What does keeping the Sabbath mean?

pehkay

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I guess ... if you consider it from the principle and the meaning of the Sabbath ... For six days God worked in creation. After God had done everything and all things were completed, accomplished, and finished, He kept the Sabbath. Therefore, the Sabbath is the result of God’s work. In this result, that is, on the Sabbath day, God rested.

Exodus 31:17 says, “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” God not only needs to rest but also to be refreshed. The result of the divine work, which is the Sabbath, was that God could rest and refresh Himself. This result was an enjoyment for God, and God rejoiced in this result.

After we have finished a certain work, we then enjoy it. This is especially true with the those who cook. After they have done everything in their kitchen, they sit down at the table and enjoy what they have done. The table is the “Sabbath” to them. They sit there, enjoy it, and are refreshed. However, after a mother has finished her cooking, she does not go to the table by herself. She goes to the table with her children. The table is not an enjoyment to her alone; it is an enjoyment to her with her children. Without her children she could not rest. Even though the cooking is completed and the whole table is prepared, could a proper mother sit down, eat well, and enjoy rest and refreshment if her children were missing? The table is not for the mother alone but is for her and her children. On the first Sabbath day, after the conclusion of the creation, God did not rest alone. All creation rested with Him, and God especially rested with the man He created.

To God the Sabbath was the seventh day. To man, however, the Sabbath was the first day. Man was the final item of God’s creation and was created on the sixth day, probably toward the end of the sixth day. Therefore, immediately after man had been created, he entered into the Sabbath. All the divine work was done by God. Nothing was done by man. Therefore, the Sabbath is the result of the divine work and is the rest to God with man. Man’s obligation to God is not to work but to enjoy. The obligation of the work has been borne by God already. God’s portion is to work and enjoy, but man’s portion is simply to enjoy.

However, after the enjoyment there is a further work. After Adam had been created by God, he entered into the Sabbath, the first day to him, to rest and to enjoy. But after that day, he began to work, to till the ground (Gen. 2:15). With God, work is first and enjoyment is second. With man, enjoyment is first and work is second. This is the vision of the principle of grace. God did the work and then enjoyed. We enjoy what God has done; then we work.

This principle applies not only to creation but also to redemption. The Lord has accomplished everything for redemption. After the completion of His redemption, the Lord enjoyed the result. The Lord worked first and enjoyed later. We, however, enjoy first and work later. Concerning redemption and grace, we have nothing to do. Everything is finished. We simply enter into the Lord’s accomplishment and have our rest. To receive the gospel is to enter into the work which the Lord has finished. Take it as the Sabbath, as your rest, and enjoy it with the Lord. But after you enjoy it, you have to bear some obligation to work. After our enjoyment, we should offer ourselves to the Lord to do His work.

So it is not a ritual to keep but a type of our spiritual experience today.
 
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Johnnz

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For the ancients such a 'rest' meant all was in place and the proper order of things was now operating. In Genesis God had completed his creative activity, His image bearers were established as His priests in his temple/palace and now humanity could get on with their divine mandates to steward God's creation is co-operation with Him.

The cessation of activity we see in the Mosaic laws reflects a time of trust in God to ensure life will be sustained and His people can be thankful for such a gracious Creator and God. Quite a contrast to our modern "squeeze every last second and opportunity out of each moment of time we have".

John
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bugkiller

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I guess ... if you consider it from the principle and the meaning of the Sabbath ... For six days God worked in creation. After God had done everything and all things were completed, accomplished, and finished, He kept the Sabbath. Therefore, the Sabbath is the result of God’s work. In this result, that is, on the Sabbath day, God rested.

Exodus 31:17 says, “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” God not only needs to rest but also to be refreshed. The result of the divine work, which is the Sabbath, was that God could rest and refresh Himself. This result was an enjoyment for God, and God rejoiced in this result.

After we have finished a certain work, we then enjoy it. This is especially true with the those who cook. After they have done everything in their kitchen, they sit down at the table and enjoy what they have done. The table is the “Sabbath” to them. They sit there, enjoy it, and are refreshed. However, after a mother has finished her cooking, she does not go to the table by herself. She goes to the table with her children. The table is not an enjoyment to her alone; it is an enjoyment to her with her children. Without her children she could not rest. Even though the cooking is completed and the whole table is prepared, could a proper mother sit down, eat well, and enjoy rest and refreshment if her children were missing? The table is not for the mother alone but is for her and her children. On the first Sabbath day, after the conclusion of the creation, God did not rest alone. All creation rested with Him, and God especially rested with the man He created.

To God the Sabbath was the seventh day. To man, however, the Sabbath was the first day. Man was the final item of God’s creation and was created on the sixth day, probably toward the end of the sixth day. Therefore, immediately after man had been created, he entered into the Sabbath. All the divine work was done by God. Nothing was done by man. Therefore, the Sabbath is the result of the divine work and is the rest to God with man. Man’s obligation to God is not to work but to enjoy. The obligation of the work has been borne by God already. God’s portion is to work and enjoy, but man’s portion is simply to enjoy.

However, after the enjoyment there is a further work. After Adam had been created by God, he entered into the Sabbath, the first day to him, to rest and to enjoy. But after that day, he began to work, to till the ground (Gen. 2:15). With God, work is first and enjoyment is second. With man, enjoyment is first and work is second. This is the vision of the principle of grace. God did the work and then enjoyed. We enjoy what God has done; then we work.

This principle applies not only to creation but also to redemption. The Lord has accomplished everything for redemption. After the completion of His redemption, the Lord enjoyed the result. The Lord worked first and enjoyed later. We, however, enjoy first and work later. Concerning redemption and grace, we have nothing to do. Everything is finished. We simply enter into the Lord’s accomplishment and have our rest. To receive the gospel is to enter into the work which the Lord has finished. Take it as the Sabbath, as your rest, and enjoy it with the Lord. But after you enjoy it, you have to bear some obligation to work. After our enjoyment, we should offer ourselves to the Lord to do His work.

So it is not a ritual to keep but a type of our spiritual experience today.
Thank you very much for your speedy reply.

I need to restrain my self at this time from responding in any detail. Hope to remember to come back and dialogue with you some.

bugkiller
 
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bugkiller

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For the ancients such a 'rest' meant all was in place and the proper order of things was now operating. In Genesis God had completed his creative activity, His image bearers were established as His priests in his temple/palace and now humanity could get on with their divine mandates to steward God's creation is co-operation with Him.

The cessation of activity we see in the Mosaic laws reflects a time of trust in God to ensure life will be sustained and His people can be thankful for such a gracious Creator and God. Quite a contrast to our modern "squeeze every last second and opportunity out of each moment of time we have".

John
NZ
Interesting. Thank you very much.

bugkiller
 
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ByTheSpirit

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I would say keeping the Sabbath means setting aside a time to reflect upon and worship the Lord. In the OT, keeping the Sabbath was just that. A time to rest and reflect upon God's work (Exodus 20:10-11; Isaiah 56:2, 58:13)

When Jesus came obviously one of His biggest disagreements with the Pharisees was over the Sabbath. The disciples picked ears of corn and ate them (Mt 12:1-8; Mk 2:23-28; Lk 6:1-5) Jesus healed many on the Sabbaths. He was trying to tell the Pharisees their view of the Sabbath was off. God never intended for absolutely no work to be done on the Sabbath, (Isaiah 58:13) instead it is always lawful to do a good deed to someone else, a time to do God's pleasure, not our own.

Paul wrote in Romans and Colossians that no one should be judged by what day they consider holy because that was all fulfilled in Christ. (Rom 14:5-8; Col 2:16-17) The Sabbath observation was a legalistic requirement of the Jews, something that must be done to be acceptable in the eyes of God and to obey His Law. Paul stated that the Sabbath was one of a few shadows of things to come in Christ. Jesus Himself even stated in Matthew 5 that He came to fulfill the Law, so we obviously must still observe the Sabbath of God.

Finally in Hebrews 4 we see the Word of God from verses 1-11 talk about a future rest for God's people that can only be entered through belief... Belief in what, Who? Belief in Christ. In verses 9-10 of Hebrews 4 we see "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his" Those who believe in Jesus are promised that they will inherit eternal life, (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25) that they are adopted by God into His family (Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Believers in Christ are the people of God who will receive that future Sabbath rest. So I believe that we as Christians keep the Sabbath rest in a futuristic sense. Because of our belief, we keep that Sabbath of God.

Really Hebrews holds the key to this question. When Jesus shed His blood the new covenant was enacted (Mt 26:28; He 8:7-13) So the world passed from the Old to the New, that is why seventh day sabbath observation is no longer required, Jesus took that and made it what it was always meant to be, a time to honor the Lord and worship Him, a time when God's people gathered in truth of heart to rest from their labor and bask in His glory.
 
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bugkiller

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I would say keeping the Sabbath means setting aside a time to reflect upon and worship the Lord. In the OT, keeping the Sabbath was just that. A time to rest and reflect upon God's work (Exodus 20:10-11; Isaiah 56:2, 58:13)

When Jesus came obviously one of His biggest disagreements with the Pharisees was over the Sabbath. The disciples picked ears of corn and ate them (Mt 12:1-8; Mk 2:23-28; Lk 6:1-5) Jesus healed many on the Sabbaths. He was trying to tell the Pharisees their view of the Sabbath was off. God never intended for absolutely no work to be done on the Sabbath, (Isaiah 58:13) instead it is always lawful to do a good deed to someone else, a time to do God's pleasure, not our own.

Paul wrote in Romans and Colossians that no one should be judged by what day they consider holy because that was all fulfilled in Christ. (Rom 14:5-8; Col 2:16-17) The Sabbath observation was a legalistic requirement of the Jews, something that must be done to be acceptable in the eyes of God and to obey His Law. Paul stated that the Sabbath was one of a few shadows of things to come in Christ. Jesus Himself even stated in Matthew 5 that He came to fulfill the Law, so we obviously must still observe the Sabbath of God.

Finally in Hebrews 4 we see the Word of God from verses 1-11 talk about a future rest for God's people that can only be entered through belief... Belief in what, Who? Belief in Christ. In verses 9-10 of Hebrews 4 we see "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his" Those who believe in Jesus are promised that they will inherit eternal life, (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25) that they are adopted by God into His family (Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Believers in Christ are the people of God who will receive that future Sabbath rest. So I believe that we as Christians keep the Sabbath rest in a futuristic sense. Because of our belief, we keep that Sabbath of God.

Really Hebrews holds the key to this question. When Jesus shed His blood the new covenant was enacted (Mt 26:28; He 8:7-13) So the world passed from the Old to the New, that is why seventh day sabbath observation is no longer required, Jesus took that and made it what it was always meant to be, a time to honor the Lord and worship Him, a time when God's people gathered in truth of heart to rest from their labor and bask in His glory.
Thank you for your response.

I light of these comments I am looking for more meaningful discussion from you and other who may want to chime in.

Specifically the comments I wish to be expanded on are:

we obviously must still observe the Sabbath of God.

and

we keep that Sabbath of God.

I want to know how we observe the Sabbath of God. I define it as outlined in the 10Cs.

I need to know what day the Sabbath of God is after reading and participating in sabbath and law threads.

bugkiller
 
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ByTheSpirit

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probably because it's a false doctrine in the sense of they believe we HAVE to keep the Sabbath to be saved. I have no problem with someone who worships on the traditional Sabbath as long as they don't put their trust in the day for salvation, over the Lord.
 
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Stryder06

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I give the sabbath promoters an opportunity to explain the sabbath and they seem to have no desire to. Why?

If you were actually interested in the sabbath, you'd be studying your bible and not looking to argue on the forum. Your initial post states "I'm sure I'll have questions for the responses"

You've been given ample explanation as to when the sabbath is, and what we ought to do on it. The commandment is quite clear and Jesus' example demonstrates how it ought to be kept. If that's not good enough for you, nothing said in this thread will help.
 
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Cribstyl

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If you were actually interested in the sabbath, you'd be studying your bible and not looking to argue on the forum. Your initial post states "I'm sure I'll have questions for the responses"

You've been given ample explanation as to when the sabbath is, and what we ought to do on it. The commandment is quite clear and Jesus' example demonstrates how it ought to be kept. If that's not good enough for you, nothing said in this thread will help.
This typical SDA rant belongs in my truth or lies thread.;)

The ample explanation you're talking about is done by confusing what the bible actually teach. Bugkiller's simple question is not 'when the sabbath is', or 'what to do on the sabbath'. It's not what does the 4th commandments say, nor is it how is it to be kept. The question was what does the sabbath mean?

Let me uncomplicate it for you.

The sabbath means My God is the one true God, He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day.
 
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bugkiller

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If you were actually interested in the sabbath, you'd be studying your bible and not looking to argue on the forum. Your initial post states "I'm sure I'll have questions for the responses"

You've been given ample explanation as to when the sabbath is, and what we ought to do on it. The commandment is quite clear and Jesus' example demonstrates how it ought to be kept. If that's not good enough for you, nothing said in this thread will help.
Stryder I have read and studied the Bible. Is your idea of discussion daddy said so and that settles it? I offered that I will probbly have some questions.

So if you don not wish to add any detailed discussion that is fine with me.

I did not ask when the sabbath is. I want to collect in one place what the sabbath means in practice according to the Scripture. I did not offer an attack.

So why the tude, dude?

bugkiller
 
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Cribstyl

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The sabbath was given to the Chidren of Israel not the world.
Exd 31:13 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.

Generations later to Ezekel the Prophet, did God say He gave the world the Sabbath???

Eze 20:12Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.


Eze 20:13But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
 
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bugkiller

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probably because it's a false doctrine in the sense of they believe we HAVE to keep the Sabbath to be saved. I have no problem with someone who worships on the traditional Sabbath as long as they don't put their trust in the day for salvation, over the Lord.
That is an excellent issue to discuss. Can they show any Scripture to back this up?

bugkiller
 
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LittleLambofJesus

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If you were actually interested in the sabbath, you'd be studying your bible and not looking to argue on the forum. Your initial post states "I'm sure I'll have questions for the responses"

You've been given ample explanation as to when the sabbath is, and what we ought to do on it. The commandment is quite clear and Jesus' example demonstrates how it ought to be kept. If that's not good enough for you, nothing said in this thread will help.
If it is so clear, why are there myriads of threads on that topic permeating GT and other boards on CF? ;) :angel:

Google
site:christianforums.com "sabbath" christian forums
About 124,000 results

1st thread showing:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7649304/
What do you believe about the Sabbath?

The Sabbath was changed to Sunday

There is no more Sabbath

The Sabbath is Saturday

Unsure
 
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Stryder06

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This typical SDA rant belongs in my truth or lies thread.;)

A rant that was not...

The ample explanation you're talking about is done by confusing what the bible actually teach. Bugkiller's simple question is not 'when the sabbath is', or 'what to do on the sabbath'. It's not what does the 4th commandments say, nor is it how is it to be kept. The question was what does the sabbath mean?

He also stated the following -
I want to know how we observe the Sabbath of God. I define it as outlined in the 10Cs.

I need to know what day the Sabbath of God is after reading and participating in sabbath and law threads.

So it would seem that he does want to know when and what to do.


Let me uncomplicate it for you.

The sabbath means My God is the one true God, He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day.

Nothing to disagree with there.
 
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Stryder06

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Stryder I have read and studied the Bible. Is your idea of discussion daddy said so and that settles it? I offered that I will probbly have some questions.

One never finishes studying the bible. You can study it for years and still be incorrect on certain matters of faith/doctrine. Thus we must continue to study so that all darkness will be swept away by the Light of God's truth.

So if you don not wish to add any detailed discussion that is fine with me.

What I don't wish is to continue to see the same people go back and forth about the sabbath. It hurts my heart to see such blatant disrespect for God's law coupled with a false pretense of wanting to know the truth.

I did not ask when the sabbath is. I want to collect in one place what the sabbath means in practice according to the Scripture. I did not offer an attack.

So why the tude, dude?

bugkiller

No attitude at all. And you did say the following did you not?
I want to know how we observe the Sabbath of God. I define it as outlined in the 10Cs.

I need to know what day the Sabbath of God is after reading and participating in sabbath and law threads.

In this statement, unless I'm misunderstanding you, you'd like to discuss these subjects as well. If you don't, then I'm curious as to why you would mention them. Please correct any mistakes I made in understanding what you were saying here.
 
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Stryder06

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If it is so clear, why are there myriads of threads on that topic permeating GT and other boards on CF? ;) :angel:

Google
Search "sabbath" christianforums.com
About 124,000 results

1st thread showing:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7649304/
What do you believe about the Sabbath?

For the same reason that there are hundreds of denominations all claiming to serve the same God, but teaching radically different things about Him. For some it's pride, for others it's a lack of understanding. The clarity of truth will not make it easy to accept.
 
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Cribstyl

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He also stated the following -

So it would seem that he does want to know when and what to do.




Nothing to disagree with there.
Here is the OP again Stryder; One simple question with clear paramiters.

What does keeping the Sabbath mean?
I want to know the answer to the title question.

I also want to know how this is arrived at according to Scripture.

I am sure I will have questions for the responses.

Thank you kindly for your answers.

bugkiller
 
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