How to Observe the Sabbath

[bjh]

Following along the lines of Dad Ernie...

Should preachers get paid for the work they do on Sundays?


Now the question is, "How many preachers are against working on Sundays?"

 

[seangoh]

As to your original question, i hope this report helps you which is from an Adventist's perspective.

This is just a part of the article which was taken here
http://biblicalresearch.gc.adventist.org/documents/sabbathobservance.htm
What i've included are the ones that applies to your question.

==============
Document note:
It is not intended to serve as a set of ecclesiastical legislations, but instead to make available the results of exploring the elements involved in faithful Sabbath observance.
Although its work was based on careful study of the Scriptures, accompanied by the counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy, the Commission was specifically asked to address and make recommendations on how best to deal with contemporary issues that impact Sabbath observance today. Therefore the reader will find a number of quite specific recommendations that address specific matters, although many more could easily come to mind. The study was presented in the interest of encouraging worldwide unity of understanding and practice among Seventh-day Adventists, who now represent the largest Sabbath-observing faith community in the world, being present in more than 200 of the world's nations.

Sabbath Observance—Guidelines

Purpose and Perspective

The main objective of this document on Sabbath observance is to provide counsel or guidelines to church members desiring a richer, more meaningful experience in Sabbathkeeping. It is hoped that this will provide an impetus toward a real reform in Sabbathkeeping on a worldwide basis.
Conscious of the fact that the worldwide worshiping community encounters numerous problems in Sabbath observance arising from within a given cultural and ideological context, an attempt has been made to take these difficulties into consideration. It is not the intent of this document to address every question pertaining to Sabbathkeeping, but rather to present biblical principles and Spirit of Prophecy guidelines that will assist the church members as they endeavor to follow the leading of the Lord.
It is hoped that the counsel given in the document will be helpful. Ultimately, however, decisions made under critical circumstances must be motivated by one's personal faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sabbath—A Safeguard of Our Relationship With God

The Sabbath encompasses our entire relationship with God. It is an indication of God's action on our behalf in the past, present, and future. The Sabbath protects man's friendship with God and provides the time essential for the development of that relationship. The Sabbath clarifies the relation between God and the human family, for it points to God as Creator at a time when human beings would like to usurp God's position in the universe.
In this age of materialism, the Sabbath points men and women to the spiritual and to the personal. The consequences for forgetting the Sabbath day to keep it holy are serious. It will lead to the distortion and eventual destruction of a person's relationship with God.
When the Sabbath is kept, it is a witness to the rest that comes from trusting God alone as our sustainer, as the basis of our salvation, and as the ground of our hope in the future. As such, the Sabbath is a delight because we have entered God's rest and have accepted the invitation to fellowship with Him.
When God asks us to remember the Sabbath day, He does so because He wants us to remember Him.

Principles and Theology of Sabbath Observance

Nature and Purpose of the Sabbath. The origin of the Sabbath lies in Creation when God rested from His work on the seventh day (Gen. 1-3). The Sabbath has significance as a perpetual sign of the everlasting covenant between God and His people in order that they might know who it is that created them (Ex. 31:17) and sanctifies them (Ex. 31:13; Eze. 20:12), and that they might recognize Him as the Lord their God (Eze. 20:20).

Uniqueness of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a special occasion for worshiping God as Creator and Redeemer and as the Lord of life with whom the human family will be reunited at the Second Advent. The Sabbath commandment forms the center of the moral law as the seal of God's authority. Since it is a symbol of God's love relationship with His earthly children, human beings are obliged to respect this gift in the sense that they will do everything in their power to promote and engage in activities that will help establish and enhance a lasting relationship with God. Thus His people will engage only in those activities that are directed toward God and their fellowmen, and not in those that lean toward self-gratification or self-interest.

Universality of the Sabbath. The universality of the Sabbath is rooted in Creation. Thus its privileges and obligations are binding in all nations, sectors, or classes. (See Ex. 20:11; 23:12; Deut. 5:15; Isa. 56:1-8.) Sabbath observance pertains to all members of the household, including children, and extends even "to the stranger that is within thy gates" (Ex. 20:10).

Time Frame of the Sabbath. Biblical Data: The Sabbath starts at the end of the sixth day of the week and lasts one day, from evening to evening (Genesis 1; Mark 1:32). This time coincides with the time of sunset. Wherever a clear delineation of the time of sunset is difficult to ascertain, the Sabbathkeeper will begin the Sabbath at the end of the day as marked by the diminishing light.

Principles Guiding Sabbath Observance. Although the Bible does not deal directly with many of the specific questions we may have regarding Sabbath observance in our day, it does provide us with general principles that are applicable today. (See Ex. 16:29; 20:8-11; 34:21; Isa. 58:13; Neh. 13:15-22.)
"The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds" (The Desire of Ages, p. 207).
This concept, however, is not supportive of total inactivity. Both the Old and New Testaments invite us to care for the needs and alleviate the sufferings of others, for the Sabbath is a good day for all, particularly the lowly and the oppressed (Ex. 23:12; Matt. 12:10-13; Mark 2:27; Luke 13:11-17; John 9:1-21).
Yet even good works on the Sabbath must not obscure the chief biblical characteristic of Sabbath observance, namely, rest (Gen. 2:1-3). This includes both physical (Ex. 23:12) and spiritual rest in God (Matt. 11:28). The latter leads the Sabbath observer to seek the presence of and communion with God in worship (Isa. 48:14), both in quiet meditation (Matt. 12:1-8) and in public worship (2 Kings 4:23; 11:4-12; 1 Chron. 23:30ff.; Isa. 56:1-8). Its object is to recognize God as Creator and Redeemer (Gen. 2:1-3; Deut. 5:12-15), and it is to be shared by the individual family and the larger community (Isa. 56:1-8).

Sabbath and the Authority of God's Word. Ellen White points out that the Sabbath commandment is unique, for it contains the seal of God's law. It alone "brings to view both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thus shows His claim to reverence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept, there is nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose authority the law is given" (The Great Controversy, p. 452).
The Sabbath as a sign of the Creator points to His ownership and authority. Meaningful Sabbath observance, therefore, indicates the acceptance of God as Creator and Owner, and acknowledges His authority over all creation, including oneself. Sabbath observance is based on the authority of God's Word. There is no other logical reason for it.
Human beings have the freedom to enter into a relationship with the Creator of the universe as with a personal friend.
Sabbathkeepers may have to face resistance at times because of their commitment to God to keep the Sabbath holy. To those who do not recognize God as their Creator, it seems arbitrary or inexplicable for someone to cease from all work on the Sabbath day for merely religious reasons. Meaningful Sabbath observance testifies to the fact that we have chosen to obey God's commandment. We thus recognize that our life is now lived in obedience to God's Word. The Sabbath will be a special test in the end-time. The believer will have to make a choice either to give allegiance to God's Word or to human authority (Rev. 14:7, 12).

======================

 

[WildHeart75]

Ernie, Yahshua says He did not come to take away the Law or the Prophets. Nothing changed as far as Feasts and Holy Days go. The only thing that changed was His blood cleansed us and washed away our sins. The Sabbath is for Yahweh and the day He rested from making all things, NOT for Yahshua and His death. Remember Yahshua celebrated the Sabbath too. He broke bread and told His disciples to do this in rememberance of Me, but He did not tell them to start doing it on a different day.

 

[Wreck n Sow]

Hi Christian only
you wrote
Jesus abolished the Law on the cross by His death. But someone says, "wait a minute, what about Mat 5:17, Think not that I am come to destroy the law...but to fulfil." He means that He would not destroy the Law WITHOUT fulfilling it, but rather abolish it BY fulfilling it.

Well, scripture does not confirm what youve said. Quite the opposite.

MATT.5 [17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [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.[19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

What did Jesus mean when he said he came to fulfill the law? Did he mean he came to do away with the law or make the law even greater? First he says he has not come to destoy the law. OK. Then he goes on to say the law is intact until heaven and earth pass. I know the earth is still here, so according to Jesus we are still under the law christian only. And when we look at verses 21 and 22 we can see how Jesus fulfilled the law. He tells us not only to keep the letter of the law (thou shall not kill) but we are also to keep the spirit of the law (don’t even get angry).

MATT.5 [27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Yup, again he fills full another one of the 10 commandments. Adultry (the letter of the law) and lust of the eyes (the spirit of the law).

ROMANS 7 [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.

The law is spiritual Christian only. The letter of the law is so much easier to keep than the spirit of the law, but that is exactly what Jesus is telling us to do. And if you sit and think about it you will realize you cant keep the spirit of the law if you are not first walking in the letter of the law.

ISAIAH 42 [20] Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.[21] The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.

Isaiah 42 is speaking of Jesus. Just read the whole chapter. Theres no question about it Christian-only. The above scripture says Jesus will magnify the law. Yup, and the new testament bears this out. He made the commandments even greater

Here is "fulfill" as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
1) archaic : to make full
2) a : to put into effect : EXECUTE
b : to meet the requirements of
c : to measure up to : SATISFY
3) a : to convert into reality
b : to develop the full potentialities of
synonym see PERFORM

Those defining terms make Matt. 5:17 come alive with meaning! Christ came to fulfill, to put into effect, to satisfy, to convert into reality, to develop the full potentialities of the law! Yikes! I guess alls I needed was a dictionary.

 

[Wreck n Sow]

Hi Dad Ernie
You posted a scripture that says Jesus is Lord of the sabbath day. So why bother looking for a different day of rest if HE is Lord of the sabbath?

 

[Wreck n Sow]

Hello bjh
you wrote
Keeping the Sabbath was a commandment for Jews. What were commands given to Gentiles?
1) New Testament instructions to the church as a whole, and...
2) Acts 15 says
a) Abstain from things contaminated by idols
b) Abstain from fornication
c) Abstain from what is strangled
d) Abstain from blood

Hi bjh, Jesus said the sabbath was made for man. Not only the jews.

ACTS 15 [20]But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. [21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Well ? I looked into acts and In the context of the full scripture, it was speaking as to whether gentiles needed to be circumcized. Nothing to do with the 10 commandments or the sabbath. I also found another new testament scripture about the gentiles, idols, blood, etc. and that scripture to was talking about circumsim but that being said,I decided to also look into what idols were all about. Aint the Word of God great!

LEVITICUS 19 [3] Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. [4] Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God.

LEVITICUS 26 [1]Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. [2] Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.

EZEKIEL 20 [16]Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

I don’t know what the connection might be bjh as to why graven images (pollution of idols) are a sign that you don’t keep Gods sabbath but if the WORD says so I believe it. I do know the churches that do keep the sabbath don’t have any standing images or crosses. Well, least the ones I know.

 

[bjh]

The context of Acts 15 is more than just circumcision. As I see it, the thought behind it is "what should we (Jewish believers) have them (Gentile believers) hold to." Circumcision wasn't on the list (So it was not necessary for Titus to be circumcised. Galatians 1:3). Of course, my argument was "keeping the Sabbath" wasn't on the list either. In fact, unlike the other nine of the commandments given to Moses, "Remember the Sabbath" is not found in the New Testament. (Well you have the pharisees making an issue over it, but I'm not sure I'd consider them credible sources for church practice - especially in light of what Jesus tells them. Matthew 12:1-21)

Why isn't "Keeping the Sabbath" a New Testament command? I submit that the Old Testament Sabbath was a picture of Christ. He is our rest (both for Jews and also for the Gentiles). We, who believe, enter His rest. We are not justified by works, but by grace through faith. In regards to the Law, every day is a Sabbath rest for us because Christ fulfilled the Law. (For by the works of the Law will no flesh be justified - Gal 2:16).

Remember also that Jesus, Himself, pointed out that the priests break the Sabbath and are innocent. If we are a kingdom of priests or royal priesthood, as the Bible tells us that we are, (1 Peter 2:9-11; Rev. 1:6; 5:10) why should we worry about keeping the Sabbath? If we, as priests, break the Sabbath and are innocent, that law has no hold on us.

 

[Symes]

Why isn't "Keeping the Sabbath" a New Testament command? I submit that the Old Testament Sabbath was a picture of Christ. He is our rest (both for Jews and also for the Gentiles). We, who believe, enter His rest. We are not justified by works, but by grace through faith. In regards to the Law, every day is a Sabbath rest for us because Christ fulfilled the Law. (For by the works of the Law will no flesh be justified - Gal 2:16).

Remember also that Jesus, Himself, pointed out that the priests break the Sabbath and are innocent. If we are a kingdom of priests or royal priesthood, as the Bible tells us that we are, (1 Peter 2:9-11; Rev. 1:6; 5:10) why should we worry about keeping the Sabbath? If we, as priests, break the Sabbath and are innocent, that law has no hold on us.

What day did Paul worship on?

What day did Jesus worship on?

When did Jesus change the day of worship if He did at all?

Is there a text in the New Testament to say that the day has been changed from the 7th day of the week to the 1st day of the week?

 

[Andyman_1970]

Look at the context in which the Sabbath was given. The Jews had been "brick making machines" for 400 years. 7 days a week, 365 days a year, they made bricks. They were slaves to the Egyptian's to make bricks for them. Now God brings them out of bondage and He gives them this command to take a day set it aside for Me. Why? To remind them that they are not "brick making machines" they are His children.

I agree that Jesus gives us a Sabbath from "works", He has completed everything we need to have fellowship with God.

Look at how Jesus ministered to people. In Mark 1:32 after Jesus healed the sick and demon possesed. Look what Jesus did in v35, Jesus got up early to go pray by Himself. Jesus had just had this draining day of healing people and casting out demons, and the writer here wants you to know that Jesus doesn't get up the next day and go back to healing and casting out demons. Jesus knows there is this rhythm of heavy work, and serving and then He steps out of it all alone to rest.

Now go to Mark 6:30-31, the disiples have been out working and traveling. Jesus says to them to rest after they worked. Was there more work to do? I'm sure there was, what does Jesus say, "slowdown and rest for a while". He doesn't say, let's go we have more to do.

Luke 5:15-16, after the crowds came to Him to be healed Jesus withdrew to rest. Notice the pattern here, and how much time Jesus spent alone. This is again shown in Matthew 14:12-13 after He gets word of His cousin John the Baptist being beheaded.

Jesus knows when He need to rest and when He needs to be alone. Jesus even walks away from a whole villiage that begged Him to stay and take care of them, why? To rest.

Jesus' ministry was only 3 years long. Notice how often He disengages and rests. In today's hectic thinking, "I only have 3 years, so I need to get as much done as I can. All this rest is a waste of valuable time." If this was important to Jesus (resting), how much more important should it be to us?

God did not give us the Sabbath commandment to be a "party pooper" and to spoil our fun. He did it so we would understand that there is a rhythm to life and that we are not to be "machines" we are His children. Notice the rhythm God gives us, work 6 days and rest 1 day (6 and 1), this is the rhythm God created us to live in. Not 7 and 0.

Now is that day of rest a day where you do nothing? No. Think about the context of the Sabbath, the Jews were slaves, and God used that day to let them know they were not brick making machines. What are we slaves to today? Time. Time is about the first thing that comes to my mind. We rush and rush and rush all week every day to make sure we get more stuff done. I have heard some Rabbi's (this whole Sabbath thing is a Hebrew concept you know) describe Sabbath as a day where nothing is urgent. I know one guy who doesn't wear a watch or answer the phone that day to further reinforce that fact that nothing is urgent (like our "normal" lives have become, rush rush rush).

I believe Jesus is our Sabbath rest from the Law, but I also think that God has given us a rhythm to live by. No where do we see Jesus rushing around trying to get more done. Jesus should be our model for how we live our lives.

 

[Andry]

Rom 14:5-8 have been quoted here, but these are great verses, I'll quote it again anyways.

"One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s."

Also, Col 2:16
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,

Rom 14:13-15
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no loner walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

Rom14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We are not 'justified' by a day, or new moons, or food or drink. We cannot merit righteousness. We can only receive righteousness. So a 'day' does not make us righteous.

So what Paul was saying was, we can meet on whatever day we like - the early church met on the first day of the week, Sunday - but we can have 'church' on Monday evening, or Tuesday afternoon, or Thursday midnight if we wanted to, but we are not justified by a day. We should be 'giving' the Lord everyday, as someone mentioned that Jesus is lord over the sabbath, but out of convenience, most of us happen to meet and fellowship on Sundays.

By the same token, we are not justified by eating or abstaining from certain foods either. The only prohibition was if it offends your conscience then it's sin to you, and gluttony (it's an addiction - makes for lousy witness as it shows bondage).

 

[Remnant]

I believe that we must look at how Paul looked at it in Hebrews 3 and 4. Paul explains how the Sabbath is to be used by all believers.

Heb 4:1
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.

So it seems at that time there was dispute over whether or not Christians should observe the 4th commandment.

Heb 4:3
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.

Looks as though Paul was pointing to the end of creation.

Heb 3:18
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

This verse points to what ‘rest’ God was showing unbelievers.

Heb 4:4-5
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.

But our Father did not have to ‘rest’ after creation, because He never gets tired; So what ‘rest’ is He pointing to?

Heb 4:8-11
8 For if Jesus 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 labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

That ‘rest’ is Jesus Christ and we must ‘labour’ to enter into that rest everyday.
Are we creations of God through Jesus Christ? And what did our Father do after creation?
Gen 2:3
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.

Everyday is a Sabbath day: So enter into His rest Jesus Christ.

 

[WildHeart75]

remnant,

Love your signature, especially the part that says "Which keep the commandments of God"

The 4th Commandment is meant for Jews and Gentiles. Our Savior was Jew and celebrated Jewish Holy Days and Feasts. If we are to worship Him and follow Him then we should be keeping His Holy Days and Feasts as well.

Yahweh did not 'have' to rest but He DID rest on the 7th day (Saturday) So we should be keeping Saturday as the Sabbath. After all Yahshua was Jew and rested on the Sabbath as God Commanded. Some have changed their Sabbath to Sunday because Yahshua and His death but Yahshua was Jewish so He celebrated Sabbath on Saturday. To change the Sabbath because of Yahshua is not only going against Him but like saying you worship Yahshua but not Yahweh. How can you worship the Son but not the Father? The Son is the Father.

 

[Andry]

remnant,

Love your signature, especially the part that says "Which keep the commandments of God"

The 4th Commandment is meant for Jews and Gentiles. Our Savior was Jew and celebrated Jewish Holy Days and Feasts. If we are to worship Him and follow Him then we should be keeping His Holy Days and Feasts as well.

Yahweh did not 'have' to rest but He DID rest on the 7th day (Saturday) So we should be keeping Saturday as the Sabbath. After all Yahshua was Jew and rested on the Sabbath as God Commanded. Some have changed their Sabbath to Sunday because Yahshua and His death but Yahshua was Jewish so He celebrated Sabbath on Saturday. To change the Sabbath because of Yahshua is not only going against Him but like saying you worship Yahshua but not Yahweh. How can you worship the Son but not the Father? The Son is the Father.

Just curious, but did you actually read the previous posts?

 

[Remnant]

The 4th Commandment is meant for Jews and Gentiles. Our Savior was Jew and celebrated Jewish Holy Days and Feasts. If we are to worship Him and follow Him then we should be keeping His Holy Days and Feasts as well.

We do.

2 Cor 6:4-10
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


Heb 10:19-22
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Those things were just a foreshadow.
Jesus, now, is our Passover. Do we still observe the Passover with bitter herbs?
We do, but spiritually.

Do we observe the wave offering?
Spiritually, we do.

The things that we did with the flesh is passed away.

We now do all things in the Spirit.

Gal 6:8
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

 

[Symes]

Everyday is a Sabbath day: So enter into His rest Jesus Christ.

Remnant

That last sentance gives me cause for concern.

Every 7th day is a Sabbath but not every day is a Sabbath.

 

[Wreck n Sow]

Why isn't "Keeping the Sabbath" a New Testament command? I submit that the Old Testament Sabbath was a picture of Christ. He is our rest (both for Jews and also for the Gentiles). We, who believe, enter His rest.

Well bjh

2 THES.1 [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,[8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

When bjh, when will the rest with Jesus begin? According to scripture its when he returns to this earth to set up his kingdom.

REVELATIONS 20 [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 worshipped 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.

This rest with Jesus begins with the 1000 yr period of rest spoken of in Revelations.

ISAIAH 66 [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.[24] And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

And according to the WORD of GOD bjh, his people will still be keeping the sabbath during that 1000 yr period.

PSALMS 132 [8] Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.[9] Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.[10] For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.[11] The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.[12] If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.[13] For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.[14] This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

Arise into thy rest - This is my rest for ever. And the children of God will also enter this rest IF they keep his covenant (law) and his testimony. Not one or the other as many who have come in his name profess.

ISAIAH 14 [3] And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear,and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,[4] That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased![5] The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.[6] He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.[7] The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet:

This is when his rest shall come to pass. It shall come to pass in that day (verse 3) the LORD shall give thee rest. Verse 7 says at that time the whole world is at rest. The whole world is not at rest. If someone is trying to tell you that you dont have to keep GODS sabbath because they are resting in Jesus, maybe, as a friend you should show them these scriptures. The rest with Jesus will not begin until he returns and sets up his kingdom. The land he promised as an inheritance.

DEUT.12 [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;

There it is

 

[Wreck n Sow]

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Hello Dad Ernie
These scriptures you posted do not point to worshipping on sunday. 1 Cor. makes no mention at all of worship, but only gathering goods and yes they did break bread on the 1st day of the week cause, well.. acts 2 says they broke bread daily.

ACTS 2 [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

 

[The Thadman]

Rom 14:?5-8? have been quoted here, but these are great verses, I'll quote it again anyways.

"?One man ?regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be ?fully convinced in his own mind. ?6? He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, ??does so for the Lord, for he ?gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. ?7? For not one of us ?lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; ?8? for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore ?whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s."

Also, Col 2:16
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,

Rom 14:13-15
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no loner walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

Rom14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We are not 'justified' by a day, or new moons, or food or drink. We cannot merit righteousness. We can only receive righteousness. So a 'day' does not make us righteous.

So what Paul was saying was, we can meet on whatever day we like - the early church met on the first day of the week, Sunday - but we can have 'church' on Monday evening, or Tuesday afternoon, or Thursday midnight if we wanted to, but we are not justified by a day. We should be 'giving' the Lord everyday, as someone mentioned that Jesus is lord over the sabbath, but out of convenience, most of us happen to meet and fellowship on Sundays.

By the same token, we are not justified by eating or abstaining from certain foods either. The only prohibition was if it offends your conscience then it's sin to you, and gluttony (it's an addiction - makes for lousy witness as it shows bondage).

~Rant mode ON~

We are not justified by any part of the Torah, just like the rest of the Biblical figures such as Moses, Noah, and Adam and Eve, we are ALL justified by faith.

Other than that, to the rest of what you said: absolutely and positively NO.

Do you know the context of these verses? Do you know the problems that the denominations of Judaism were facing in the 1st Century? Do you know what the mention about "New Moons" is all about?

There was a rift between the Pharisees, Saducees, Essenes and other sects of Judaism (including Christianity). Due to the Lunar calendar of the Jews, Biblical holidays (in the OT) were calculated by the cycles of the moon. Each new month was determined by the first light of the New Moon, which became some controversy. Some sects had systems for calling the New Moons, but these systems sometimes differed by one day because they were not able, according to their oral laws, "see" it properly. Also, Pharisees and Saducees celebrated different holidays differently. Pharisees celebrated each Biblical Holiday two days, back to back, to insure that they wouldn't miss a day due to the spotting of the moon. The Saducees counted Sabbaths instead of Weeks like the Pharisees to calculate the harvest feast (Shavuot, see this article: http://www.karaite-korner.org/shavuot.shtml ). They celebrated the SAME holidays, but at most were off by a day from eachother (but they celebrated at least one day the same), but based their calculations off of what was in the Tanakh.

The issue on Sabbath observance had to do with what constituted "work." The Pharisees were such sticklers about it that if you were to drag your chair a certain way, they would condemn you for breaking the Sabbath. Christians, most of whom rejected this oral teaching, including Jesus, saw no such thing. Pharisees took issue with healing on the Sabbath, the Essenes had their own code, but each debated over the definition of WORK, not the day of the Sabbath, or when it should be celebrated (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday). The only thing that was labeled as "work" in the entire Tanakh is kinding fire (You try starting a fire with a flint! ), but one is allowed to maintain a fire without breaking the Sabbath. Silly man-made rules ran rampant.

And finally, food: Jesus had a famous spat with the Pharisees over eating bread which most Christians interpret as him declaring all food clean. May it never be! He was debating over YADAYIM, a Pharisaic custom that if you did not wash your hands before eating that your food was ritually unclean when you ate it. Jesus thought that this was silliness, as the state of your hands, washed or unwashed, had NOTHING to do with the ritual cleanliness of one's food, let alone if they can become unclean from it, as there is NOT ONE verse in the Torah that says that you can eat something and it can make you unclean. There's plenty you can touch that can make you unclean, but NOTHING that you can eat. The Pharisees pushed this issue so far that they declared things arbitrarily unclean that were NOT unclean by God's standards laid down in the Torah (for example, Gentiles were continually unclean, as were tax collectors, and Samaritan women). If Jesus declared all food clean, why would Peter, who was there when he explained the parable, refuse to eat unclean animals in his vision? It was because the vision was to show him that GENTILES were not unclean has the oral law had taught him as a child. Gentiles were NEVER unclean in and of themselves.

~Rant mode off...~

I need to get some sleep as I have an early day ahead of me tomorrow, so I'll pick this up later.

Peace!
-Steve-o

 

[bjh]

Well bjh

2 THES.1 [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,[8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

When bjh, when will the rest with Jesus begin? According to scripture its when he returns to this earth to set up his kingdom.

Really?
I agree that there will be rest in the future millennial kingdom, but is there no rest now?

Hebrews 4 seems to indicate that there is rest now - a Sabbath rest not tied to a day but to the Lord of the Sabbath. We who believe enter that rest. "And the one who has entered (past tense) His rest has rested from his works."

REVELATIONS 20 [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 worshipped 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.

This rest with Jesus begins with the 1000 yr period of rest spoken of in Revelations.

No, again, see the Hebrews 4 passage. The Sabbath rest is now, everyday...In Christ.

ISAIAH 66 [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.[24] And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

And according to the WORD of GOD bjh, his people will still be keeping the sabbath during that 1000 yr period.

No, I disagree. Isaiah, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is poetically saying "from month to month...from week to week." Or are you also telling me that you offer burnt offerings and blow a trumpet at the new moon? (Numbers 29:6; Ps. 81:3)

PSALMS 132 [8] Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.[9] Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.[10] For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.[11] The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.[12] If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.[13] For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.[14] This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

Arise into thy rest - This is my rest for ever. And the children of God will also enter this rest IF they keep his covenant (law) and his testimony. Not one or the other as many who have come in his name profess.

What does this have to do with any day of the week?

The fact of the matter is that we cannot keep the Law - that's why Christ had to come and die for us. (Romans 8:7; Romans 3; Galatians 2).

The point of the Law was not to keep it (for it is impossible to keep all of it - which is what is required). The purpose of the Law is to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Gal 3:24).

Love God, yes, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Not just on Saturday, not just on Sunday, but daily. From Sabbath to Sabbath. From New Moon to New Moon.
Also, love your neighbor as yourself. Not just on Saturday. Not just on Sunday. Every day of the week. Every day of the month.

ISAIAH 14 [3] And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear,and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,[4] That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased![5] The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.[6] He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.[7] The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet:

This is when his rest shall come to pass. It shall come to pass in that day (verse 3) the LORD shall give thee rest. Verse 7 says at that time the whole world is at rest. The whole world is not at rest. If someone is trying to tell you that you dont have to keep GODS sabbath because they are resting in Jesus, maybe, as a friend you should show them these scriptures. The rest with Jesus will not begin until he returns and sets up his kingdom. The land he promised as an inheritance.

The Lord has given us rest. Right now, we have it. We have our rest in Christ. (Again, Hebrews 4)

DEUT.12 [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;

There it is

There what is?

 

[Andry]

~Rant mode ON~

We are not justified by any part of the Torah, just like the rest of the Biblical figures such as Moses, Noah, and Adam and Eve, we are ALL justified by faith.

Other than that, to the rest of what you said: absolutely and positively NO.

Do you know the context of these verses? Do you know the problems that the denominations of Judaism were facing in the 1st Century? Do you know what the mention about "New Moons" is all about?

~Rant mode off...~

I need to get some sleep as I have an early day ahead of me tomorrow, so I'll pick this up later.

Peace!
-Steve-o

-Rant on-

When you grow up, you should be a diplomat. Lots of words, but saying absolutely nothing.

And where do you get off in your presumptuous arrogance that I knew nothing of the context these verses? First, to answer your questions, yes, yes, and yes.

Second, thank you for sharing your knowledge to others who didn't know the context and cultural / social circumstances of the verses, but you said absolutely nothing as to the application of those verses, other than, um, I'm tired, so see ya tomorrow. Well thanks. Do you know the meaning and intent of these verses? Because so far, you've said nothing contrary to what I said - other than the "absolutely and positively NO" statement.

Oh right, you're leaving that till tomorrow.

I work by a couple of very simple principles, because at my age, I longer feel I have to 'prove' anything or jostle for position (at your age, you might feel the need to - which is ok too). (I also have a large staff to manage, so it's impossible to expect me to correspond to them in long, eloquent, wordy emails - I tend to just get right down to the issues, and they can figure out the rest).

1. KISS - Keep it simple, stupid.
2. Less is more.

You can be as 'wordy' as you want, but so far, you've said absolutely nothing. You missed my point. There are those who believe, perhaps not you, that a day will justify them or make them righteous. And there are those who believe, and again, perhaps not you, that it is sin to eat or not eat certain foods - perhaps from their misunderstanding of Scripture in the first place.

Please note, I make no judgement to you or anyone else who believe, feel, need, require, to worship on whatever day they choose to worship.

-Rant off-