Why we are Supposed to Keep the Sabbath

[JesusFollowerForever]

Part 1 of 5: The Sabbath in the Ten Commandments​

The Sabbath was established by God at creation as a sacred and sanctified day. In Genesis 2:2-3, it is written that God completed His work of creation on the seventh day, rested, and blessed it, making it holy. This act was not because God was weary but to establish a divine pattern for humanity to follow. The sanctification of the seventh day was an act of God, setting it apart from the other days of the week, making it a day dedicated to Him.

While the Ten Commandments formally established the Sabbath law, there is evidence in earlier chapters of Genesis and Exodus that God's people were aware of the Sabbath and observed it in some form before the formal command was given at Sinai. The creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3), the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30), and the obedience of Abraham (Genesis 26:5) demonstrates that the concept of the Sabbath was known and followed even before the covenant at Sinai. In particular, the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30) stand out and shows that the knowledge of the sabbath was known before the commandments were formalized by the finger of GOD on tablets of stone at Sinai;

23 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. 25 Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

27 Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
(Exodus 16:23-30 NKJV)​

When God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel at Mount Sinai, He reaffirmed the importance of the Sabbath. Exodus 20:8-11 commands,

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."
(Exodus 20:8-11)
​

The command begins with the word "Remember," showing that the Sabbath was not a new institution but something that had been established long before. By commanding them to remember, God pointed back to creation, reaffirming that this day was not exclusive to Israel but for all who acknowledge Him as the Creator.

The Sabbath stands as a declaration of God's sovereignty over time and creation. It serves as a sign that humanity is dependent on Him and must recognize His authority.

The Sabbath is an act of obedience, an acknowledgement that all things come from Him, and a weekly reminder of His power and provision.

Part 2 of 5 below;

Peace.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Part 2 of 5:The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant​

Beyond being a commandment, the Sabbath is also a sign of the covenant between God and His people. Ezekiel 20:12 declares,

"Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them."
(Ezekiel 20:12)

"And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God". (Ezekiel 20:20)
​

The Sabbath was given as a distinguishing mark, a visible sign that set apart those who followed the true God. It was not simply about resting from work but about sanctification, being made holy by the Lord. By keeping the Sabbath, God's people testified that He alone was their God and that it was He who made them Holy.
In Ezekiel 20:20, God reinforces this message: "Hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God." The command to "hallow" the Sabbath means to treat it as sacred, honoring it as God intended. Those who kept the Sabbath demonstrated their allegiance to the Lord, setting themselves apart from the surrounding nations. The Sabbath served as a continual sign of the relationship between God and His people, a covenantal bond that declared their identity as those sanctified by Him.
This aspect of sanctification is crucial. Holiness is not something people achieve by their own efforts but something granted by God. Observing the Sabbath is a declaration of trust, acknowledging that it is God who sanctifies, provides, and sustains. It is an outward sign of an inward reality—of belonging to Him and being transformed by His presence.

The Sabbath, therefore, is not just a day of rest but a day of recognition, a testimony that God's people are set apart by His grace.

Part 3 of 5 below

Peace.

 

[Clare73]

The law is fulfilled in loving others (Ro 13:8-10).

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Part 3 of 5: The Sabbath for All
​

Some argue that the Sabbath was only for Israel, but Scripture makes it clear that it was given to all humanity. Since it was established at creation before Israel even existed, it was meant for all people. In Isaiah 56:6-7, God extends His promise beyond Israel:

"Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant, Even them I will bring to My Holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer."
(Isaiah 56:6-7)

This passage reveals that the Sabbath was not limited to one nation but was open to anyone who chose to follow the Lord. It was a universal sign of commitment to the Creator, not an ethnic or national distinction.
​

This idea is further reinforced in Exodus:

"One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you."
(Exodus 12:49)​

The law of God, including the Sabbath, applied equally to all who followed Him, whether they were Israelites or foreigners. This clearly shows that the Sabbath was never meant to be an exclusive institution but one that welcomed all who sought to worship the true God.

It is Important to note that the Sabbath is not only for the past but will continue into the future. In Isaiah 66:22-23, God declares;

"For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me… from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me."( Isaiah 66:22-23)
​

This prophecy shows that the Sabbath is eternal, continuing even in the new creation. If it is to be observed in the new heavens and the new earth, then it is clear that the Sabbath was never abolished or intended only for a specific people. Instead, it remains a central part of worship for all who acknowledge God as their Creator and Redeemer.

The Sabbath is much more than a simple day of rest, it is a sign of true worship. It reminds all people that God is their Creator, the one who sanctifies them, and the one they are to serve. Keeping the Sabbath is an act of faith, a commitment to aligning one’s life with God’s will. It is a testimony of trust in His provision and an acknowledgement of His authority over time and history. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 states;

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all."(Ecclesiastes 12:13)​

The Sabbath is part of this calling, a sign of devotion to the Lord and a continual reminder that those who keep it belong to Him.

Parts 4 and 5 tomorrow.

Peace.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

The law is fulfilled in loving others (Ro 13:8-10).

What about loving God Claire, did you forget this? it is the first and greatest commandment.

 

[Clare73]

What about loving God Claire, did you forget this? it is the first and greatest commandment.

Your issue is the apostolic teaching (Ro 3:8-10) of Christ (Lk 10:16), not with me.

 

[SabbathBlessings]

Mat 22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

And how does God define love?

Love to man is found right in the Ten Commandments,

The Second Greatest commandment deals with love to our neighbor right from the Ten Commandments

9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The greatest commandment how to love God came from this same unit of Ten on how we are to love God.


Exo 20:3 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor [b]serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting[c] the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

Love is more than a feeling, it produces an action defined clearly by God. The summary of Love, does not delete these details.

 

[trophy33]

Some argue that the Sabbath was only for Israel, but Scripture makes it clear that it was given to all humanity. Since it was established at creation before Israel even existed, it was meant for all people.

There is no evidence Sabbath was being kept before the Mosaic Law was given to Israel.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

There is no evidence Sabbath was being kept before the Mosaic Law was given to Israel.

Hi there, the evidence you seek was in post no 1 of this thread, I guess you missed it, here is is below;

the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30) stand out and shows that the knowledge of the sabbath was known before the commandments were formalized by the finger of GOD on tablets of stone at Sinai;

23 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. 25 Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

27 Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
(Exodus 16:23-30 NKJV)​

The ten commandments also known as the Moral law and called by God, the covenant, were given later see exodus 20.

Peace

 

[SabbathBlessings]

Hi there, the evidence you seek was in post no 1 of this thread, I guess you missed it, here is is below;

the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30) stand out and shows that the knowledge of the sabbath was known before the commandments were formalized by the finger of GOD on tablets of stone at Sinai;

23 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. 25 Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

27 Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
(Exodus 16:23-30 NKJV)​

The ten commandments also known as the Moral law and called by God, the covenant, were given later see exodus 20.

Peace

Amen!

God kept the Sabbath right at Creation Exo 20:11 Gen 2:1-3 man was made in the image of God, in His likeness Gen 1:26 to follow Him. I have a hard time believing when Adam and Eve were first created that they did something different than what God did after they were just made

 

[trophy33]

Hi there, the evidence you seek was in post no 1 of this thread, I guess you missed it, here is is below;

the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30) stand out and shows that the knowledge of the sabbath was known before the commandments were formalized by the finger of GOD on tablets of stone at Sinai;

23 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. 25 Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

27 Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
(Exodus 16:23-30 NKJV)​

The ten commandments also known as the Moral law and called by God, the covenant, were given later see exodus 20.

Peace

The book of Exodus was written by Jews/Israel. Its a part of the Mosaic Law. There is no evidence that Sabbath was kept before Israel or outside of Israel.

And the book of Exodus as such was first mentioned in Israel in the 8th century BC. The same applies to the book of Genesis.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Part 4 of 5; Jesus and the Sabbath;​

The relationship between Jesus and the Sabbath is a topic of great importance, as it clarifies not only the role of the Sabbath in the life of a believer but also its place in the broader covenant of God. Many assume that Jesus either abolished or replaced the Sabbath, yet His teachings and actions consistently affirm its significance and continuity.


One of the most striking declarations made by Jesus regarding the Sabbath is found in Mark 2:27-28, where He states;

"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath."
(Mark 2:27-28)​

This statement carries profound theological weight. By asserting that the Sabbath was made for humanity rather than being a burden imposed upon them, Jesus emphasizes its original purpose as a gift from God to mankind. Moreover, His claim to be the "Lord of the Sabbath" does not indicate its nullification but rather His authority over it, reaffirming its place within the divine order.

Jesus Himself observed the Sabbath as a central part of His earthly ministry. Luke 4:16 describes how He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath "as His custom was" and stood up to read. This habitual observance demonstrates that Jesus did not disregard the Sabbath; rather, He honored it in the way it was intended to be kept. His actions stand as an example for His followers, reinforcing the idea that the Sabbath remains a vital part of worship and spiritual life.

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." (Luke 4:16)​

The Gospels record multiple instances where Jesus corrected misconceptions about the Sabbath, particularly the excessive legalism imposed by the Pharisees. In Matthew 12:1-13, Jesus responded to their accusations against His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath by reminding them of David's actions and the greater principle of mercy over ritual. Later in the same passage, He healed a man with a withered hand and asked, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?" His conclusion, "Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath," establishes that acts of mercy, healing, and restoration align with the true spirit of the Sabbath rather than violating it.

Far from diminishing the Sabbath, Jesus affirms its continued relevance even beyond His earthly ministry. In Matthew 24:20, He warns His disciples to pray that their flight from Jerusalem would not be in winter or on the Sabbath. This prophecy, spoken decades before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, suggests that Jesus fully expected His followers to still be observing the Sabbath long after His resurrection. Such a statement would be meaningless if the Sabbath were to be abolished with His death.

Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath are best understood within the broader context of the unchanging nature of God's law. Hebrews 13:8 states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." This enduring consistency implies that His regard for the Sabbath remains unchanged. The New Covenant, rather than negating the commandments of God, internalizes them in the hearts of believers, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33. If Jesus did not abolish the Sabbath, but rather restored its true meaning, then His followers today are called to honour it in the same spirit of worship, rest, and renewal.

In light of these scriptural truths, it becomes evident that the Sabbath is not an obsolete institution nor a commandment exclusive to Israel, but rather a divine ordinance established for all who seek to live in harmony with God's will. Jesus did not come to abolish the Sabbath but to fulfill its true purpose, bringing it back to its intended role as a day of rest, joy, and communion with the Creator. The Lord of the Sabbath calls all who follow Him to enter into this sacred time, just as He did, and to find in it the blessing that God ordained from the very beginning.

Peace

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Part 5 of 5; The sabbath in prophecy
​

The prophetic significance of the Sabbath extends beyond the time of Jesus and His earthly ministry. It is not only a commemoration of creation and a sign of God's covenant but also a foreshadowing of the eternal rest that awaits the faithful. Throughout the Old Testament, the Sabbath is intimately connected with God's ultimate plan for His people, both in the present age and in the world to come.

One of the most profound prophecies regarding the Sabbath is found in Isaiah 66:22-23, which declares;

"For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me," says the Lord, "So shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me," says the Lord.
​

This passage unequivocally establishes that the Sabbath will continue to be observed in the new creation, reaffirming its eternal significance. It is not merely a temporary commandment for a specific people or era but an enduring aspect of divine worship, a sign that remains even when God renews the heavens and the earth.

The book of Revelation further supports the ongoing role of the Sabbath in the eschatological vision of God's kingdom. Revelation 14:12 describes the saints as; "those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." The keeping of God's commandments, including the Sabbath, is presented as a distinguishing mark of God's faithful people in the end times.

The continuity of the Sabbath is reinforced in Exodus 31:16-17, where God declares, "Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. 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." The language of this passage is unequivocal: the Sabbath is a perpetual covenant, a sign that does not cease, linking creation, divine authority, and the covenant between God and His people.

In considering the Sabbath in prophecy and the future, it is evident that this sacred day is not a relic of the past but a fundamental aspect of God's eternal design. From the creation of the world to the establishment of the new heavens and new earth, the Sabbath remains a perpetual sign of God's authority, His covenant, and the hope of ultimate redemption. As followers of Christ, embracing the Sabbath is not merely an act of obedience but a participation in the divine rhythm of grace, worship, and eternal rest.

Epilogue

"Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and marvellous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.'" (Revelation 15:1-4 NKJV)​

Peace and Happy Sabbath.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

The book of Exodus was written by Jews/Israel. Its a part of the Mosaic Law. There is no evidence that Sabbath was kept before Israel or outside of Israel.

And the book of Exodus as such was first mentioned in Israel in the 8th century BC. The same applies to the book of Genesis.

The idea that the Sabbath did not exist before Israel is contradicted by Scripture itself. The Sabbath was established at creation, long before Israel existed as a nation. Genesis 2:2-3 states: 'And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.' The fact that God blessed and sanctified this day shows it was set apart for a holy purpose from the beginning, not just for Israel.

Furthermore, Exodus 16 records that the Israelites were required to keep the Sabbath before the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 16:23-30, God provided manna for six days but none on the seventh, testing whether the people would keep His law. This proves that the Sabbath was already known before the formal giving of the Mosaic Law.

Abraham himself knew and kept God’s commandments long before the nation of Israel was formed. Genesis 26:5 states: "Because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." This verse makes it clear that God's laws—including the Sabbath—were known and followed by the patriarchs before Moses.

As for the claim about the books of Exodus and Genesis being written only in the 8th century BC, such a position is based on speculation, not evidence. The preservation of these records goes back far earlier. Jesus Himself affirmed the authorship of Moses (John 5:46-47) and upheld the Sabbath as a divine institution (Mark 2:27).

Thus, both history and Scripture affirm that the Sabbath predates Israel and is not limited to the Mosaic Law—it is part of God's creation design for all humanity.


Peace.

 

[Dan Perez]

Part 1 of 5: The Sabbath in the Ten Commandments​

The Sabbath was established by God at creation as a sacred and sanctified day. In Genesis 2:2-3, it is written that God completed His work of creation on the seventh day, rested, and blessed it, making it holy. This act was not because God was weary but to establish a divine pattern for humanity to follow. The sanctification of the seventh day was an act of God, setting it apart from the other days of the week, making it a day dedicated to Him.

While the Ten Commandments formally established the Sabbath law, there is evidence in earlier chapters of Genesis and Exodus that God's people were aware of the Sabbath and observed it in some form before the formal command was given at Sinai. The creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3), the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30), and the obedience of Abraham (Genesis 26:5) demonstrates that the concept of the Sabbath was known and followed even before the covenant at Sinai. In particular, the instructions regarding the gathering of manna (Exodus 16:23-30) stand out and shows that the knowledge of the sabbath was known before the commandments were formalized by the finger of GOD on tablets of stone at Sinai;

23 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” 24 So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. 25 Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

27 Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
(Exodus 16:23-30 NKJV)​

When God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel at Mount Sinai, He reaffirmed the importance of the Sabbath. Exodus 20:8-11 commands,

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."
(Exodus 20:8-11)
​

The command begins with the word "Remember," showing that the Sabbath was not a new institution but something that had been established long before. By commanding them to remember, God pointed back to creation, reaffirming that this day was not exclusive to Israel but for all who acknowledge Him as the Creator.

The Sabbath stands as a declaration of God's sovereignty over time and creation. It serves as a sign that humanity is dependent on Him and must recognize His authority.

The Sabbath is an act of obedience, an acknowledgement that all things come from Him, and a weekly reminder of His power and provision.

Part 2 of 5 below;

Peace.

And Col 2:16 said , Therefore , do NOT // ME , and NORRRRRRR ever let anyone JUDGE you in eating or in Drinking

or in respect of a feast day or a new mood , here it IS , SABBATH verse 17 , which are a SHADOW of coming things

but the BODY is of Christ .

The OLD COVENANT has been SET ASIDE and Hebrews says the same !!

dan p

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Hi Dan you wrote;"The OLD COVENANT has been SET ASIDE and Hebrews says the same !!"
i have posted in the past about the new and old covenant, here is a copy below based on scripture, hoping it will bring some light for you about the new covenant.
The concept of the New Covenant has often been misunderstood. Many believe it represents a departure from the laws of the Old Covenant, claiming that God’s commandments were abolished or replaced. However, this interpretation conflicts with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the foundational truths of Scripture. In this article, we will explore how the New Covenant upholds the same divine laws as the Old Covenant, but with a profound transformation: these laws are internalized within the hearts and minds of God’s people.

The Old Covenant: A Foundation of Law​

In the Old Testament, God established the Old Covenant with Israel through Moses. This covenant was characterized by the giving of the Law, including the Ten Commandments, written on tablets of stone. These laws were designed to reflect God’s character and provide a framework for living righteously. As stated in Exodus 24:7 (NKJV):

"Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, 'All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.'"

Deuteronomy also underscores the centrality of the Ten Commandments within the covenant:

"So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone." (Deuteronomy 4:13, NKJV)

The Old Covenant was a relationship rooted in obedience to God’s law, but its outward nature often led to mere compliance rather than a transformation of the heart.

The New Covenant: A Law Written on Hearts​

The New Covenant does not abolish the law but fulfills and internalizes it. The prophet Jeremiah foretold this transformation:

"But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:33, NKJV)

This prophecy reveals the essence of the New Covenant: God’s law remains unchanged, but it is now written within, fostering a deep, personal relationship with Him. Rather than relying solely on external adherence, the New Covenant emphasizes a transformation of character and desires, aligning believers with God’s will.

​

Jesus and the Continuity of the Law​

Jesus Christ’s teachings affirm the continuity of God’s law under the New Covenant. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared:

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17, NKJV)

To fulfill the law does not mean to nullify it but to bring it to its full meaning and intent. Jesus demonstrated how to live out God’s commandments with love and integrity, addressing not just outward actions but also the motives of the heart. For instance, He expanded the understanding of the sixth and seventh commandments by teaching that anger is akin to murder and lust is akin to adultery (Matthew 5:21-28, NKJV).
Moreover, when asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarized the entire law as love for God and love for neighbor:

"Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40, NKJV)

This summary does not replace the commandments but highlights their purpose: love as the fulfillment of the law.

The Apostles’ Teachings on the New Covenant​

The New Covenant’s internalization of the law is further explained in the writings of the apostles. The author of Hebrews directly connects Jeremiah’s prophecy to the New Covenant established through Christ:

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Hebrews 8:10, NKJV)

James, the brother of Jesus, also upheld the importance of God’s law, describing it as "the perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25, NKJV). Far from being abolished, the law becomes a source of freedom when internalized and practised through the empowering grace of Christ.

The Misunderstanding of Abolished Law​

Some misunderstand Paul’s writings to mean that the law has been abolished under the New Covenant. However, this misinterpretation ignores the broader context of his teachings. Jesus’ own words take precedence, and He consistently upheld the enduring validity of God’s commandments. The problem under the Old Covenant was not the law itself but the people’s inability to fully keep it due to their untransformed hearts. The New Covenant resolves this issue by providing the Holy Spirit to empower believers to obey God from the heart.

As Ezekiel prophesied:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27, NKJV)

Continuity and Fulfillment​

The New Covenant does not abolish God’s law but brings it to life within His people. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live in harmony with God’s eternal principles. The same laws that were once written on stone tablets are now inscribed on hearts and minds, transforming obedience from an external duty to an internal delight.

Rather than dismissing the commandments, we should embrace them as a reflection of God’s unchanging character and a guide for righteous living. The New Covenant invites us into a deeper relationship with God, where His law is no longer a burden but a joy, fulfilled through love and the enabling grace of Jesus Christ.

Peace

 

[trophy33]

The idea that the Sabbath did not exist before Israel is contradicted by Scripture itself. The Sabbath was established at creation, long before Israel existed as a nation. Genesis 2:2-3 states: 'And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.' The fact that God blessed and sanctified this day shows it was set apart for a holy purpose from the beginning, not just for Israel.

Furthermore, Exodus 16 records that the Israelites were required to keep the Sabbath before the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 16:23-30, God provided manna for six days but none on the seventh, testing whether the people would keep His law. This proves that the Sabbath was already known before the formal giving of the Mosaic Law.

Abraham himself knew and kept God’s commandments long before the nation of Israel was formed. Genesis 26:5 states: "Because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." This verse makes it clear that God's laws—including the Sabbath—were known and followed by the patriarchs before Moses.

As for the claim about the books of Exodus and Genesis being written only in the 8th century BC, such a position is based on speculation, not evidence. The preservation of these records goes back far earlier. Jesus Himself affirmed the authorship of Moses (John 5:46-47) and upheld the Sabbath as a divine institution (Mark 2:27).

Thus, both history and Scripture affirm that the Sabbath predates Israel and is not limited to the Mosaic Law—it is part of God's creation design for all humanity.


Peace.

You did not get the point. You cannot use a book from the 8th century BC written in Israel to prove that Sabbath was kept outside of Israel or before the Israel.

If I created a religion today and wrote a book of origins with mythological stories to create an introduction for it (like the Book of Genesis is an introduction to the Mosaic Law and a part of it), its not an evidence that those stories literally happened as I wrote them.

For example, the Earth was not created 6,000 years ago in 6 literal days. The evidence from natural sciences is overwhelming. Therefore, there was no universally kept Sabbath because of a creation week, because there was no literal creation week. The creation week was the 8th century theological tool for Israel, to communicate a message that the world is a temple.

And the literal first people on Earth did not have Hebrew names (Adam and Eve), because Hebrew did not exist when the first people appeared on Earth etc. We could go on and on.

Therefore, outside of the ancient Israel, outside of the Mosaic Law, nobody is supposed to keep the Sabbath. I can understand Jews doing it today for cultural reasons, but there is no theological reason for Christians and no "creation week is real history" reason for the rest of the world.

 

[Freth]

And Col 2:16 said , Therefore , do NOT // ME , and NORRRRRRR ever let anyone JUDGE you in eating or in Drinking

or in respect of a feast day or a new mood , here it IS , SABBATH verse 17 , which are a SHADOW of coming things

but the BODY is of Christ .

The OLD COVENANT has been SET ASIDE and Hebrews says the same !!

dan p

The Handwriting of Ordinances

Colossians 2:14-17 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; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 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: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

• The handwriting of ordinances is the subject of Colossians 2:16-17, as shown in verse 14.
• The handwriting of ordinances, "that was against us, which was contrary to us."
• The holyday, new moon, and sabbath days, "which are a shadow of things to come."

That Was Against Us

Deuteronomy 31:9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:24-26 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, That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, 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.

• Moses wrote this law.
• The book of the law has the same identifying characteristic as the handwriting of ordinances; "that was against us/a witness against thee."
• Moses delivered it to the priests, the sons of Levi.
• The book of the law was put "in the side" of the ark. Beside it, not inside it. The Ten Commandments were inside the ark. Notice, Paul wrote about in Hebrews.
  • 1 Kings 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
  • Hebrews 9:3-5 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

A Shadow of Good Things to Come

Colossians 2:16-17 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: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

• Attributes of feast days: Meat, drink, holyday, new moon, sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come.
• Having a shadow of good things to come. Sacrifices. Pointing to the cross.
• Can never make the comers thereunto perfect.

Leviticus 23 makes it a point to present the Sabbath commandment first, then presents the feast days.

Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 23:4 These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.
Leviticus 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover.

In the presenting of the feast days the Sabbath is set apart from them, put first. The Sabbath is not a shadow of things to come, nor is it nailed to the cross. God called it a perpetual covenant and a sign (Exodus 31:13-16).


The Perfect Law

If the handwriting of ordinances/the book of the law/the law described above can never make the comers thereunto perfect, then Paul is not talking about the Sabbath. The Sabbath is part of God's perfect law.

1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

• The law of God is perfect.
• Keep His commandments.

Conclusion

If the subject of Colossians 2:16-17 concerns the handwriting of ordinances specifically, then the holydays and sabbaths are within the confines of the handwriting of ordinances, specific to the sacrificial system as written by Moses, given to the Levite priests and kept beside the ark of the covenant.

If the handwriting of ordinances "was against us", it was most surely the same book of the law that was "for a witness against thee", the law written by Moses (the ordinances specifically), not the law written by the hand of God on tables of stone (see Deuteronomy 10:2).

If the sacrifices (at the direction of the handwriting of ordinances) can never make the comers thereunto perfect, then it is further evidence that Paul is not talking about the Sabbath commandment. The law of God is perfect. Keeping His commandments converts the soul and perfects the heart.

If the handwriting of ordinances was blotted out, nailed to His cross, then it cannot be any of the Ten Commandments, as scripture teaches commandment keeping throughout, to the very end of the book of Revelation (the Revelation of Jesus Christ; Revelation 1:1-2). Revelation 22:14-15 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. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Exodus 31:13-16 states that the Sabbath is a perpetual covenant and a sign. Isaiah 66:22-23 states that the Sabbath will be observed in the new heaven and new earth.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

You did not get the point. You cannot use a book from the 8th century BC written in Israel to prove that Sabbath was kept outside of Israel or before the Israel.

If I created a religion today and wrote a book of origins with mythological stories to create an introduction for it (like the Book of Genesis is an introduction to the Mosaic Law and a part of it), its not an evidence that those stories literally happened as I wrote them.

For example, the Earth was not created 6,000 years ago in 6 literal days. The evidence from natural sciences is overwhelming. Therefore, there was no universally kept Sabbath because of a creation week, because there was no literal creation week. The creation week was the 8th century theological tool for Israel, to communicate a message that the world is a temple.

And the literal first people on Earth did not have Hebrew names (Adam and Eve), because Hebrew did not exist when the first people appeared on Earth etc. We could go on and on.

Therefore, outside of the ancient Israel, outside of the Mosaic Law, nobody is supposed to keep the Sabbath. I can understand Jews doing it today for cultural reasons, but there is no theological reason for Christians and no "creation week is real history" reason for the rest of the world.

If only you believed the word of GOD that he has preserved over time you would see things differently. even today or very recently archaeologists find very old copies of biblical texts and they are the same word for word as we have today. Furthermore there is a great wisdom in these biblical texts that emanates from them that is not from man, this is evident also.

In recent years, several important biblical texts from the Old Testament have been discovered, and they very closely align with the versions found in the current biblical canon. One of the most significant discoveries is the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found between 1947 and 1956 in caves near Qumran. These manuscripts, dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE, contain some of the oldest known copies of Hebrew Bible books. For instance, the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsa^a) is nearly a complete copy of the Book of Isaiah, and it closely mirrors the version in the modern Bible, with only minor variations in spelling, grammar, and wording. Additionally, many Psalms from the Dead Sea Scrolls align with the text in the Book of Psalms in today's Old Testament.

Another important discovery is the Nash Papyrus, dating to around 150 BCE. This fragmentary Hebrew manuscript contains part of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) and the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), and it is remarkably similar to the text found in the modern Bible.

In 1979, the Ketef Hinnom Scrolls were discovered in Jerusalem. These ancient silver amulets feature a portion of the Priestly Blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, which is identical to the version in the Old Testament today: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

The Siloam Inscription, found in a tunnel in Jerusalem and dating back to the 8th century BCE, offers a connection to the biblical account of King Hezekiah. Although not a direct biblical text, it mentions events recorded in 2 Kings 20:20, specifically the construction of the Siloam Tunnel, providing archaeological evidence that corroborates the biblical narrative.

Another significant find is the Tel Dan Stele, an inscription dating to the 9th century BCE that references the "House of David." While this is not a biblical text itself, it serves as an external reference to the biblical figure of King David, supporting the historical authenticity of the biblical account.

Lastly, the Cairo Geniza holds various ancient manuscripts, including portions of the Book of Deuteronomy, from as early as the 11th century CE. These manuscripts show a striking similarity to the current text of the Old Testament, reinforcing the preservation of the biblical text over the centuries.

These discoveries demonstrates that the core content of the Old Testament, especially the books of the Prophets, Torah, and Psalms, has been remarkably consistent over time. While there are minor differences in spelling and wording, the main narrative and theological themes have been preserved with great fidelity.

If you had faith and did trust in GOD, you would trust his words as well.

As for theological reasons, I have proven here in these posts , with clear scripture, the validity of the Sabbath as GOD gave it to us. Instead, you follow the words of ONE man that clearly, you do not understand and pit his words against the rest of the bible. it is why is is written in 2 Peter 3:15;

"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."​

I do not write this verse as a judgment against you but simply want you to understand that the words of Paul are difficult to understand and cannot possibly contradict the words of GOD or Jesus.

Peace

 

[trophy33]

If only you believed the word of GOD that he has preserved over time you would see things differently.

Bible is not some "word of God book fallen from heaven" or dictated by God. It was written by people, in their various cultures and for their specific purpose. It contains various genres, many of them are non-literal.

It has both human and Spirit nature and the inspiration is not regarding style, genre, natural sciences, historical accuracy or even vocabulary, but regarding the crucial theology - monotheism and salvation in Christ.

I would even propose various places or books in the Bible have various degrees of inspiration. Which seems quite obvious if one reads the Bible with it in mind. Messianic prophecies are surely of a different importance from (for example) the verses about the firmament with holes in it for rain.

Therefore, when reading Genesis or Exodus, the right question is not "what do these books say about history or nature", but "what was the purpose of these books for the Jews in the 8th century BC and how can it be useful for us, Christians today".