Saturday Sabbath - Why does it matter?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

ManyStars

New member
Apr 11, 2023
20
11
3
#1
The Sabbath day was established by God at the end of the first week of creation on the Seventh day. Gen 2:1-3
2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.


God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day (last day of the week). Thus, the Sabbath existed at the beginning of creation. God made the Sabbath for man - all man. Mk 2:27. The Sabbath is the only day of the week God blessed and sanctified: meaning to set apart as holy. God established a day in honor of the creation of the earth - The Sabbath a memorial to His creatorship!

Approximately, 1800 years latter the Jewish people came into existence. Thus, the Sabbath was made for mankind at the week of creation, long before the Jewish people existed. Moses leads the children of Israel out of Egyptian captivity. On mount Sinai he receives the Ten Commandments and it is the 4th commandment that states very clearly just how special is the Lord's Sabbath.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." Exodus 20:8-11.

Those who rejected the Sabbath faced being cast out or even stoned to death! Exodus 31:14-15. Do you really believe that God has changed His mind or that the Sabbath no longer matters to Him?

God feeds the children of Israel with manna from heaven, but on the day before the Sabbath they were to gather a double portion - for none was provided on the Sabbath because no work, no gathering was to be done on the Sabbath day. Exodus 16:22-32.

One of the most important applications of the Sabbath to both before and after the ascension of Christ is the SEAL that exist in the Sabbath commandment. Actually, it is the only commandment of the ten that bears the SEAL of God. For example, the president has a seal. There three characteristics that constitutes his seal: Name - Joe Biden, Title - President. Territory - United State. The seal is a mark of his authority as president. In the 4th Sabbath commandment God's SEAL and mark of His authority is also established: Name - The Lord, Title - Creator, Territory - Heaven and Earth.

The Sabbath is a perpetual covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:16).

Jesus and the early church kept the Sabbath day: Lk 4:16, Acts 13:42

Finally, the Sabbath, which is a memorial to the Creator, is referred to again in Revelations 14:7 "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Revelation 14:7 directs man back to the Creator of heaven and earth, which refers back to the Sabbath commandment.

Finally, God's last-people will keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus Christ:
Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Let it be known that God's people will keep the commandments of God, not as a means of salvation, but as a means of works that will qualify or disqualify them for the kingdom of God. "If you love Me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
Revelation 22:12 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

May God's blessings be upon you!
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,771
113
#2
The Sabbath is a perpetual covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:16).
Between God and His people Israel. Not between God and the Church. The Church has been given "the Lord's Day" -- the first day of the week rather than the last day of the week. That is because Christ rose on the Lord's Day.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,182
2,491
113
#3
The keeping of the Sabbath Day was all about the Changing of the Old Covenant to the New Covenant....and entering into Rest.

And it's sad to see that people refuse to understand what that means. Works do not get a person into heaven...nor do they get you a better mansion in Heaven. Nor even the upgraded potted plant for the porch. But Refusing the Rest that God offers through Faith is tantamount to rejecting Jesus's sacrifice. But carry on.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,221
4,283
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#4
The nation of Israel broke the covenant that God made with them.
He established a new covenant through the only sacrifice for sins, Jesus.
The new covenant is the better covenant.
Abraham called upon the Name of the Lord in faith to be saved. We call upon Him in faith to be saved.
The Lord Jesus is Almighty God Who created the heavens and earth..
Faith in Him alone is Salvation.
That link goes into more detail. I recommend listening to it and making that decision. You'll never regret it..
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,460
13,399
113
58
#5
Although God's rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3) did foreshadow a future sabbath law, there is no Biblical record of the sabbath being kept before the children of Israel left the land of Egypt.

*Nowhere in Scripture is there any hint that sabbath keeping was practiced from Adam to Moses.

The word "sabbath" first appears in Exodus 16:23 - Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.

Sabbath keeping with all it's rules and regulations, was part of a covenant with Israel (Exodus 16:23, 29; 31:12-18; 35:1-3; Leviticus 19:30; 23:2-3, 32; Numbers 15:32-36; 28:1-10; 29:39-40; I Chronicles. 23:30-31; II Chronicles 31:2-4; Isaiah 1:13; Amos 8:5; Nehemiah 10:31) that is not binding on Christians under the new covenant.

Colossians 2:16 - Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,221
4,283
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#6
Although God's rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3) did foreshadow a future sabbath law, there is no Biblical record of the sabbath being kept before the children of Israel left the land of Egypt.

*Nowhere in Scripture is there any hint that sabbath keeping was practiced from Adam to Moses.

The word "sabbath" first appears in Exodus 16:23 - Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.

Sabbath keeping with all it's rules and regulations, was part of a covenant with Israel (Exodus 16:23, 29; 31:12-18; 35:1-3; Leviticus 19:30; 23:2-3, 32; Numbers 15:32-36; 28:1-10; 29:39-40; I Chronicles. 23:30-31; II Chronicles 31:2-4; Isaiah 1:13; Amos 8:5; Nehemiah 10:31) that is not binding on Christians under the new covenant.

Colossians 2:16 - Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
Faith in obedience to keeping the law OR faith in the crucified risen Savior?
. They claim to have faith in Christ while trusting their obedience to the laws. None of them stop to think that they have broken many of the laws including the Sabbath they place faith in. I'm not against taking a day off for rest, but people place their entire eternal destiny on their weak and disobedient behavior. Then they are so confused that they call it "faith in Christ."
They can't have it both ways.

"Let it be known that God's people will keep the commandments of God, not as a means of salvation, but as a means of works that will qualify or disqualify them for the kingdom of God."

Transgressions of the Law
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,460
13,399
113
58
#7
Faith in obedience to keeping the law OR faith in the crucified risen Savior?
. They claim to have faith in Christ while trusting their obedience to the laws. None of them stop to think that they have broken many of the laws including the Sabbath they place faith in. I'm not against taking a day off for rest, but people place their entire eternal destiny on their weak and disobedient behavior. Then they are so confused that they call it "faith in Christ."
They can't have it both ways.

"Let it be known that God's people will keep the commandments of God, not as a means of salvation, but as a means of works that will qualify or disqualify them for the kingdom of God."

Transgressions of the Law
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2
1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (already know Him/already saved/demonstrative evidence) if we "keep" (Greek word "tereo" - guard, observe, watch over) His commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep (guard, observe, watch over) His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. This does not mean flawlessly obey the 10 commandments under the old covenant of law.

Faith in law keeping is certainly not faith in Christ. What we are truly trusting in for salvation is what we have placed our faith in.

Sadly, there are folks who are absolutely obsessed with sabbath keeping and believe that near the end of time the "mark of the best" of Revelation 14 will be placed upon those who worship on Sunday instead of Saturday. o_O

https://nonsda.org/study8.shtml
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,221
4,283
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#8
1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (already know Him/already saved/demonstrative evidence) if we "keep" (Greek word "tereo" - guard, observe, watch over) His commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep (guard, observe, watch over) His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. This does not mean flawlessly obey the 10 commandments under the old covenant of law.

Faith in law keeping is certainly not faith in Christ. What we are truly trusting in for salvation is what we have placed our faith in.

Sadly, there are folks who are absolutely obsessed with sabbath keeping and believe that near the end of time the "mark of the best" of Revelation 14 will be placed upon those who worship on Sunday instead of Saturday. o_O

https://nonsda.org/study8.shtml
Yes, the key in 1 John is the audience, believers in Christ. This was an epistle for the saved rather than conditions for lost to become saved. Even then,

" If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

After that is the solution 1:9.

Now the rest confuses the lost because he makes the distinction between the born again spirit and the old man of the flesh. There's a distinction while at the same time both nature's are within every believer on earth. There is someone who is trying to make an argument that he is sinless on another thread. His faith is in keeping the law just like some of the obsessions with those who hold to an o.t. sabbath.

Thanks for the sda link.
Here's one that covers what the forum is quickly becoming. Hebrew Roots
 

HopeinHim98

Well-known member
Mar 16, 2023
529
416
63
#9
Between God and His people Israel. Not between God and the Church. The Church has been given "the Lord's Day" -- the first day of the week rather than the last day of the week. That is because Christ rose on the Lord's Day.
Can we have scripture for this please? I've heard it but have never seen it in scripture.
 

ManyStars

New member
Apr 11, 2023
20
11
3
#11
Let it be known that the the Law of God and His grace has never been in conflict. They both came from God! He is not in conflict with Himself nor a God of confusion. I Cor 14:33.

The problem is with mankind who has leaned to his own understanding and have substituted tradition for biblical truth.

Actually, the scripture states that the Carnal Mind is in opposition to God's law. Rom 8:7 " Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

How long did God say His Law would be in force? "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." Mtt 5:18

The law of God is a transcript of the character of God. It reflects His character and the standard he requires of mankind. Does God delight in giving us a law we cannot keep? No! Is the law bad? No!

The apostle Paul said "For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man." Romans 7:22

How does the bible describe the law?
12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:12-14

The law of God is holy, just and good! It reflects the character of God!

The function of God's Law is to simply show us our sins: Thou shall have no other gods before Me.. Thou shall not kill.. Thou shall not covet.., etc.

The law can not save anyone! It can only show us our sins. We are saved by grace through faith! See, no conflict exist between the law and grace. But we are not going to heaven practicing sin. God's standard is reflected in keeping His law. He expect us to be obedient.

To the Jews and Gentiles, the circumcised and the uncircumcised:
10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

To do away with the law is to do away with sin. To do away with sin is to do away with the Cross! Without sin there is no need of grace. Jesus died for our sins and the grace of God is provided through the cross to save us from sin, which the Law reveals. Again, No conflict between law and Grace!


The Sabbath is the fourth commandment of the law given to us at the week of creation. Just because we don't hear about the Sabbath up until Moses does not suggest it was not kept. Do you think Adam and Eve kept the Sabbath or ignored it? What about the other nine commandments? What about there sons Cain and Able or Seth?

Cain rebelled against keeping God's commandment regarding a sacrifice of blood. He chose to bring to God the work of his own hands. There is a way that seems right unto man but the end there of leads to death. Prov 14:12. Cain and Able represent two classes of Christians who will exist in the last days. One will obey God's commands and have the faith of Jesus. The other will offer to God their own form of worship that does not meet the standard of God's law.

No where in scripture does it state that God did away with the Sabbath and replaced it with the first day of the week.

The Resurrection on the 1st day of the week did not replace the 7th day Sabbath. Jesus died good Friday, rested on the Sabbath, and rose to work on our behalf as Our Savior and High Priest.

God's end-time people will keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,215
1,622
113
#12
Simply put.

Christians do not celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday. They celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation that we received by His Grace as the result of His resurrection.

If you feel that you must keep the Sabbath, I do hope that you accept that salvation that He so graciously gave us by His resurrection.
 

Truth01

Active member
May 7, 2022
119
35
28
#14
When man fell God had a plan to restore us back to perfection. It is the plan of salvation. Because of the sin of Adam human beings developed a sinful nature. We no longer had the inbuilt ability to completely resist sin. We were slaves to sin. Jesus came to set us free from sin, not to set us free from right and wrong. If he set us free from right and wrong then he would be returning us once again to sin. Sin is the enemy and it results in death which is the final enemy. Christ died the death we were meant to die because of our sins so that he could set us free from sin. Leaving sin is a process called sanctification. When we recieve the holy spirit christ puts the law in our heart so that we once again regain the internal ability to resist sin that Adam lost and which the law on stone did not inherently provide us. Hence faith in christ naturally results in good works. Faith without works is dead but works can never justify us before God. God does not eexpect us to become good people on our own. He only asks us to come close. Recieve his holy spirit and spend time close to him in prayer and reading your bible. Can two walk together unless they be agreed? This way you will develop the character of christ more and more fully each day. This is the plan of redemption. To restore Gods image in man that was lost by Adam. Not the other way round though where you do a lot of good works in the hope of gaining gods approval and justification. Works can never justify us. An apple tree produces apples because it is an apple tree. A born again christian produces good works because they are born again.
 

Truth01

Active member
May 7, 2022
119
35
28
#15
The rest God offers us is a rest from sin, not a rest in sin. God allows his children to go through furnaces in life to help them become better people. He does not want us to settle and be comfortable in our sins.
 

Truth01

Active member
May 7, 2022
119
35
28
#16
The Gaither vocal band is an amazing group. They are not seventh day adventist and their singers come from different protestant churches but the songs they sing say what I have written above in summary. Listen to them when you have time to spare.
 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,215
1,622
113
#17
Just a reminder. Christians produce fruit.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
Gal 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
 

Truth01

Active member
May 7, 2022
119
35
28
#18
Just a reminder. Christians produce fruit.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
Gal 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
We are not under the law but faith without works is dead. As the apostle Paul said. Show your faith by the works you do. Living a christlike life does not mean we are now under the law.
 

Truth01

Active member
May 7, 2022
119
35
28
#19
Listen to the songs by the Gaither vocal band. These songs give a very graphic account of the interplay between faith and works that take place in a ch