Does Colossians 2:16 abolish the Fourth Commandment?

[reddogs]

Many people claim that the verse Colossians 2:16 abolishes the Fourth Commandment of Gods eternal Ten Commandments which deals with the keeping of Gods seventh day Sabbath, but something that most Christians are also NOT taught is that there are two distinctly separate sets of laws in the Holy Bible. Those laws were the Ten Commandments of God himself, and the Law of Moses, also known as the 'ceremonial law'.

We will first look at the verse itself, then study the bible to see which law the author of the verse is referring too.

Colossians 2:16
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

We notice that this verse along with mentioning the 'sabbath days' also mentions 'meat', 'drink', 'a holy day' and 'the new moon'. If we study Gods Ten Commandments we will notice that none of the commandments have anything to do with meat, drink, a holy day or the new moon. These things all had to do with the festival days kept in the Ceremonial Law of Moses. The Ceremonial Law of Moses had 7 Festival Days that were also known as 'Sabbaths'. So this becomes a definite clue as to which law this particular verse belongs too.

Another clue as to which law this verse is referring to can be found just two verses earlier in Colossians 2:14 which reads:

Colossians 2:14
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;

Notice in this verse it specifically states that it was the 'handwriting of ordinances that was against us' that was nailed to the cross.

To better understand what the 'handwriting of ordinances against us' is lets study how each law came into being. First we will look at the Ten Commandments of God. The bible tells us that:
Exodus 31:18
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.

In this verse we specifically see that the Ten Commandments were written by God himself. God had engraved the commandments in stone with His own finger, they were not 'handwritten' by men. It should also be pointed out here that the Ten Commandments are the only part of the bible that God took the time to write Himself. These alone were written upon the tables, so this should be an indication of their importance to Him.

Next lets look at how the Ceremonial Law of Moses came into existence. In Deuteronomy 31:24-26 we read:

Deuteronomy 31:24-26
24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying,
26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

Notice that it was the ceremonial law that was dictated to and handwritten by Moses that was placed beside the Ark of the Covenant as a witness 'against us', not the Ten Commandments of God. Gods Ten Commandments have never been 'against us'. If we believe that Colossians 2:14 above is actually a depiction of the Ten Commandments being nailed to the cross we have to ask ourselves why would God nail a law to the cross and 'take it out of the way' if that law stated that He was the only God? Also, if we believe that it was the Ten Commandments that were nailed to the cross we also must believe that the commandments concerning murder, theft, adultery, idol worship and others have also been removed, which simply would not make any sense.

Therefore it becomes easy to see with honest and accurate bible study that the law that was nailed to the cross and taken out of our way was the Ceremonial Law of Moses, NOT the Ten Commandments of God or any part of the Ten Commandments, because it was the Ceremonial Law of Moses that was the handwritten witness against us, which Colossians 2:14 shows as being nailed to the cross.

Applying any part of Colossians 2:14 or 2:16 to the Ten Commandments uses both verses completely out of context because the law that is a witness 'against us' is easily defined in the bible as the Ceremonial Law of Moses and also the 'Sabbath days' mentioned in Colossians 2:16 could only refer to the Festival Days of the Ceremonial law and still be used in context with the rest of that verse also.

It is also important to mention that the phrase 'Sabbath days' is used in its plural form to show a multiple set of days as you only find in the Ceremonial Law, whereas in the Ten Commandments there is only one singular Sabbath day.

It makes perfect sense that the Ceremonial Law would be nailed to the cross as it mainly pointed forward to the coming and sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, and also the Ceremonial Law dealt with sacrifices and other rituals of atonement that Israel had to carry out until the crucifixion. But once Jesus died on the cross sacrifices were no longer necessary and the Ceremonial Law was done away with forever and 'nailed to the cross'.

About His Ten Commandment God explicitly states:

Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

He states His commandments are to last forever. And when He was on earth, Jesus also confirms for us:

Matthew 5:18
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.

Have Heaven and Earth 'passed away'? Obviously not, so how can any of the Law of God, His Ten Commandments have changed? Unless we wish to believe Jesus lied or was mistaken we can only accept that Gods Law has never changed. Jesus said none of the Law of God would change. Actually Heaven and Earth are just going to be recreated, they will never actually and cease to exist. What Jesus is saying is just another way to drive the point home that Gods law will last forever since Heaven and Earth will never truly cease to exist. As we can confirm in this next verse:

Isaiah 66:22-23
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

Notice that this verse takes place in the future, after judgment day, when Heaven and Earth have been recreated. They have not ceased to exist but will continue on for eternity. Also notice the verse boldly states that 'all flesh', not just Jews, will be expected to 'come to worship' before God from one Sabbath to another.

If Colossians 2:16 nailed the Ten Commandments and more precisely the Fourth Commandment Sabbath day to the cross, why is God telling us here that we are expected to keep it forever?

Remember the bible tells us in the New Testament book of Revelation that:

Revelation 22:14
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 

[JohnMarsten]

God said about many thing they would last forever, like circumcission... and now what?

 

[Shiny Gospel Shoes]

God said about many thing they would last forever, like circumcission... and now what?

Circumcision does last...

"But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter;whose praise is not of men, but of God." Romans 2:29

"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Philippians 3:3

See also Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4.

The Law is also Spiritual - "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin." Romans 7:14

Questions, in sincerity and charity, to you Marsten.

Who is the following verse speaking of?

"And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem." Isaiah 8:14

How do we know Scripturally? Once you have the answer from the NT, in the words of two or three witnesses, then go back to Isaiah 8, and read a few more verses unto Vs 16... then ask the question, "whose disciples" and "what Testimony and Law"?

However, before ceasing with Isaiah, now go to Isaiah 56:1, then skip to Vs 8, then turn over to John 10:16, then flip back to Isaiah 56, and now read the context inbetween Isaiah 56:1-8, and see who the other sheep are, and what God was to do, and what they were to do.

Now, if you will, go to Jeremiah 31:31-34, and read of the "my law" of God that He would write in the Hearts of those in that Covenant, then ask, what "my laws" is God referring to and how do we know? Go to the following verses to see:

Exodus 16:4

2 Chronicles 6:16

Psalms 78:1

Psalms 89:30

Proverbs 3:1

Proverbs 4:2

Proverbs 7:2

Isaiah 51:7

Jeremiah 6:19

Jeremiah 9:13

Jeremiah 16:11

Jeremiah 26:4

Jeremiah 31:33

Jeremiah 44:10

Ezekiel 22:26

Hosea 8:1

Hosea 8:12

Genesis 26:5

Exodus 16:28

Ezekiel 44:24

Hebrews 8:8

Hebrews 8:9

Hebrews 8:10

Hebrews 8:11

There is also much to consider in Colossians 2, yet, which will even further declare unto us, what Christ Jesus truly demonstrated by his life unto the death of the Cross, His burial, His resurrection, then ascensions, then mediatorial advocacy in His High Priesthood...

For an instance, read Colossians 2:15 slowly, and pick up Psalms 98:1-3 and read...

 

[1Cor22]

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (Gal. 5:4)

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Gal. 5:14)

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (1 John 3:23)

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. (Gal. 5:10)

 

[OldStudent]

First, the life and teaching of Jesus is our primary authority. Not even Paul, or a misunderstanding thereof, has higher authority. Jesus not only refused the slightest edit of the law He seriously refined and enhanced how we are to understand and apply the law (Matthew 5). “Yes, but He said nothing about Sabbath.” Not there. If you do a search on “Sabbath” in the gospels, collate, and examine the returns you will discover Jesus thought very highly of the Sabbath. Not only did He claim to be Lord of the Sabbath, He assumed its honor after His death. In several recorded incidents with the Sabbath He deliberately set the table to force discussion and refine understanding of it. He took death threats for some of His capers and even got other people in trouble. To take such care, such risks to life and ministry for something to be soon put away makes no sense. Either He was mistaken in His understanding or He meant what He said – “Remember…”

Therefore Colossians 2:16 cannot have any bearing on any aspect of Sabbath observance. It can, however, say something of our thought processes regarding people whose approach to the Sabbath (and other listed matters) differs from ours.

 

[OldStudent]

It is so predictable that passages regarding justification come up as part of efforts to set aside Sabbath. There is an unfortunate and common misunderstanding regarding the Gospel. It goes something like this: We are justified without works therefore we need have little concern for the law as obedience to it is irrelevant.

Justification is a key aspect of the Gospel. It is not the Gospel. Justification clears our past record of guilt – guilt of breaking the law. It is because of the law (our breaking the law) that justification is required. While justification occurs outside of obedience to the law, it is required because of the law. To be (1) born again, to be (2) transformed in the likeness of Christ is a moot point without justification. Justification is the starting point that makes the phenomena of new birth and transformation even feasible.

Justification is an integral part of being born again, of the conversion experience. From this point we submit to God as our God. We accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. As our Lord He has the desire and right to expect we honor His desires and requirements. From the point of conversion and justification we must go on to becoming conformed to His will, His law. Another key point is that we cannot be obedient merely by our choice. The old covenant (All the Lord has said we will do) doesn’t work. What does work is that we let Him write His law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31, Hebrews 8, 10). That way it becomes our nature, even our functional desire, to do His will.

The fully functional Gospel entails both justification and transformation which brings us into conformity to His will, His law. “…Thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people FROM their sins” (Matt 1:21) - not just in record but in reality. Therefore, it stands: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” Rev 22:14. (Sorry about the corrupt renderings of this passage. It was by disobedience that access to the tree was lost. It is by obedience that we can again be entrusted with it.) Sabbath included - perhaps, even, especially.

 

[1Cor22]

Greetings in Christ Jesus,

According to Jesus Christ, why is a man condemned?

Is it because he does not attend an sda or other church building on saturdays?

Is it because he was not submerged under water by another man?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (Gal. 4:21)

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matt. 5:28)

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (Rom. 2:23)

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (Jas. 2:10)

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom. 13:8-10)

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well (Jas. 2:8)

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Rom. 5:18)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom. 10:13)

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. (Eph. 2:8-9)

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (Prov. 19:8)

God bless, in Christ Jesus

 

[OldStudent]

Legalism (salvation by works, adherence to the law) fails and is to be feared. Antinomianism (lawlessness) is by definition failure and is to be feared.

John 3:16 is the best known passage of Scripture. Some of the most crucial understanding of the Gospel is uncovered when the whole passage is put together. For our purposes I bring in the next few verses: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Our deeds reveal the nature and set of our heart and desires. The one not saved is revolted when his deeds come under the light of Christ. The one who receives Christ “doeth truth” and can revel in the light because his deeds “are wrought is God” – the work of God in him. The things we do don’t save us. The things we do reveal the state of mind – the state of the heart.

In Genesis 1 and 2 God identified for man their place in creation. In Genesis 2:17 God identified a tree they were to stay away from. In Genesis 3:4 and 5 the wannabe god said: “Psst. Don’t worry about it. This is good stuff.” And they lost Eden. In Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 20:8-11 God identified a day and said, “Remember…” The wannabe god says: “Psst. Don’t worry about it.”

As God was extricating Israel from Egypt there was one last ruinous plague to fall. For this one there was special preparation. Part of that preparation was for God’s people to mark the door posts of their homes with the blood of the L/lamb. When the death angel saw that blood he passed over. They were then released from the land of their slavery – the Exodus.

Our Exodus is the Second Coming. There are ruinous plagues coming. God is placing a mark upon His people. When the “death angel” sees that mark he will pass over. Evidence of that mark is to be seen: they remember the day He identified and set aside. Those the death angel passes over will make their exodus – they meet the Lord in the air. The rest go down in horror and fire.

"If you love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15.

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" Rev 22:14.

 

[1Cor22]

they remember the day He identified and set aside. – they meet the Lord in the air. The rest go down in horror and fire.

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (Gal. 4:21)

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 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 (Exod. 20:8-10)

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (Rom. 2:23)

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (Jas. 2:10)

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Acts 15:10)

This persuasion cometh not from Him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal. 5:8-9)

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:24-26)

they remember the day He identified and set aside. – they meet the Lord in the air. The rest go down in horror and fire.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26)

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (1 Cor. 10:21)

Seventh-day Adventists Reproved (Part 1 of 3) - YouTube

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (2 Cor. 6:17)

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Matt. 11:6)

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (Prov. 19:8)

"If you love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15.

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" Rev 22:14.

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (1 John 3:23)

For this, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” “Thou shalt not kill,” “Thou shalt not steal,” “Thou shalt not bear false witness,” “Thou shalt not covet,” and if there be any other commandment, all are briefly comprehended in this saying, namely: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom. 13:9-10)

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Rom. 5:18)

These things I have written unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom. 10;13)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8)

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)

God bless, in Christ Jesus

 

[DarylFawcett]

Colossians 2:16 abolishes the ceremonial sabbaths, but not the 4th commandment that was written in stone with the other 9 commandments.

The manna falling from the skiy each day with a double portion falling on the 6th dah and none on the 7th day before the 10 commandments were even written in stone shows that the weekly 7th day Sabbath was in effect even prior to the falling of that manna from the sky.

 

[1Cor22]

Greetings in Christ Jesus,

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (1 John 3:23)

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (Rom. 13:8)

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)

Colossians 2:16 abolishes the ceremonial sabbaths, but not the 4th commandment that was written in stone with the other 9 commandments.

The manna falling from the skiy each day with a double portion falling on the 6th dah and none on the 7th day before the 10 commandments were even written in stone shows that the weekly 7th day Sabbath was in effect even prior to the falling of that manna from the sky.

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (Gal. 4:21)

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (Jas. 2:10)

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 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 (Exod. 20:8-10)

Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (Rom. 2:23)

Roger Morneau Reproved (Part 2 of 2) - YouTube

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels (Prov. 1:5)

God bless, in Christ Jesus

 

[Cribstyl]

Colossians 2:16 abolishes the ceremonial sabbaths, but not the 4th commandment that was written in stone with the other 9 commandments.

The manna falling from the sky each day with a double portion falling on the 6th daY and none on the 7th day before the 10 commandments were even written in stone shows that the weekly 7th day Sabbath was in effect even prior to the falling of that manna from the sky.

Really? Ex16 shows that manna and the Sabbath was first given together. Tell us Elder Fawcett where does it show that Sabbath was before manna?

What was abolished?

The fact is Elder, the whole first covenant (THE LAW)was set aside.
His death was not only to replace ceromonies.
Eph 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;


Heb 9:1
¶ Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
There should be no confusion that the first covenant is what was put into the ark of the covenant. The law.
The first covenant HAD ALSO ordinances makes it clear that not only the ordinance of devine service was set aside, but rather the whole covenant is implied.

Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
If the new covenant replaces the one given at Sinai then the old one is abolished (no longer in force)

 

[stinsonmarri]

Colossians 2:16 abolishes the ceremonial sabbaths, but not the 4th commandment that was written in stone with the other 9 commandments.

The manna falling from the skiy each day with a double portion falling on the 6th dah and none on the 7th day before the 10 commandments were even written in stone shows that the weekly 7th day Sabbath was in effect even prior to the falling of that manna from the sky.

There is nowhere in the Bible ceremonial sabbaths it does not make sense. Everyone has misunderstood Paul from the very beginning. Paul was talking about the Mosaic laws were blotted out. He was not talking about YAHWEH'S Holy Convocations that were also introduce during Creation. Gen 1:14 which also included the Sabbath. YAHWEH said these days were HIS and they are binding today and not the passover which was a supper and not a day. The Jews after the Babylonian exile came up with this lie. Paul was saying not to judge anyone for keeping these Holy Appointed Time, because the Jews wanted the Colssians to also keep Moses law that was a burden. Paul said in Galatian that if anyone even an angel take away from the Gospel let them be curse. Show me where the Bible said or use the word Sabbath for any other day but the seventh day Sabbath. This is a lie that SDA has come up with because Paul mention "the Sabbaths" at the end of his statement and SDA are shock because they do not study as they should. They think they are rich and need nothing! What the need is eye salve so their eyes can be open to truth!!!!! Blessings and have a happy Sabbath! I'm back!!!

 

[Cribstyl]

Colossians 2:16 abolishes the ceremonial sabbaths, but not the 4th commandment that was written in stone with the other 9 commandments.

The manna falling from the skiy each day with a double portion falling on the 6th dah and none on the 7th day before the 10 commandments were even written in stone shows that the weekly 7th day Sabbath was in effect even prior to the falling of that manna from the sky.

These truths below are established before giving the tablets to Moses. It makes it clear about whom Sabbath was given to.

Exo 31:12
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Exo 31:13
“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Exo 31:14
‘You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.
Exo 31:15
‘Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
Exo 31:16
‘Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.
Exo 31:17
‘It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ ”
Exo 31:18
And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.

How could Sabbath be a creation ordinance and a sign between God and the children of Israel alone?

The fact that Sabbath is also a covenant leaves no doubt about who it was made between.

 

[Ubuntu]

[...]

Exo 31:17
‘It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ ”

[...]

How could Sabbath be a creation ordinance and a sign between God and the children of Israel alone?

The fact that Sabbath is also a covenant leaves no doubt about who it was made between.

As Christians we are a part of the spiritual Israel, and share the promises given to Israel. It's a mistake to believe that “Israel” and “the Church” are two different things, they are one. All true followers of Christ are children of Abraham and belong to Israel:

“It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all those who are descended from Israel are truly Israel, nor are all the children Abraham's true descendants; rather "through Isaac will your descendants be counted." This means it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God; rather, the children of promise are counted as descendants.” Romans 9:6-7

“God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew! […] Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them and participated in the richness of the olive root, do not boast over the branches. But if you boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:2, 17-18

Thus, as Children of Israel, Christians are still to keep the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant. It is true that that the Bible speaks of an “old” covenant and a “new”, but there are many covenants in the Bible, and the Sabbath covenant is never called “old”. (For instance there is an eternal covenant between God and man that pre-dates the covenant given at Sinai; it was in existence before the flood, and confirmed to Noah, see Genesis 9:8-11.)

In fact, there isn't really a difference between how the ancient Israelites were saved and how we are saved today. The Jews weren't saved by works, nor are we saved by works today. A covenant is a two sided agreement, we place ourselves under the lordship of God, and he promises to take care of us and protect us. Such covenants between God and man are always based on faith.

What was changed at the cross was that the death of Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system, and the sacrificial laws that pointed to him were no longer needed. This is why the covenant at Sinai is called an “old” covenant. But the Sabbath is no part of the “old” covenant, it cannot be called a temporary shadow since it was instituted in Eden before sin entered the world, before were in need of someone to save us from our sins.

Finally, when Jesus argued against the legalism of the Jews of his day, he denied that the Sabbath was given to Jews alone, he said it was made for man:

“He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27

 

[Ubuntu]

Really? Ex16 shows that manna and the Sabbath was first given together. Tell us Elder Fawcett where does it show that Sabbath was before manna?

What was abolished?

The fact is Elder, the whole first covenant (THE LAW)was set aside.
His death was not only to replace ceromonies.
Eph 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;


Heb 9:1
¶ Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
There should be no confusion that the first covenant is what was put into the ark of the covenant. The law.
The first covenant HAD ALSO ordinances makes it clear that not only the ordinance of devine service was set aside, but rather the whole covenant is implied.

Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
If the new covenant replaces the one given at Sinai then the old one is abolished (no longer in force)

Sabbatarians don't deny that there is a set of laws that were nullified by the cross.

The first verse you quoted (Ephesians 2:15) deals with the laws that set the Jews apart as a special people, where gentiles were denied access to the covenant and the promises. In this passage Paul says that all of this changed at the cross, the “old” Israel and the believing gentiles are made one new man.

Secondly, the mosaic covenant included many kinds of laws and regulations. You have the ten commandments, a moral law; you also had sacrificial laws, civil laws, dietary and hygienic laws, et cetera. Yes, the Jews were obliged to keep all of these laws under the mosaic covenant, but the fact that Christians are under a new covenant doesn't mean that all the laws automatically are nullified. The coming of Jesus and the death on the cross changed many things, so naturally a lot of laws were no longer needed, for instance the laws regarding the sacrifices.

It seems as if you are a bit unclear about this, but there is a difference between a law and a covenant. A law is a set of rules regulating our behaviour, while a covenant is an agreement between two parts. True, the Ark containing the ten commandments was called the “ark of the covenant”, but the ten commandments are as much a central part of the covenant given to the Jews, as it is a part of the New Covenant of the Christian era. In fact, the earthly ark of the covenant is just a copy of the heavenly one, and before Jesus returns this heavenly ark of the covenant will be revealed to mankind. Thus mankind will have to acknowledge that the law of God is immutable, that it is still valid today:

“God's temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.” Revelation 11:19

Note, it isn't written that the “ark of the "old" covenant” was revealed, it says “the ark of his covenant”. Thus, God still have a “constitution” for all the living beings to follow, a moral law of love, which the Sabbath is a part of.


P.S. In Hebrews 9:1, "covenant" isn't a part of the original Greek text, it is an insertion by the translators. The Greek has just "first", and some Greek manuscripts has "first tent"...

 

[stinsonmarri]

These truths below are established before giving the tablets to Moses. It makes it clear about whom Sabbath was given to.

Exo 31:12
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Exo 31:13
“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Exo 31:14
‘You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.
Exo 31:15
‘Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
Exo 31:16
‘Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.
Exo 31:17
‘It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ ”
Exo 31:18
And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.

How could Sabbath be a creation ordinance and a sign between God and the children of Israel alone?

The fact that Sabbath is also a covenant leaves no doubt about who it was made between.

The Sabbath and all the Holy Convocations was not only made for man but for the Universe. The angels keep ELOHIM'S Holy Commandments and so do all of the other beings that were created on other planets. Psa 103:20
We are so hung on us that we cannot see the bigger picture:

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the Seventh day ELOHIM ended THEIR work which THEY had made; and THEY celebrated on the Seventh day from all THEIR work which THEY had made. And ELOHIM blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it THEY celebrated from all THEIR work which ELOHIM created and made.
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that YAHWEH ELOHIM made the earth and the heavens, Gen 2:1-4

ELOHIM, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by HIS SON, whom HE hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also HE made the worlds; Who being the brightness of HIS GLORY, and THE EXPRESS RESEMBLANCE of HIS SUPREME BEING, and upholding all things by the Word of HIS POWER, when HE had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of THE MAJESTY ON HIGH; having become so much better than the angels, as HE hath by inheritance obtained a MORE EXCELLENT NAME than they.Heb 1:1-4

In the beginning ELOHIM created the heavens and the earth. And the earth came to be formless and empty, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And THE SPIRIT ELOHIM was moving on the face of the waters.Gen 1:1, 2

For there are THREE that bear record in Heaven, THE FATHER, THE WORD and the HOLY SPIRIT: and THESE THREE work together in unity. 1Jn 5:7

Every planet with beings created and made honor the Sabbath including the earth which was a celebration and not a day of rest!

However this was giving to the universe as well: Gen 1:14

(ERV) Then ELOHIM Said, "Let there be lights in the sky. These lights will separate the days from the nights. They will be used for signs to show when special meetings begin and to show the days and years.

(GNB) Then ELOHIM Commanded, "Let lights appear in the sky to separate day from night and to show the time when days, years, and Holy Convocations to begin;

(GW) Then ELOHIM Said, "Let there be lights in the sky to separate the day from the night. They will be signs and will mark Holy Convocations to begin, days, and years.

(The Scriptures 1998+) And Elohim said, “Let lights come to be in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and Holy Appointed Times, and for days and years,

The Sabbath was a Holy Convocation of Appointed Time to be celebrated each week, while other Holy Convocation were Appointed yearly and all of these days were YAHWEH'S!

Happy Sabbath and be bless.