are obligate to keep the completely Jewish law. Ga. 5:23 Christians are called to be liberated from Jewish laws. We are called to the “law of love” which fulfills all of our obligations before God. This passage does not tell us that Sabbath breaking is sin and it does not tell us that Sabbath keeping is expected. It deals only with the moral law, not the ceremonial law. The law of love fulfills the moral law. Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians ever told to keep the Sabbath.
III. “SABBATH KEEPING” OFTEN LEADS TO OTHER FORMS OF JEWISH LAW KEEPING.
As the Scripture says, (Gal 5:9) “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” My observation, through the years, shows that those who believe that Christians are obligated to keep the Jewish Sabbath laws eventually begin to think that they must also keep the Jewish dietary laws. Bondage leads to bondage. Legalism leads to legalism.
A. Sabbath Keepers Believe In “Faith Plus” Salvation. Salvation empowers and enables us to obey God. Though obeying moral law does not save anyone, the New Testament says that saved people keep God’s moral law. The New Testament never says that saved people keep the Jewish laws. People who break the moral law of God are not saved. If the Sabbath laws are moral laws, then those who break the Sabbath laws are morally culpable. The New Testament never condemns Christians for not obeying Sabbath laws. Some Sabbath keepers say they do not believe that Sabbath keeping is essential to salvation, yet they believe it is a command from God. In fact, they think that it is an eternally important and unchanging law. If God requires us to obey His Sabbath laws, then those who do not keep the Sabbath are guilty of disobedience to God’s commandment. Those who live in disobedience to the commands of God are not saved. Therefore, if the Sabbath law is in effect, then those who do not keep the Sabbath laws are not saved. The Seventh Day Adventist goes as far as to say that first day or Sunday worship is the “Mark of the Beast” and they call those who worship on First Day, “the whore church.” Before you laugh me off, maybe you should read their doctrinal position (if you can find it) and then find an honest SDA pastor who will admit this damnable heresy. I say this because I have encountered SDA pastors who try to hide their doctrinal position, and because I meet very few SDA parishioners who know their religious doctrine. Think about this; how few SDA parishioners have you ever met, who know that their religion equates “Sunday Worship” with the “Mark of the Beast?” The SDA has been going through major changes in their doctrinal position, but they still allow Jewish legalism to separate between them and the blood bought, Spirit called, Bride of Christ. It is a dangerous thing to call the people of God, “the whore church.” It is wrong to say that those who worship on the day of Chirst’ resurrection are taking the “Mark of the Beast.” This is where “Faith Plus” religion takes you. This is why the Apostles condemned all legalism to Jewish laws. When Jewish laws are exalted to this level, truth takes a back seat. The belief that “Sabbath keeping” is essential to salvation, means that faith, plus Sabbath keeping, is essential to salvation. Those who believe that we are saved by faith, plus the keeping of the Sabbath laws tend to believe that the Jewish dietary laws are also essential to salvation. If we add any of the Jewish laws we are obligated to add all of the Jewish laws (Ja. 2:10).
B. Sabbath Keeping Is More Than, “Not working on Sabbath.”
In the Old Testament, Sabbath keeping was interwoven with several different ceremonial, ritual, dietary and sacrificial laws. In order to keep the Sabbath, a person had to keep other Jewish laws. Biblical Sabbath keeping is more than “not working on the Sabbath.” If we are obligated to keep any of the Sabbath law, we are obligated to keep all of the Sabbath law. A person who claims to keep the Sabbath, but does not keep all of the Sabbath law is not only a Sabbath breaker but also a hypocrite and is taking the name of God in vain. To claim to be God’s covenant people, while breaking the covenant is an empty boast.
C. Sabbath Keeping Was Not Always A Covenant.
As important as Sabbath keeping was in the Old Testament, it was no more important than the law of circumcision. God instituted circumcision with Abraham long before the law was given to Moses (Ge. 17:10). The seed of Sabbath observance is found in the creation account, but the actual covenant and command to observe the Sabbath laws was given in the days of Moses.
D. First Day Worshipers In Book Of Acts.
When the Gentiles accepted the message of salvation, they met on the first day of the week. Since the Gentile segment of the Church continued to grow and since the Jewish side of the Church was dwindling, there were more people who worshiped on the first day. Contrary to the teachings of the Jehovah Witnesses, and false claims of the Roman Catholic Church, the move from seventh day to first day actually took place naturally and during the days of the New Testament, when there was no such organization as the Jehovah Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists or the Roman Catholic Church.
E. Sabbath Laws Were Never An Issue.
Remember, the Sabbath did not become part of a covenant until Moses, but the covenant of circumcision dates all the way back to Abraham. Also, remember, both of those covenants were termed “eternal” or “everlasting.” Whatever that means, it did not mean that the actual “cutting of the flesh” or the “keeping Sabbath” laws is obligatory for those who came to God through Christ. We know this because of the New Testament record. As basic and important as circumcision was, it was not binding on anyone in the New Testament, including Jewish believers. However, there were people trying to impose circumcision on Christian converts and the writers of the New Testament addressed that problem. But notice, there is not one passage where anyone tried to impose Sabbath keeping on the new Christian converts. The writers addressed all forms of Jewish legalism when they reproved the Judaizers. It is true that the very first converts met on the seventh day, but that is because they were Jews. They also met on the first day because the resurrection of Jesus took place on first day. Christian believers therefore met on the first day and the seventh day. There is no command to meet on both days and there is no condemnation for not meeting on either of those two days. Jews, in the early Church, also celebrated various Jewish feasts, practiced circumcision, made Jewish vows and followed other Jewish practices. As long as their practice did not taint the truth of the Christian message, they were allowed to do those things. However, none of those things was required, either of the Jews or the Gentiles. If we are going say that Sabbath keeping is required because the early Christian Jews kept the Sabbath laws, we must say that other forms of Jewish law keeping, such as circumcision, is also obligatory. However, we know that is not true.
F. Sabbath Laws Were Subsequent To Passover.
As important as Sabbath keeping was in the Old Testament, it was no more important than celebrating the Passover. In fact, Passover laws (Ex. 12:14-15) were instituted prior to Sabbath laws (Ex. 16:26-30; 20:10-11). Yet the New Testament does not require the celebration of the Passover. Jesus is the end of the Passover. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover. There is not a single place in the New Testament that requires the keeping of the Sabbath or the celebrating of the Passover. It is worth noting that the Passover was the predecessor to the Jewish sacrifices and to the sacrifice of Christ. In fact, God often revealed His will to mankind through series of events. Likewise, the Sabbath, which was introduced in the creation account and was made into a sign, covenant and memorial for Israel, is also a predecessor to both the, “rest” that Christians experience in salvation through Christ and also “the world without end” that awaits all of us at the end of this age. It is interesting to note that in the week of creation, God did not say the seventh day was “good,” as He had said concerning the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth days. When He was finished with His six days of creation, God did say that everything He had made was “very good” but He did not say the same for the seventh day. It was not because the seventh day was not good. Could it be that God commented on the first six days because His work was finished, but the first Sabbath was only an introduction to the true Sabbath? In other words, God was not finished with the Sabbath. The seventh day in the garden was only the beginning of what He intended for the ultimate rest. The shadow of seventh day “Sabbath keeping” was replaced by the true Sabbath of salvation, which came with the arrival of the Jesus. The ultimate and eternal day without end will begin when this transient world is past.
G. Dietary Laws Are Not Required Of Christians.
There was nothing more important to the average Jew than keeping the dietary laws of Israel. In fact, the more conservative Jews of today live a kosher life. As a Christian Jew, Peter kept the dietary laws, with its various regulation concerning cooking and utensils. The laws about, “clean” and “unclean” food and cookware also determined the relationship that existed between Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles were unclean, according to Jewish law. It was unthinkable for a Jew to eat with a Gentile. The whole experience was beset with ceremonial uncleanness. Remember, ceremonial uncleanness disqualified a person from religious activities and required the polluted Jew to go through some very strenuous cleansing ceremonies. Ceremonial uncleanness was an ordeal to avoid when possible. Eating unclean foods, from unclean vessels with unclean people was not on a good Jews menu.
1. Kill And Eat
However, in a vision, the Holy Spirit told Peter to “kill and eat” all manner of ceremonially unclean animals. When Peter refused to comply, based on being a good Jew, the Holy Spirit told Peter not to call “unclean,” that which God had called “clean.”
Acts 10:9-16 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [see notes below] 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [see notes below] 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [see notes below]
Notes Ac.10:12 These were the unclean animals that God called unclean in the Old Testament and they were not acceptable for human consumption. Ac.10:14 Peter understood that the voice was speaking the message of God, because Peter responded to the command to “kill and eat” with a refusal. Ac. 10:16 God’s message to Peter was, “What God hath cleansed, do not call unclean.” The uncleanness of the animals was a ceremonial uncleanness, not a natural uncleanness. If it had been an inherent uncleanness or defilement, then God would not have declared it to be acceptable in this passage. It was ceremonial and it was changed.
2. Every Creature Good, Nothing To Be Refused.
1 Timothy 4:1-6 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [see notes below]
Notes 1 Tim. 4:6 Paul explains that it is a doctrine of demons to forbid the eating of every kind of animal. In the Old Testament, God forbade the eating of certain animals because He had declared them to be “unclean.” However, since those Jewish dietary laws were fulfilled in Christ, the dietary laws no longer apply. Paul said that there is no such thing as any unclean food. In fact, any creature can be on the Christian menu. Anyone who says that God forbids the eating of certain kinds of food is teaching a doctrine of demons.
H. God Determines What Is Required And Acceptable.
That which was from God and considered good in the Old Testament can be from Satan and considered evil in the New Testament. The Old Testament laws were for bringing people to Christ. Today the observing of those same laws can be considered an act of self-righteousness and disobedience to God. To return to that which is no longer in effect is to turn away from God. According to Paul, when a person attempts to keep Old Testament Jewish laws in order to perfect their faith and relationship with God, he is falling from grace (Ga. 5:4). Concerning the relationship of the Old Testament to the New Testament, someone has said, “the New is in the Old concealed and the Old is in the New revealed.” The Old is the shadow, and the New is the substance. To worship the types and images of the Old is idolatry.
IV. ALL OF THE CEREMONIAL, RITUAL, DIETARY AND SACRIFICIAL LAW WAS FULFILLED IN CHRIST.
Here are a few verses that tell us that Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Jewish laws.
A. Jesus Fulfills The Law.
Matthew 3:13-18 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. [see notes below] 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [see notes below]
Notes Mt. 3:15 Jesus was baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness, that is, He was baptized in order to qualify as our Savior. Mt. 3:18 Jesus had to qualify before He could become our Savior. This would require Him to achieve or attain to a certain level of proficiency in His obedience to the Father and experience being Human, without being sinful. As the sacrificial lamb had to be without blemish, so Christ must also be without blemish in order to make atonement for mankind (He. 5:8-9).
B. Jesus Is The End Of The Law.
Romans 10:4, 9-11
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. [see notes below] 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [see notes below] Notes Ro. 10:4 Christ was the destination of the law. The law brought us to an understanding of our need for Christ. The law could not save, but it could bring us to the One Who can save. The law brought us as far as it could, and Jesus takes us into salvation. Jesus did what the law required, in terms of being a Savior. In addition, Jesus did what the law could not do; He finished what the law only prefigured. Christ can save whoever recognizes their inability to save themselves. Christ can save whoever recognizes that they cannot attain to righteousness by keeping laws. Whoever believes in Christ, obtains righteousness. Christ is the end of righteousness to everyone who believes. Ro. 10:11 Salvation comes to those who confess that they are lost sinners in need of a Savior. Salvation comes to those who believe in their heart that God has raised Christ from the dead. Belief provides righteousness and confession leads to righteousness.
C. Barnes’ Notes Here are notes taken from Barnes’ Notes. “Is the end of the law – The word translated “end” means what completes a thing, or renders it perfect; also the boundary, issue, or termination of anything, as the end of life, the result of a prophecy, etc.; Jn.13:1; Lk. 22:37. It also means the design or object which is had in view; the principal purpose for which it was undertaken; 1Ti. 1:5,” The end of the commandment is charity;” the main design or purpose of the command is to produce love; 1Pe.1:9, “The end of your faith, the salvation of your souls;” the main design or purpose of faith is to secure salvation; Rom.14:9, “To this end Christ both died,” etc. For this design or purpose. This is doubtless its meaning here. “The main design or object which the perfect obedience of the Law would accomplish, is accomplished by faith in Christ.” That is, perfect obedience to the Law would accomplish justification before God, secure his favor and eternal life. The same end is now accomplished by faith in Christ.” Barnes’ Notes, Romans 10:4.
D. Clark‘s Commentary Romans 10:4
“For Christ is the end of the law – Where the law ends, Christ begins. The law ends with representative sacrifices; Christ begins with the real offering. The law is our schoolmaster to lead us to Christ; it cannot save, but it leaves us at his door, where alone salvation is to be found. Christ as an atoning sacrifice for sin, was the grand object of the whole sacrificial code of Moses; his passion and death were the fulfillment of its great object and design. Separate this sacrificial death of Christ from the law, and the law has no meaning, for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins: wherefore the Messiah is represented as saying, Sacrifice and observing thou didst not desire; burnt-offering and sin-offering thou hast not required; then said I, Lo, I come to do thy will; a body hast thou prepared me, Psa. 40:6, Psa. 40:7; Heb. 10:4-10; which proves that God never designed that the sacrifices of the law should be considered the atonement for sin, but a type or representative of that atonement; and that The atonement was the sacrifice offered by Christ. Thus he was the End of the law, in respect to its sacrifices.”
DLG comment… These two notes are representative of the various explanations on this passage. I believe them to be accurate, not because they all agree, but because they all agree with what the passage and the Greek studies say about this passage. Jesus is the end, the fulfillment of the law. Christians have no obligation to keep Old Testament, Jewish laws.
E. Romans, Galatians And Colossians. Romans 14:5-9 5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. [see notes below] 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. [see notes below] Notes Ro. 14:6 We know the subject is Jewish laws because the passage mentions “days” and “eating.” This is not about the Christian’s meeting on the “first day.” The validity of meeting on first day was never a question. The question was about “seventh day” or other Jewish days of celebration. Ro. 14:9 Paul tells us that Jesus died and rose again, “to this end” for this purpose, that He might be Lord of the living and the dead. Just as Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, so He is Lord of the Church. Jesus decides what days to commemorate and He decides what ceremonies His people should celebrate. He has not overthrown the Jewish Sabbath, He has brought to reality what the Jewish Sabbath signified, or foreshadowed.
Galatians 3:21-29 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. [see notes below] 22 But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [see notes below] 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [see notes below] 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [see notes below] 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. [see notes below]
Notes Ga. 3:21 According to this passage, there is no law that can give life, and righteousness does not come by any law. Ga. 3:24 The law brought us to Christ. Ga. 3:25 We no longer need someone to bring us to Christ. God has phased-out the Jewish laws. Ga. 3:28 There is no difference in the way a Jew and a Gentile comes to salvation. We all come through faith, not laws, not Jewish laws. We all come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through observation of Sabbath days. Ga. 3:29 Just as Abraham was saved by believing God, without attaining to a moral law as a qualifier and just as he did not have to keep ceremonial laws, so too, we are saved by faith in Christ, Who fulfilled the law. All of the Jewish laws pointed to Christ and His salvation. All of those Jewish laws found fulfillment in Christ. All of those laws end in Christ.
Colossians 2:13-22 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [see notes below] 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [see notes below] 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: [see notes below] 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. [see notes below] 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, [see notes below] 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. [see notes below] 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, [see notes below] 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; [see notes below] 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Notes Col. 2:13 Sin separated us from God. Col. 2:14 The ordinances were the Jewish laws. They were nailed to His cross. Our debt was cancelled because of Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus satisfied our debt. Col. 2:16 We should not allow anyone to judge us because of our refusal to keep Jewish laws. This includes Sabbaths, and all of the issues that go with keeping the Sabbath. The Holy Spirit specifically says “Sabbaths.” The KJV says “days” in italics, because the word “days” is not in the original Greek language. Those who are determined that Sabbath observance is obligatory to Christians sometimes try to explain this passage away by saying this reference to “Sabbaths” does not include” “the Sabbath.” However, the passage, the context and the entire New Testament tells us that Christians are not obligated to keep the Sabbath. This passage tells us that Christians are not under Jewish laws. Co. 2:17 The Old Testament Jewish laws, including Sabbath keeping, were only shadows of God’s plan. All of those sacrifices, foods, festivals and washings along with all of the tabernacle and priestly functions were fulfilled in Christ. The Mosaic laws were a mere resemblance of the reality, but Christ is the reality. We are to exchange the shadow for the reality. To hold on to a shadow instead of grasping the reality is idolatry. When we have a hold of the real, we do not need or want to hold on to the shadow. Col. 2:18 The word “beguile” alludes to an umpire or judge defrauding a player through a bad call. Paul is saying; “Do not let anyone judge you out of your reward by imposing extraneous rules” Do not be ensnared by seemingly spiritual activities, which are neither required by God nor forbidden by God. Do not become proud of your law keeping religion. My observation has been that those who call themselves “Sabbath keepers” usually see themselves as being more Biblical and more obedient to God than those who do not “keep the Sabbath.” Of course, those who call themselves “Sabbath keepers” are “Sabbath keepers” in name only, since they “keep” a revised slandered version of the Sabbath. Co. 2:19 Those who call themselves “Sabbath keepers” are not faithfully holding to Christ as the “end of the law” or “the fulfillment of the law.” Those who preach “Sabbath keeping” as part of their faith are replacing faith with religious works. They are holding to a shadow rather than holding to the Substance. Co. 2:20 “The rudiments of the world” is another way of saying, “the elements of the world” (see above section entitled, JEWISH LAWS ARE “ELEMENTS OF THE WORLD”). Christians are to be dead to the elements of the world, the rudiments of the world. Christ has set us free from the rules and regulation religion of Judaism. Our obligation to keep the Jewish laws was nailed to the cross, in other words, obligation to follow Jewish law was cancelled out through the death of Jesus Christ. Col. 2:21 Verse 21 reflects the impact of Jewish laws on first century Jews. Jewish laws were filled with prohibitions against things that were not inherently evil. Jewish laws forbade the Jews from wearing clothes that were a mixture of wool and linen. Jewish law forbade sowing a field with mingled seed. Though some of the Jewish laws were not always inherently right or wrong, they always served God’s purpose. People may point out some of the problems with eating pork or shellfish or some other meats and they may point out the problems related to other Jewish laws, however, the prohibitions were not based on inherent evil. The problem with violating the ceremonial laws was simply a matter of rebellion against God’s authority.
Think about this; Moses was denied access to the Promised Land because he hit the rock rather than speaking to the rock. The rock, the hitting, the speaking and the water were all symbols of spiritual realities. Moses’ sin was simply disobeying God. Just as the rock represented Christ, and the water represented the Holy Spirit, the Sabbath represents a greater truth. The Sabbath is a sign of a coming reality. Disobedience, to the laws that God gave to Israel, was evil. On the other hand, when Christ fulfilled all righteousness, including Jewish laws, God rescinded those laws. Remember, God did not cancel or rescind the moral code or the moral laws. The moral laws of the Old Testament are restated repeatedly in the New Testament, but it does not confirm the Jewish laws. We know there were laws related to the sacrifices, priests and the tabernacle, which are not binding to Christians. In fact, it would be sin to practice those laws today, in light of the Gospel of Christ.
V. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN, NOT MAN FOR THE SABBATH.
A. The Background.
The very first time “Sabbath” is mentioned by name in the Old Testament it was related to the Israelites gathering “manna” during their exodus travels, subsequent to God delivering them from bondage to the Egyptians.
Exodus 16:23 23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. Through Moses, God led the Israelites out of Egypt, the land of their oppression and bondage. There were approximately 2 million people who followed Moses out of Egypt, headed for the Promised Land. Providing food and water for such a large entourage required miraculous intervention from God. He provided food for them every morning, according to their needs. All they had to do was collect it and use it during that day. If they tried to gather more than a days worth, the “manna” or “heavenly bread” would turn bad. However, God commanded them to collect enough on the sixth day to last through the seventh day, since they were not allowed to collect it on the seventh day. In this same passage, concerning the gathering of manna for the Sabbath, the Israelites were also told not to do any food preparations on the Sabbath. The law of God also forbade the gathering of wood for a fire and the building of a fire to cook the food. Actually, this was just a portion of the Sabbath law that God gave to Israel. Those who were guilty of doing these things were sentenced to execution by stoning. If we are going to observe the Old Testament Sabbath laws, we should be observing all of the facets associated with Sabbath keeping; otherwise, we are just playing games. If we are going to observe the Old Testament Sabbath laws, we should be stoning people who break those laws. If we do not keep the whole Sabbath law, we have no right to claim that we are Sabbath keepers. We have no right to claim obedience to the Sabbath commandment if we do not observe every part of it. If we do not keep the whole ceremonial law, we are not obligated to keep any of the ceremonial law. If we keep any of the ceremonial law, we are obligated to keep all of it. Remember, to break one part of the law is to break the whole law.
B. Jesus Charged With Violating Sabbath Laws.
It is interesting to note that the first time the Sabbath is mentioned in the New Testament, Jesus was being charged with violating the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:1-8 1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Notes Jesus and His disciples were passing by a field on a Sabbath day. The men were hungry and Jesus allowed them to gather grain. The Pharisees saw this as a violation of the Sabbath, and they confronted Jesus about this behavior. Jesus responded to their accusations with a couple of arguments.
C. Jesus Responds To Charges Of Sabbath Breaking.
1. Jesus Planned Ahead.
Jesus did not deny that His disciples had acted contrary to the Sabbath laws. They had gathered and ground food for themselves. Jesus could have just as easily planned ahead for this situation, or He could have directed His disciples to forego that meal, and they would have obeyed Him. Jesus did plan, but His plan was to confront the Sabbath question head-on. Though Jesus did observe Sabbath laws during His earthly ministry, He did not serve Sabbath laws. It is interesting to note, obligatory Sabbath keeping never became an issue with the Apostles or the early Church, whereas circumcision and Jewish dietary laws caused contention with the first believers. Could it be that this pre-emptive strike by Jesus made it clear that neither He not His followers were going to come under Jewish laws.
Remember, He strengthened the moral code by condemning hate as well as murder; by condemning lust as well as adultery; by condemning oath taking as well as oath breaking. Jesus did not promote the Jewish laws, rather He fulfilled them, He ended them. Jesus never gave directives for us to keep the Jewish laws.
2. David Broke The Sabbath.
Jesus referred the Pharisees to the Old Testament occasion when David took bread from the table of the Tabernacle and shared it with his hungry comrades. Jesus was pointing out that the Sabbath law, as great as it was in the Old Testament, was not an absolute law. It was not a moral law. It could be set aside in the service of other people. There was no special revelation from God, saying that David should eat the shewbread. They ate the bread because it was a need, not because it was a command.
3. The Priests Profaned the Sabbath.
Jesus also pointed out that the priests “profaned the Sabbath” on a regular basis, yet they were considered “blameless” in the eyes of God. The priests built fires, slew and burned animals, and they made sacrifices, all on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, they were allowed to do these things because they were priests. In the New Testament, all Christians are priests and Jesus is the High Priest. We are not bound by the same legalistic laws of the Sabbath, as were the Old Testament Israelites. The Sabbath laws were not all encompassing and unbending. However, they were binding upon the Israelites, to the extent that those Israelites who broke the Sabbath laws would be stoned to death.
4. Jesus is Greater than the Sabbath and He is Lord of the Sabbath.
Jesus continued to explain to the Pharisees that He was greater than the Sabbath and that He was Lord of the Sabbath. His disciples were to follow His directives rather than the Old Testament Sabbath laws given to Israel.
5. The Sabbath was Made for Man, Man was not Made for the Sabbath.
In the Mark passage, Jesus also said that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Man was made first and then the Sabbath was made.
D. Things To Learn From Jesus’ Response.
There are several issues at work here.
1. Human Need Is Of Greater Importance Than Sabbath Ritual.
Sabbath laws were not absolute or immutable. God is immutable and God is absolute but He does not give Divine status to His laws, much less, to ceremonial laws. God’s people are not always expected to be Sabbath keepers, but God’s people are always expected to honor and obey God. Therefore, Sabbath keeping is not identical with being faithful to God, nor is it to be confused with true worship of God. There are people who have kept the Sabbath laws but are lost eternally. Sabbath keeping does not save and refusal to keep Sabbath does not condemn. Since Sabbath law was not immutable or absolute in the Old Testament, where it was commanded and enforced as a capitol offence, then it should not be exalted to such a position in the New Testament, where it is neither commanded nor enforced. Requiring Sabbath keeping goes beyond the revelation of God. It is adding to the word of God.
2. The Priesthood Had Priority Over Sabbath Law.
The Jewish Priesthood was exempt from keeping all of the Sabbath laws in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, all Christians are priests to God and they are also exempt from those Old Testament laws. We have entered into the reality rather than living in the shadow of truth.
3. Jesus, As Lord Of The Sabbath And The Passover Lamb, Has Fulfilled And Canceled The Claim Of The Sabbath Laws.
Since the Jewish laws were designed to foreshadow the coming of God’s deliverance through the sacrifice of His Son, and since Jesus has fulfilled the law, then they are no longer binding on us today.
4. The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man For The Sabbath.
God provided the Sabbath for man’s benefit, not for man’s observance. Genesis 2:2-3 is not the final word on the Sabbath, it is only the introduction. God rested, desisted, from His creative work and He sanctified the seventh day, set it apart as a day of rest. It was not a day of rest for God, since God does not get tired, but it was set aside as a day of rest for human beings. In Deuteronomy 5:14 we are told expressly that the Sabbath was for the purpose of giving rest to mankind. It is in this sense that the Sabbath law comes closest to a moral law. Men need time to come aside from their labors in order to rest their bodies, minds and emotions, and to build their relationships with God and their families, and to join other believers in worshipping and serving God corporately.
E. We Worship The Reality, Not The Shadow.
As great as the Sabbath was, it was a day set aside for man to rest and for Israel to worship God. The Sabbath was not a day set aside to be worshiped. Sabbatarians criticize those who do not keep the Sabbath. They criticize Christians for worshiping on the first day of the week, as a memorial and honor, rendered to Christ’s resurrection and our deliverance from sin. Because we worship on first day, Sabbatarians call us “Sunday worshipers.” Actually, we do not worship “Sunday” or “First Day,” we have set aside “Sunday” or “First Day” as a day of rest and worship, as is allowed in the New Testament and as it was modeled by the first Christians, since the day of Christ’s resurrection. Gathering on first day was not a Roman Catholic decision; it was a Holy Spirit decision. He is the One Who called His people together on the first day. However, Sabbatarians actually do worship the Sabbath or Saturday. They have made an idol of the Sabbath.
VI. THE SABBATH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS A “SIGN” THAT REPRESENTED A “REST,” WHICH BELIEVERS WOULD ENTER.(THE SABBATH IS A PICTURE OF SALVATION AND ETERNITY.)
God’s word is practical for the now and revelatory for the future. God’s revelation is layered. In other words, there are truths behind truths. God gave the Sabbath as a revelation concerning several different truths.
The Sevenfold Fulfillment Of The Sabbath Rest.
A. Sabbath Introduced On Seventh Day Of Creation (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 16:1-8).
Humans need a day of rest. However, it is more than simply physical, mental, emotional and relational rest that we need. We need to come apart from our daily pursuits, so that we might spiritually rest, be refreshed and strengthened. We need to take the time to worship and focus on spiritual realities and relationships. God demonstrated this when He sanctified the Sabbath in the garden. God did not bind Adam with ceremonial attachments when He gave him the Sabbath, as He did when He established the Sabbath as a sign, covenant and memorial with Moses and Israel. He simply laid down a basic principle. If God had intended for us to understand that He was establishing the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant with Adam and the entire human family at that time, He would have said so in His word. While He did sanctify the Sabbath, it was as a day of rest and a shadow of the “rest” that God was going to give His people. God reiterated this concept of trusting Him and honoring Him when the Israelites came out of Egypt (EXODUS 16:1-8). He provided them with manna, but they were not allowed to gather it on the Sabbath. They needed to trust God for their daily supply and seek Him rather than worldly provision.
B. Israel’s Sabbath Law At Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11).
The Sabbath laws were given to Israel to keep their focus on God. They had abandoned their Sabbath observance while in Egypt and they had to be reminded to worship and serve God through the Passover, including a reminder to set a day apart from daily responsibilities. The Fourth Commandment, along with the collateral passages throughout the Pentateuch, was especially given to the Israelites. They had shown their laxness in honoring God. They would continue to fail in their obedience to God, even while the Decalogue was being delivered on Mount Sinai. Sabbath keeping, along with blood sacrifices, dietary restrictions and circumcision were all given as aids to worship and devotion. They were called to account every week, at the threat of death. They were forced into an opportunity to know and serve God.
Exodus 20:8-11 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. God told them that He gave them the Sabbath laws for three reasons.
1. A Sign.
It was a sign, that is, it sign-i-fied something that was still in the future. It signified a coming rest that was more than the “day of rest” mentioned in Genesis; a spiritual rest, for those who loved, trusted and obeyed God. Until the substance arrived, the “sign” would help people keep their focus on the real meaning to life, which is, to love and serve God rather than seek the world and its treasures.
2. A Covenant.
It was a perpetual covenant with Israel to remind them and to direct their attention, talents and energies toward a right relationship with God. God gave Israel this covenant at the same time He gave them the moral, civil, sacrificial and dietary laws. God was telling them that a right relationship with Him was more than simply keeping laws and following rituals. A right relationship with Him required that they take time to be holy; that they turn in faith to God, rather than trusting in their own religious accomplishments.
3. A Memorial.
It was a memorial to Israel, because it would remind them that God had delivered them from their bondage in Egypt and therefore would deliver them from all of their oppressors.
C. Israel to Rest In Promised Land (Hebrews 3:10-11, 16-19).
1. Rest Promised.
The Sabbath anticipated the “rest” that Israel would experience as a nation, after they crossed the Jordan River and conquered their enemies in Canaan. They would rest from their time of bondage in Egypt and their time of wandering in the wilderness. The Sabbath laws were given specifically to Israel as a sign, a perpetual covenant and a memorial.
Deuteronomy 12:9-10 9 For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you. 10 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;
Joshua 11:23 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
2. Rest Relinquished.
However, the generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt did not enter into the Promised Land or the promised rest, because they did not mix faith with obedience. They rebelled against God during their sojourn in the wilderness and God denied them access to the promised land.
Hebrews 3:10-11 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Hebrews 3:16-19 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
D. Israel Promised Rest Through David (Psalm 95:6-11).
Psalm 95:6-11 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I swore in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. From the time of the kingdom, God promised His people that they could enter into a spiritual rest. It was not accomplished during the Old Testament. It did not happen until Jesus came and fulfilled all righteousness and ended the law. Promised rest only comes to those who fully trust Christ as their Savior.
E. The Sabbath Rest Of Salvation (Hebrews 3:7-4:13).
1. Hebrews Quotes David. Hebrews 3:7-11 7 Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
2. Christians Called To Remain Faithful.
Then the writer challenged his Christian readers to remain faithful, so that they would be able to enter that spiritual rest, which was signified by the seventh day rest found in Genesis (Hebrews 3:12-15; HEBREWS 4:1-3).
Hebrews 3:12-15 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Hebrews 4:1-11 1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
3. True Sabbath Is Spiritual Rest.
This passage is not speaking about “seventh day” or “Sabbath” observance; it is speaking about a spiritual rest that comes to the believer in Christ, when he ceases to depend on, or yield to, the flesh, or sinful nature. It is not a once a week rest; it is a seven-day a week rest that lasts a lifetime, as we trust in Christ. The Sabbath of the Old Testament was a picture of the Sabbath rest we have in Christ.
4. Spiritual Rest Is A Choice.
Notice also, this rest is something we deliberately enter into, by choice. We must decide to live in the Sabbath rest of God. In order to enter into this rest, we must believe and obey; we must not harden our hearts. We must guard ourselves against sin or we may come short of it. This rest is something that is available to all Christians, but not all Christians have it. This is a rest that we enter into while laboring for the right thing.
F. The 1,000 Year Sabbath Rest (Is. 11:10).
There is a Sabbath rest that awaits all believers after this present age is past. Christ will set up His earthly kingdom for one thousand years. At that time there will be no war, oppression, disease, famine or man’s inhumanity to man. Christ will rule in truth, love, compassion and justice. The natural world as well as the world’s population will enjoy rest from suffering, as it lives under the Lordship of Christ. For the first time since the garden, humans will begin to understand what life was meant to be like.
Isaiah 35:1-10 1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. 3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. 8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Also read Is. 11:1-11; 65:20-23
Revelation 7:9-17 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 20:1-6 1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
G. The Eternal Sabbath Rest (REVELATION 14:13).
There is a Sabbath rest that will crown all of human history (REVELATION 14:13). It will be the unending, eternal bliss experienced by those who have finished their course and have kept the faith. It is a rest that goes beyond time. There will be a New Heaven, a New Earth and a New Jerusalem. It will be “world without end,” in the presence of the True and Living God. It will come when time is finished and eternity begins.
Revelation 14:13 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Also, see Isaiah 65:17-19;
Revelation 21:1-7 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (See also Revelation 21:9-22:21).
VII. RANDOM POINTS.
I had several more thoughts that came to me as I was writing this article, but I will only mention a few.
A. Jews On Seventh, Church On First.
The commemoration of the “seventh day” was a Jewish commemoration of their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The commemoration of the “first day” is a Christian commemoration of our deliverance from sin. Both days of commemoration have their origin with God. As a Gentile, I am not culturally or emotionally attached to the Exodus from Egypt. The Exodus from Egypt is only an example of my deliverance from sin (1 Co. 10:1-14). We should worship our Deliverer, not our day of deliverance.
B. Physical Labor And Rest… Spiritual Labor And Rest… Eternal Service And Rest.
The six days of creation led to the seventh day, the day of rest.
While it is true that Christians can enter a “rest” which is beyond justification, we are presently laboring in the field of lost souls. However, we have ceased from our own works and from the works of the flesh, but we are co-laborers with Christ, as we seek the lost and serve the saints.
Our labors here are leading us to an eternal rest. Rest is not to be confused with slumber or annihilation. Remember, God rested, but God did not retire or cease to be creative and productive. Our eternal rest will take us to a higher form of service and existence than we enjoy now.
C. Relationship, Not Regulations.
The Jews have two calendars. One is the civil calendar and the other is the religious calendar. Companies have their own fiscal calendars as well as the Gregorian calendar. Christendom has its liturgical calendar as well as its yearly calendar. The Jewish religious calendar started at the time of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Likewise, the spiritual calendar for every Christian begins with the time he got saved. Before a person’s salvation, there is no life; there is no meaning. Life begins when we meet Christ as our Savior. A Christian’s life calendar does not start with Israel’s deliverance from Egypt; it begins with his deliverance from sin. Our day of worship is not founded in the Exodus from Egypt; it is founded in our Exodus from sin. Our lives should be viewed and valued by our relationship with Jesus.
PLEASE NOTE… I do not believe that first day is a Sabbath in the Old Testament sense of the word. I do not believe there is a Christian Sabbath, in the legal sense of the word. I do believe that God turned the focus from His deliverance of the Israelites in Egypt to His deliverance of all men through the death and resurrection of His Son. He died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Jesus rose on the first day of the week (which also became known as “Lord’s day) and that is when the believers started to meet together (1 CO. 16:2, Ac. 20:7, Re. 1:10, Jn. 20:1, 19, 26; Lk. 24:1; Mk. 16:2, 9; Mt. 28:1, ) Jesus actually met with them on the first day eighth day. The Apostles not only met on the first day, they met with Jesus and His approval, on the eighth or first day. We are sure that the disciples met every day, but Jesus put His sanction on first day meetings by meeting with them. Jesus still meets with His people on first day. The absence of Jesus at so many churches does not mean that they should not meet on first day; it means they are not meeting with Him on first day. They have closed Him out (Re. 3:20).] Do not let these last few thoughts detract from the arguments in the first part of this document. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
Seaside Chapel
