Why we are Supposed to Keep the Sabbath

[SabbathBlessings]

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness,

 

[trophy33]

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness,

Some things in Paul's letters are "hard to understand" and ignorant people like to misuse them. 2Pt 3:17

The verse you quoted is one of them.

 

[SabbathBlessings]

Some things in Paul's letters are "hard to understand" and ignorant people like to misuse them. 2Pt 3:17

The verse you quoted is one of them.

Were you were referring to Pauls writings or Genesis or Exodus which Moses wrote, not Paul.

All scriptures is inspired, including Paul’s but as the inspired scripture tells us we have to be careful with his writings especially if trying to make an arguement he is contradicting the Creator of everything which he said he was a servant to.

 

[trophy33]

Were you were referring to Pauls writings or Genesis or Exodus which Moses wrote, not Paul.

All scriptures is inspired, including Paul’s but as the inspired scripture tells us we have to be careful with his writings especially if trying to make an arguement he is contradicting the Creator of everything which he said he was a servant to.

I was referring to your verse - "All Scripture etc." Its one of the most abused and misused verses. Any member of any cult, sect, flat earth, KJV Only, Sabbatarians, YEC, possibly even people believing the brain is in kidneys will use this verse to convince others of their ignorant claims.

People who are not ignorant know that Bible contains things that are not literally true or that are not valid anymore or that are simply errors and mistakes. People who are not ignorant know that even defining "all Scripture" is basically an impossible task. Similarly with inspiration.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

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".

For the Jews in the 8th century BC, these books likely included the writings of the Hebrew prophets and other texts from the Hebrew Bible, such as those found in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Some of the most notable books from this period are the writings of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, and Micah, among others. These prophetic books served as both a warning and a source of hope, calling them to repentance while assuring them of God's eventual restoration. For Christians today, these same texts offer valuable lessons on justice, spiritual renewal, hope, and the nature of God. Moreover, they enrich our understanding of God’s plan of salvation, which culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of the messiah as prophesied in the old testament. These prophecies about Jesus were fulfilled except those of the end times that are still to come.

 

[Freth]

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".

Scripture declares of itself...

2 Thessalonians 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

If this is not true then Christianity is built on sand. If we can't trust the word of God to be consistently inspired, a reliable source of truth, what is the truth? (That's a rhetorical question; the answer is apparent.)

Before there was such a thing as a Jew...

• In Genesis 2:1-3, God establishes seventh-day Sabbath rest before the fall.
• In Genesis 26:5, Abraham is recorded as obeying God's charge, commandments, statutes and laws, covering the full spectrum of God's expectations for man.

Israel:

• In Exodus 31:13-16, the Sabbath is called a perpetual covenant and a sign throughout all generations for Israel. We are all spiritual Israel, as Paul states multiple times; Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11, Romans 11.

Jesus during His ministry...

• In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus stated that the Sabbath was made for man. He even called Himself Lord of the Sabbath.
• In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells His disciples to go forth to all nations and teach them to observe all of the things that He commanded them. All nations includes all men.
• In Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus says that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill. In the very next verse, He says that til heaven and earth pass away, nothing passes from the law. Heaven and earth haven't passed away yet. In the verse after that, He says that if anyone teaches breaking even the least of the commandments, he will be called the least in heaven. Clearly, Jesus wants us to obey God's commandments.

In Matthew 18:16, Jesus states that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. There are seven witnesses above, and many more in the Bible.

 

[trophy33]

For the Jews in the 8th century BC, these books likely included the writings of the Hebrew prophets and other texts from the Hebrew Bible, such as those found in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Some of the most notable books from this period are the writings of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, and Micah, among others. These prophetic books served as both a warning and a source of hope, calling them to repentance while assuring them of God's eventual restoration. For Christians today, these same texts offer valuable lessons on justice, spiritual renewal, hope, and the nature of God. Moreover, they enrich our understanding of God’s plan of salvation, which culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of the messiah as prophesied in the old testament. These prophecies about Jesus were fulfilled except those of the end times that are still to come.

I am not sure what you mean by these books (Genesis and Exodus) including the writings of the prophets you listed. However, I agree that there were multiple writings in existence in the 8th century BC. Whether we have the same exact text in them as the Jews did, I think not.

 

[trophy33]

Scripture declares of itself...

2 Thessalonians 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

If this is not true then Christianity is built on sand. If we can't trust the word of God to be consistently inspired, a reliable source of truth, what is the truth? (That's a rhetorical question; the answer is apparent.)

Before there was such a thing as a Jew...

• In Genesis 2:1-3, God establishes seventh-day Sabbath rest before the fall.
• In Genesis 26:5, Abraham is recorded as obeying God's charge, commandments, statutes and laws, covering the full spectrum of God's expectations for man.

Israel:

• In Exodus 31:13-16, the Sabbath is called a perpetual covenant and a sign throughout all generations for Israel. We are all spiritual Israel, as Paul states multiple times; Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11, Romans 11.

Jesus during His ministry...

• In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus stated that the Sabbath was made for man. He even called Himself Lord of the Sabbath.
• In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells His disciples to go forth to all nations and teach them to observe all of the things that He commanded them. All nations includes all men.
• In Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus says that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill. In the very next verse, He says that til heaven and earth pass away, nothing passes from the law. Heaven and earth haven't passed away yet. In the verse after that, He says that if anyone teaches breaking even the least of the commandments, he will be called the least in heaven. Clearly, Jesus wants us to obey God's commandments.

In Matthew 18:16, Jesus states that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. There are seven witnesses above, and many more in the Bible.

Your Bible "printed in the U.S.A." is a specific modern work of many people who selected from many different texts, textual families and translation choices to present you some work and to make money on copy rights. Paul would not be able to even read it and Jews do not accept it. Also, a half of Christianity would not accept it.

Regarding the "All Scripture is inspired", see the post #22 and #24. "Scripture declares about itself" is a strange, depersonalized formulation. Paul declared it.

Regarding the reasoning "Sabbath was established before Israel, because Genesis says so", it fails to understand that Genesis is a Mosaic Law book written in Israel by Jews and for Jews. Its not historically or scientifically accurate record from God, existing since the first days of the world, given to the whole world. Six days + the 7th is no more historical than for example the firmament with holes in it for rain is scientific.

Regarding Jesus saying Sabbath is for man, the context is Jews and their theological disputations. Jesus did not say that to Romans or Greeks or anybody else. "Sabbath for man", in this context refers to Genesis, Exodus and Deuteronomium, i.e. to the Jewish Law.

 

[Bob S]

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,

Where??????

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

None of the commandments deal with love The all deal with duty.

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.

Every one of those commandments were given to one nation, Israel. No other nation was commanded to observe a day. At the Cross Jesus ratified the new and better covenant for the Israelites. The new covenant has absolutely no command to keep any day. 2Cor3:6-11 explains this to the Jews. Since gentiles were never under the Ten commandments 2Cor was written for them.

 

[Bob S]

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.

first of all Jesus came to give Israelites another chance. The reason Israel failed with the Mosaic covenant was because of the ministry of death, the ten commandments or Law. 2Cor3:6-11. You tell us that Jews and somehow Gentiles are under the ministry of death still. I don't know how you can teach that and believe the writings of Jesus ambassador, Paul. Have you read Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;,15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

What was thew barrier between Jews and Gentiles?? I believe it was their covenant laws.
Luke 24:44
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Jesus brought an end to the prophesies about Him and He brought to an end the Law.

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):

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

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 ten commandments reflect God's character???? Where is your "fact" found in scripture? That is a misnomer propagated especially by SDAs.

All the ten commandments could do for the Israelite was to condemn him when he failed. The Law had no redemptive value.

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:

Jesus didn't abolish the Law, the Israelites did a great job obliterating it. Jesus came to fulfill, end the Law. Eph 2:15

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.

Heb 8:13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

​

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:

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:

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:


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:

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.

Jesus came under the Law to the Jews under the Law He taught the Law only to the Jews. The new covenant had yet to be ratified. The Good News was to be spread to everyone. That new is that Jesus died that we might have life if we believe and Love others as He commanded. 1jn3:19-24.

 

[Bob S]

Scripture declares of itself...

2 Thessalonians 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

If this is not true then Christianity is built on sand. If we can't trust the word of God to be consistently inspired, a reliable source of truth, what is the truth? (That's a rhetorical question; the answer is apparent.)

Christianity was not built on sand, but much of what churches teach certainly is.

Before there was such a thing as a Jew...

• In Genesis 2:1-3, God establishes seventh-day Sabbath rest before the fall.
• In Genesis 26:5, Abraham is recorded as obeying God's charge, commandments, statutes and laws, covering the full spectrum of God's expectations for man.

No God didn't establish the Sabbath. There is nothing in that scripture that would indicate that God meant that every seven days would become a Sabbath. That is a misnomer.

Israel:

• In Exodus 31:13-16, the Sabbath is called a perpetual covenant and a sign throughout all generations for Israel. We are all spiritual Israel, as Paul states multiple times; Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11, Romans 11.

Why then did Paul state in many places that the Jews were no longer under the Law? Could it be that when the covenant was given it was a conditional covenant? IF you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Israel didn't obey the covenant. That is the reason for a new and better covenant, one that does not hinge on preformism

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

first of all Jesus came to give Israelites another chance. The reason Israel failed with the Mosaic covenant was because of the ministry of death, the ten commandments or Law. 2Cor3:6-11. You tell us that Jews and somehow Gentiles are under the ministry of death still. I don't know how you can teach that and believe the writings of Jesus ambassador, Paul. Have you read Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;,15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

What was thew barrier between Jews and Gentiles?? I believe it was their covenant laws.
Luke 24:44
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Jesus brought an end to the prophesies about Him and He brought to an end the Law.

The ten commandments reflect God's character???? Where is your "fact" found in scripture? That is a misnomer propagated especially by SDAs.

All the ten commandments could do for the Israelite was to condemn him when he failed. The Law had no redemptive value.

Jesus didn't abolish the Law, the Israelites did a great job obliterating it. Jesus came to fulfill, end the Law. Eph 2:15

Heb 8:13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Jesus came under the Law to the Jews under the Law He taught the Law only to the Jews. The new covenant had yet to be ratified. The Good News was to be spread to everyone. That new is that Jesus died that we might have life if we believe and Love others as He commanded. 1jn3:19-24.

I will just comment on the first verse you mentioned,

2 Corinthians 3:6-11 NKJV

“6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.”

In 2 Corinthians 3:6-11, Paul contrasts the New Covenant in Christ with the Old Covenant given through Moses, highlighting the profound superiority of the New Covenant. He begins by stating that he and his fellow ministers are sufficient to serve in the ministry of the New Covenant, which is not based on the letter of the law but on the Spirit. The "letter" refers to the written law, specifically the commandments and other laws given to Moses, which, while glorious, ultimately "kills" because it exposes sin and condemns those who cannot keep it perfectly. The Spirit, however, gives life because it enables believers to fulfill God's will through grace and inner transformation rather than through external adherence to a set of rules.

Paul further emphasizes this contrast by referring to the Old Covenant as the "ministry of death," describing it as "written and engraved on stones." This is a direct reference to the Ten Commandments, which were inscribed on stone tablets and formed the foundation of the Old Covenant. The glory of this covenant, symbolized by Moses' radiant face after encountering God on Mount Sinai, was temporary. As Moses’ face faded in glory, it served as a sign that the Old Covenant, while glorious in its time, was only a shadow of something greater to come. This fading glory, though remarkable, was not permanent and pointed forward to a more lasting glory in the New Covenant.

Paul then rhetorically asks how much more glorious the "ministry of the Spirit" must be. If the Old Covenant had glory despite its limitations, how much greater is the glory of the New Covenant, which offers righteousness and life through the Holy Spirit. The Old Covenant, known as the "ministry of condemnation," could only point out sin and condemn, but the New Covenant is the "ministry of righteousness," offering justification and transformation through faith in Christ. The Old Covenant revealed God's standard of holiness but did not provide the power to live it out; the New Covenant, however, empowers believers to live righteously through the Holy Spirit.

Paul underscores that the glory of the Old Covenant, while real, is less in comparison to the glory of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was temporary, with rituals, sacrifices, and laws that pointed to Christ, but the New Covenant is eternal and fully realized in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The Old Covenant has passed away, and its glory, though once dazzling, pales when compared to the surpassing glory of the New Covenant.

In his argument, Paul makes a clear distinction between the Ten Commandments and the rest of the law given through Moses. The Ten Commandments represent the core moral foundation of the Old Covenant and reveal God’s eternal moral standards, which still apply today. They form the heart of the Old Covenant, pointing out sin but offering no power to overcome it. The rest of the law, ceremonial, civil, and ritual, was given to regulate Israel’s religious and social life and to set them apart as a holy nation. These laws were temporary and were fulfilled in Christ, particularly the ceremonial laws which pointed to His ultimate sacrifice. While the Ten Commandments continue to hold significance for believers as a moral guide, the other laws are no longer binding because they were fulfilled in Christ and replaced by the New Covenant.

The intended meaning of Paul is clear: while the Old Covenant, which includes both the Ten Commandments and the rest of the law, was glorious in its time and served to reveal God’s holiness, it ultimately could not bring salvation or life. The New Covenant, however, brings life through the Holy Spirit and offers eternal glory that far surpasses the temporary glory of the Old Covenant. The New Covenant, defined in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is grounded in the grace of God, empowering believers to live righteously not through the letter of the law but through the Holy Spirit, who transforms the hearts of those who believe. In this New Covenant, the essence of the Ten Commandments is internalized—written on the hearts of believers—so that they are no longer merely external rules to follow,, but principles of godly living empowered by the Holy Spirit."

Peace

 

[guevaraj]

Paul then rhetorically asks how much more glorious the "ministry of the Spirit" must be. If the Old Covenant had glory despite its limitations, how much greater is the glory of the New Covenant, which offers righteousness and life through the Holy Spirit.

Brother, the word "Holy" before "Spirit" was added by the translators and is not in the original message. Paul is not referring to the Holy Spirit, but to Jesus, as the model Spirit to image, as one can see themselves externally in a mirror. Jesus is the person who gives life to the believer by His example of how to obey the Ten Commandments to remove sin, unlike the human traditions in Judaism that replace the Ten Commandments, sabotaging the Ten Commandments so that they do not completely remove the sin that God wants His Ten Commandments to remove. Jesus is an external Spirit to model, unlike the internal Holy Spirit who reminds us of the external life of Jesus to model. Now we have something more complete than the letters in stone. We have a complete example in the life of Jesus of how to obey the letters, which is more complete than the letters in stone without Jesus' example of how to obey the Ten Commandments.

We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ (as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own (like excusing our disobedience of the Ten Commandments as coming from the Holy Spirit). Our qualification comes from God (sending us Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). This is a covenant not of the letter (Ten Commandments), but of the Spirit (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror and not the Holy Spirit used as an excuse to disobey the Ten Commandments when Jesus obeyed them). The letter ends in death (sabotaged by Judaism to not remove sin); but the Spirit (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror) gives life (the removal of Judaism's disobedience). The old way (God's "order" by the prophet Moses), with letters etched in stone (Ten Commandments), led to death (sabotaged by Judaism to not remove sin), though it began with such glory (leading to righteousness) that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God (which is His righteousness expressed in the Ten Commandments), even though the brightness was already fading away (Judaism's unwillingness to obey "all" the Ten Commandments). Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror who obeyed fully the ten commandments for us to do likewise), now that the Holy (added by the translators) Spirit (not the Holy Spirit but Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror) gives life? If the old way (written letters etched in stone), which brings condemnation (Judaism not fully obeying "all" the Ten Commandments by replacing them with human "law"), was glorious (leading to righteousness), how much more glorious (leading to righteousness) is the new way (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror), which makes us right with God (removes sin)! In fact, that first glory (which led to righteousness) was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory (leading to righteousness) of the new way (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). So if the old way (written letters etched in stone), which has been replaced, was glorious (led to righteousness), how much more glorious (leading to righteousness) is the new (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror), which remains forever! Since this new way (of imaging as in a mirror the model "Spirit" of Jesus, rather than Judaism's human "law") gives us such confidence, we can be very bold (learning to use God's name properly, which Judaism does not). We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory (of God's righteousness), even though it was destined to fade away (by Judaism's unwillingness to obey all the Ten Commandments). But the people’s minds were hardened (to not obey all the Ten Commandments), and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth (of the failure of replacing God's Commandments with their own human law). And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ (as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand (they failed to obey all of God's Ten Commandments by substituting them with human "law"). But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit (Jesus is the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror who obeyed the Ten Commandments as our example and Paul is not referring to the Holy Spirit as an excuse to disobey the Ten Commandments), and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (from sin and not from God's Ten Commandments). So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord (in obeying the Ten Commandments more fully than the Jews). And the Lord—who is the Spirit (Jesus is the model "Spirit" Paul is telling us to image as in a mirror and not the Holy Spirit, whose job is to tell us things through prophets and remind us of Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror)—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:4-18 NLT fixed and overlaid with commentary)​

United in our hope for the soon return of Jesus, Jorge

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Brother, the word "Holy" before "Spirit" was added by the translators and is not in the original message. Paul is not referring to the Holy Spirit, but to Jesus, as the model Spirit to image, as one can see themselves externally in a mirror. Jesus is the person who gives life to the believer by His example of how to obey the Ten Commandments to remove sin, unlike the human traditions in Judaism that replace the Ten Commandments, sabotaging the Ten Commandments so that they do not completely remove the sin that God wants His Ten Commandments to remove. Jesus is an external Spirit to model, unlike the internal Holy Spirit who reminds us of the external life of Jesus to model. Now we have something more complete than the letters in stone. We have a complete example in the life of Jesus of how to obey the letters, which is more complete than the letters in stone without Jesus' example of how to obey the Ten Commandments.

We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ (as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own (like excusing our disobedience of the Ten Commandments as coming from the Holy Spirit). Our qualification comes from God (sending us Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). This is a covenant not of the letter (Ten Commandments), but of the Spirit (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror and not the Holy Spirit used as an excuse to disobey the Ten Commandments when Jesus obeyed them). The letter ends in death (sabotaged by Judaism to not remove sin); but the Spirit (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror) gives life (the removal of Judaism's disobedience). The old way (God's "order" by the prophet Moses), with letters etched in stone (Ten Commandments), led to death (sabotaged by Judaism to not remove sin), though it began with such glory (leading to righteousness) that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God (which is His righteousness expressed in the Ten Commandments), even though the brightness was already fading away (Judaism's unwillingness to obey "all" the Ten Commandments). Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror who obeyed fully the ten commandments for us to do likewise), now that the Holy (added by the translators) Spirit (not the Holy Spirit but Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror) gives life? If the old way (written letters etched in stone), which brings condemnation (Judaism not fully obeying "all" the Ten Commandments by replacing them with human "law"), was glorious (leading to righteousness), how much more glorious (leading to righteousness) is the new way (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror), which makes us right with God (removes sin)! In fact, that first glory (which led to righteousness) was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory (leading to righteousness) of the new way (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). So if the old way (written letters etched in stone), which has been replaced, was glorious (led to righteousness), how much more glorious (leading to righteousness) is the new (Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror), which remains forever! Since this new way (of imaging as in a mirror the model "Spirit" of Jesus, rather than Judaism's human "law") gives us such confidence, we can be very bold (learning to use God's name properly, which Judaism does not). We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory (of God's righteousness), even though it was destined to fade away (by Judaism's unwillingness to obey all the Ten Commandments). But the people’s minds were hardened (to not obey all the Ten Commandments), and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth (of the failure of replacing God's Commandments with their own human law). And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ (as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror). Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand (they failed to obey all of God's Ten Commandments by substituting them with human "law"). But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit (Jesus is the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror who obeyed the Ten Commandments as our example and Paul is not referring to the Holy Spirit as an excuse to disobey the Ten Commandments), and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (from sin and not from God's Ten Commandments). So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord (in obeying the Ten Commandments more fully than the Jews). And the Lord—who is the Spirit (Jesus is the model "Spirit" Paul is telling us to image as in a mirror and not the Holy Spirit, whose job is to tell us things through prophets and remind us of Jesus as the model "Spirit" to image as in a mirror)—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:4-18 NLT fixed and overlaid with commentary)​

United in our hope for the soon return of Jesus, Jorge

I hesitated for a bit when I wrote it but should have thought about it. Good catch thank you Jorge.

 

[guevaraj]

I hesitated for a bit when I wrote it but should have thought about it. Good catch thank you Jorge.

Brother, “God is Spirit” means that Jesus is Spirit, different from the Holy Spirit in Paul’s letter.

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24 NLT)​

This truth above is what Paul is saying next, that "Jesus" is the "Spirit" who gives us life by being the model in flesh to image, by His example of life in flesh, a model more complete than the letters in stone.

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil (Judaism's disobedience, thought to be obedience) is taken away. For the Lord (Jesus) is the Spirit (Jesus is the Spirit), and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is (modeling Jesus' obedience), there is freedom (from sin). So all of us who have had that veil (Judaism's disobedience, thought to be obedience) removed (Judaism's disobedience) can see and reflect the glory of the Lord (obedience to the Ten Commandments). And the Lord (Jesus)—who is the Spirit (Jesus is the Spirit)—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (modeling Jesus' obedience). (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT overlaid with commentary)​

This is an example of how Paul’s words are “hard to understand” and people twist his message, this will result in their destruction as stated in the following passage.

And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these lawless (athesmos) people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:15-18 NLT fixed)​

United in our hope for the soon return of Jesus, Jorge

 

[DamianWarS]

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:

Sabbath is for all, law is for the Israelites. that's how those are reconciled.

the law is there to emphasize the 7th day of creation but the 7th day of creation is not there to emphasis law. If law and the 7th day make a closed loop only pointing to each other then it dismisses any deeper meaning and reduces the sabbath to a hollow ceremony without any intrinsic meaning.

the creation account can be read as a salvation metaphor like how Paul does in 2 Cor 4:6. light being spoken into darkness is one of the greatest imageries the bible uses and it would be irresponsible not to include that as we look at it's meaning. We start in darkness, God speaks light into us and starts a work in us that when finished ushers in his rest. can there by any greater message? the 7th day is the antithesis of before light is spoken, where Gen 1:2 is of darkness, chaos, disorder, unformed, unrest, etc... can be directly paralleled with Gen day 7 with light, planned, order, formed, rest, etc... day 7 is the answer to the unformed darkness of Gen 1:2.

The 4th commandment echos this and it too has a salvation metaphor. the mandate to rest in the 4th commandment is spoken to the heads of the households (in context) who are required to rest and also ensure their entire household rests too, not just their families but their slaves and animals too and all those under their care. With animals, they have no authority to rest. An animal cannot just take rest when they want it, otherwise, they will be beaten or worse until they cooperate. instead, in order for them to have rest, rest must be given to them, and not just by anyone, but by one with authority. This is a powerful salvation metaphor the rest here is salvation, the one with authority is Christ. We cannot take salvation and it must be given to us for us to have it and by one with authority. Although physical rest is an analogue to the spiritual no amount of ritual rest will give us salvation, this part can only be accomplished by Christ. The 4th commandment reminds us of the 7th day, and now that we are under the new covenant it points to Christ. It is Christ where our focus should be and ritual rest itself is not the focus even if it may be laudable it does not address the heart. Christ wants the heart, not the ritual service. Does God want both? not really, except when ritual service is needed to proclaim his glory (such as in contextualization examples), but when we force the ritual without purpose it is our own weakness that is the stumbling block and we turn the ritual into a requirement of salvation robbing Christ of his glory, some may even call this an idol. the issue itself, however, is already a close matter regardless of how you approach it.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Sabbath is for all, law is for the Israelites. that's how those are reconciled.

the law is there to emphasize the 7th day of creation but the 7th day of creation is not there to emphasis law. If law and the 7th day make a closed loop only pointing to each other then it dismisses any deeper meaning and reduces the sabbath to a hollow ceremony without any intrinsic meaning.

the creation account can be read as a salvation metaphor like how Paul does in 2 Cor 4:6. light being spoken into darkness is one of the greatest imageries the bible uses and it would be irresponsible not to include that as we look at it's meaning. We start in darkness, God speaks light into us and starts a work in us that when finished ushers in his rest. can there by any greater message? the 7th day is the antithesis of before light is spoken, where Gen 1:2 is of darkness, chaos, disorder, unformed, unrest, etc... can be directly paralleled with Gen day 7 with light, planned, order, formed, rest, etc... day 7 is the answer to the unformed darkness of Gen 1:2.

The 4th commandment echos this and it too has a salvation metaphor. the mandate to rest in the 4th commandment is spoken to the heads of the households (in context) who are required to rest and also ensure their entire household rests too, not just their families but their slaves and animals too and all those under their care. With animals, they have no authority to rest. An animal cannot just take rest when they want it, otherwise, they will be beaten or worse until they cooperate. instead, in order for them to have rest, rest must be given to them, and not just by anyone, but by one with authority. This is a powerful salvation metaphor the rest here is salvation, the one with authority is Christ. We cannot take salvation and it must be given to us for us to have it and by one with authority. Although physical rest is an analogue to the spiritual no amount of ritual rest will give us salvation, this part can only be accomplished by Christ. The 4th commandment reminds us of the 7th day, and now that we are under the new covenant it points to Christ. It is Christ where our focus should be and ritual rest itself is not the focus even if it may be laudable it does not address the heart. Christ wants the heart, not the ritual service. Does God want both? not really, except when ritual service is needed to proclaim his glory (such as in contextualization examples), but when we force the ritual without purpose it is our own weakness that is the stumbling block and we turn the ritual into a requirement of salvation robbing Christ of his glory, some may even call this an idol. the issue itself, however, is already a close matter regardless of how you approach it.

You speak of things like you can know GOD's mind, well, none of us can, we simply have to trust in Him. I never spoke of a ritual service, I would be a hypocrite like the pharisees if I did. To follow the sabbath, it is really simple really look at how we are supposed to do do correctly below in the words by Isaiah, no complex instructions here so simple please read this and comment back to me about what Isaiah wrote;

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words,

Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” — Isaiah 58:13-14 NKJV.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Blessings comes with the sabbath!;
Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Peace

 

[trophy33]

You speak of things like you can know GOD's mind, well, none of us can, we simply have to trust in Him. I never spoke of a ritual service, I would be a hypocrite like the pharisees if I did. To follow the sabbath, it is really simple really look at how we are supposed to do do correctly below in the words by Isaiah, no complex instructions here so simple please read this and comment back to me about what Isaiah wrote;

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words,

Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” — Isaiah 58:13-14 NKJV.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Blessings comes with the sabbath!;
Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Peace

"So simple?" Really?

How exactly do you not speak your own words on Sabbaths or turn away your foot from it?

These "instructions" are obviously poetic and using a hyperbole. It is not practical or specific.

 

[guevaraj]

Sabbath is for all, law is for the Israelites. that's how those are reconciled. the law is there to emphasize the 7th day of creation but the 7th day of creation is not there to emphasis law. If law and the 7th day make a closed loop only pointing to each other then it dismisses any deeper meaning and reduces the sabbath to a hollow ceremony without any intrinsic meaning.

Brother, the intrinsic significance of the Sabbath is made clear in the existence of the International Date Line and the Sabbath preceding the seventh day of the week in Jerusalem by half a day as taught in Hebrews chapter 4 when God prevented those whom He punished with manna from entering into His Sabbath for 40 years by making them keep the seventh day of the week near Jerusalem.

The Sabbath is God’s evidence of the creation account in Genesis where God taught Adam and Eve to count the days of the week when He sanctified His rest on the seventh day of the first week, establishing the International Date Line as evidence linked to the Sabbath in Jerusalem. The Sabbath in Jerusalem gives us the distance to the International Date Line of God’s prime meridian. This evidence shows that God has been with us from the beginning and that the inspiration of His word through the prophets has not been affected by human traditions. The Sabbath in Jerusalem shows that God's intelligence in writing His word is above the humans He has used to give us His word. The fourth commandment is the most important of all the others because of what it does for us in giving us evidence of God's existence.

Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” (Mark 2:27-28 NLT)​

The Sabbath is evidence that God "exists"! The importance of believing that God "exists" is made clear in the next passage. You must have realized by now that without God all our hopes of life beyond death are useless because we do not have access to the tree of life. The more convinced you are that God "exists", the easier it will be to obey His Ten Commandments. In the Fourth Commandment, God has given evidence that He "exists".

It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:5-6 NLT)​

United in our hope for the soon return of Jesus, Jorge

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

"So simple?" Really?

How exactly do you not speak your own words on Sabbaths or turn away your foot from it?

These "instructions" are obviously poetic and using a hyperbole. It is not practical or specific.

Why cant you just Trust God and do what Jesus said to do instead of fighting so hard against scripture, it would ease your burden as it did mine, rely on Christ for everything and you will see what happens.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

In Isaiah 58:13, the phrase "nor speaking your own words" appears in the context of the Sabbath and is part of a larger call to honor God's holy day. To understand this better, let's look at the verse in context:


“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words,” — Isaiah 58:13 NKJV.


Here, "speaking your own words" refers to engaging in idle, self-serving, or worldly conversations on the Sabbath. The Sabbath, was meant to be a day of rest and worship, a time to set aside personal concerns and focus on God. The "own words" could represent activities like gossiping, arguing, or focusing on personal interests that distract from the spiritual purpose of the day.
The Sabbath is a time for contemplation, worship, and honoring God's presence, rather than engaging in everyday conversations or activities that takes people away from that focus.

God desires that the Sabbath be a day of spiritual renewal, where His people focus on Him, not on their own interests or concerns.

True observance of the Sabbath involves not just rest from work, but a heart and mindset that honors God fully, even in our words and actions.

for me at first, this was a burden I never used to do this but with time ( Yes I admit a few years for me it was nor overnight) it becomes easy and it does Bring you closer to GOD, that is the intent of the sabbath I believe. The sabbath is really important for God or he would not have written it within the 10 commandments that represent the covenant. Trust God and all will become clear over time.

Jesus told us the path to life is not an easy one, especially today in this world;

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” — Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV

Peace.