Keeping the Sabbath Holy
Most Christians I know seem to pay attention to 9 of the 10 commandments, but for some reason, tend to ignore the commandment regarding the Sabbath. What is your interpretation of our responsibility related to the commandments, and in particular the Sabbath commandment?
Q. Most Christians I know seem to pay attention to 9 of the 10 commandments, but for some reason, tend to ignore the commandment regarding the Sabbath. What is your interpretation of our responsibility related to the commandments, and in particular the Sabbath commandment?
A. To me the 4th commandment is one of the most interesting, because it has a spiritual meaning, not just a practical one.
First, none of the Ten commandments has ever expired. We are called to honor the Sabbath and keep it Holy just as we’re called to obey all the others. Not only does it commemorate the Creation, but it’s also good for us to do so. Studies have shown that resting from our work one day in seven brings health benefits and improves the quality of our work on the other six days.
When the commandment was established violation brought death, and in Numbers 15:32-36 a Sabbath breaker was put to death to make that point.
Jesus said that that Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, warning the Pharisees against compulsive obedience. Doing good things like healing the sick and rescuing trapped animals were justifiable reasons for breaking the Sabbath. (Matt. 12:11-12)
In Hebrews 4, the writer gives us the spiritual fulfillment. When someone accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, that person’s work of salvation is complete, and he or she enters into a life long Sabbath-rest from that work.
Continuing to work, as if to supplement or complete what the Lord only began, shows that the person does not really believe that the Lord’s death was sufficient. This lack of faith is evidence that salvation has not taken place, and makes the person subject to death. For it’s by grace that we’ve been saved, through faith. Not by works so that no one can boast.
