Why I keep the Sabbath FYI.

[gotime]

Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Here are some texts often used to suggest the Sabbath does not matter or can be taken or left at ones own will. Well this is partly true as we have free choice to follow God or not.

But lets address the fallacies of using these texts against the Sabbath.

First point the text does not say Sabbath anywhere, it is pure assumption that the Sabbath is included here. Now some will say but the Sabbath is a day so it has to be included. This is just a lie full stop. The primes for these verse is disputable matters as it is written:

Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

what is a doubtful disputation? It is judging someone on a topic that Scripture does not make clear. In other words makng a big deal over something that God does not make clear.

So ask yourself this, Is the bible clear that the 7th day was made Holy and set apart for Holy use and blessed by God? The answer is clearly yes no one can dispute this fact and thus it does not fall in the criteria of the topic being spoken of by Paul.

Is the bible clear that God included a reminder of this fact within the law that shows what sin is by that which is good? Yes the fourth commandment clearly shows this. So this again is not a disputable matter it is easily settled by the word of God.

See OP for the texts.

Some twist this text by saying that day includes the Sabbath and then reverse engineer the text to say that if the Sabbath is included, (They can not show that it is) Then the Sabbath then is a doubtful disputation.

As you can see this is unsound thinking, This is an attempt to justify a position that is most clearly against the clearly revealed will of God.

There is nothing doubtful about the Sabbath, This argument falls apart when we give some thought to the subject and examine the word of God.

 

[Magenta]

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

Notice this argument, Ask yourself what are the assumptions here.

The suggestion is that to sanctify the Lord God in your hearts is better than keeping the Sabbath Holy. Now ask yourself even if this is true does it now make what God did in the beginning worthless or worthy of ignoring?

Was there ever a time when we should not sanctify/set apart the Lord in our hearts? I would suggest no, God should always have a priority place in our hearts and this was true also at the time the 7th day was made Holy.

This is simply a distraction statement that tries to use truth to derail another truth. That is why it makes sense, it is true but the implication that this truth is used for is a lie.

That was the whole purpose of the 4th commandment: to know that GOD was sanctifying Israel. Now instead of an external one-day-a-week awareness, we have the holy spirit itself within us sanctifying us, which has made the 4th commandment obsolete.

 

[gotime]

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Thank, you for this one.

Here let us examine the argument based on a specific text as it is written:

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Now keep in mind that base reason for the Sabbath is God made it Holy and set it apart because he finished creation.

Another point for those who are thinkers and open to the word of God, did you know that there are two basic types of Sabbaths? Go and study the Old testament and you will find there is the Sabbaths that were part of the sacrificial feasts which obviously were a shadow of Jesus the true sacrifice for our sins. and then there is the 7th day Sabbath of the commandment which was simply a reminder to honor the day God made Holy after creation.

Now this does not take a lot of thought, We have two types of Sabbaths, One that points to sacrifice and forgiveness of sins by blood. The other points back to creation as a already established reality.

So which one do you think the writer is referring to? Yes very clearly the feast Sabbaths as the 7th day Sabbath does not fit the criteria.

This argument again takes it strength in a lack of thought and ignorance of the reality of the 7th day Sabbath.

It is based on a complete ignoring of the revealed word of God on the subject.

Another question you might want to ask yourself is this: Why would Jesus death on account of our sin change something He made Holy before sin came into the world? It wouldn't.

 

[gotime]

That was the whole purpose of the 4th commandment: to know that GOD was sanctifying Israel. Now instead of an external one-day-a-week awareness, we have the holy spirit itself within us sanctifying us, which has made the 4th commandment obsolete.

That is not true and you should not that. Sanctification comes through the sacrifice of Jesus. This is only needed because we have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.

It is the feast Sabbaths that point to sanctification because they are the shadow of the sacrifice of Christ.

But the 4th commandment is not speaking of the feast Sabbaths as can clearly be seen in the commandment itself. God as seen in the OP gives the reason for the 4th commandment and it is clearly because God finished creation and blessed it and Made It Holy. He did this before sin was and thus before sanctification was needed.

Sanctification was applied to the idea of Sabbath after the fall which was after the 7th day was already special made so by God.

So no the purpose of the 4th commandment is not what you just said and that is clearly revealed by the 4th commandment itself.

So clearly the sanctification was an added meaning because of sin. Thus when Jesus died He fulfilled this meaning. but the base of the 7th day according to the 4th commandment is that God finished creation and blessed and made that day Holy.

So why don't you explain to us how Jesus death nullifies what He did at creation?

 

[Ahwatukee]

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

I totally agree with you Magenta. Christ accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. Again, if there were any other requirements to obtain salvation and eternal life other than faith in the shed blood of Christ, it would be listed over and over again in the NT for them to be kept. Yet, we don't see not one reference in the new testament to keep the Sabbath, or any other day. But we do have scripture showing that we are saved by grace through faith alone and that we are not to let anyone judge us regarding to what we eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Paul here is summarizing things from the law that we are no longer under and not to be judged by. Furthermore, regarding the Sabbath, we have Paul saying that, one person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Again, he is speaking about holy days and the Sabbath, any Sabbath.

Now, if someone wants to keep a day specifically to the Lord, then they can do that. Personally I keep every day to the Lord, from the time I get up, to the time I go to sleep. My thoughts are on the Lord and his word when I'm driving, in the shower, on the couch, on the toilet, at a restaurant, at the grocery store, etc. And I'm sure that it is the same for all who are reading this and praise the Lord for that, because he is glorified in it. However, it becomes a problem when we rely on keeping the Sabbath or any other works/efforts, as a requirement for salvation. Once a person does that, then even though they are claiming that salvation is through Christ only, that is not the truth because they are bringing in their own works in addition to the Lord's sacrifice, which is basically saying that the Lord's sacrifice was insufficient, otherwise they wouldn't be claiming it as a requirement. If salvation is not through the Lord's sacrifice only, then you are under the law and the law brings wrath for those who put themselves under. I have never in my life when preaching Christ, ever said to the person, "you must keep the ten commandments and keep the Sabbath," never! I have only ever preached Christ crucified and resurrected.

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

The verse above does not say:

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation if they keep the Sabbath, abstain from certain foods, keep the feast, holy days, keep the ten commandments and the rest of the law.

Jesus is worthy because he alone purchased us for God by his blood and that without needing our help by adding to it. If we will just trust in him for our salvation, then we are reconciled to God by his grace through our faith. God forbid that I should start rattling off my own efforts the Lord as to why I should enter into the kingdom of God.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (NIV)

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (NLT)

 

[james57]

Thank, you for this one.

Here let us examine the argument based on a specific text as it is written:

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Now keep in mind that base reason for the Sabbath is God made it Holy and set it apart because he finished creation.

Another point for those who are thinkers and open to the word of God, did you know that there are two basic types of Sabbaths? Go and study the Old testament and you will find there is the Sabbaths that were part of the sacrificial feasts which obviously were a shadow of Jesus the true sacrifice for our sins. and then there is the 7th day Sabbath of the commandment which was simply a reminder to honor the day God made Holy after creation.

Now this does not take a lot of thought, We have two types of Sabbaths, One that points to sacrifice and forgiveness of sins by blood. The other points back to creation as a already established reality.

So which one do you think the writer is referring to? Yes very clearly the feast Sabbaths as the 7th day Sabbath does not fit the criteria.

This argument again takes it strength in a lack of thought and ignorance of the reality of the 7th day Sabbath.

It is based on a complete ignoring of the revealed word of God on the subject.

Another question you might want to ask yourself is this: Why would Jesus death on account of our sin change something He made Holy before sin came into the world? It wouldn't.

In my view you are far too hung up about this subject. I would say discernment should show us there ate far more important things than this in the christian walk, as I noted when I knew some who observed a Saturday sabbath

 

[gotime]

Gotime,

Let's take a break from the status quo of Sabbath debates and re-visit your original topic: "Why" we keep the Sabbath. All of the debates and arguments mean very little if there is no practical application or understanding that bears fruit in your life.

So what is some fruit you have seen in your life since keeping the Sabbath? (Just a warning, I'm sure there will be those who will counter these answers with a "I do that or enjoy that every day of the week" criticism.)

For me, one thing is that no matter what kind of week my children have had with disobedience, rebellion and cruddy attitudes, Friday night always seems to bring them back into right order. My wife and I can be as diligent in the discipline of our kids all week, but God almost always moves in mighty ways to bring them in line, and to have God's presence in their lives for the Sabbath.

First this is not about debating but exposing deceptions used against the Sabbath.

As to the fruit of keeping the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is a fruit of being in Christ itself.

I used to be a Sunday Keeper so when I came to acknowledge Gods Holy day there was a greater peace than before. Often truths that I struggled with became clear on the Sabbath.

there is a difference in being with God on the day He makes to be with us in that special way than doing it on any other day. But only those who do so by faith will know what I am talking about. Its closer its more intimate and there is a power to overcome sin that is much greater. These are things I have noticed.

I know some have decided to keep it once in a while to see what happens but that does not work, That is not faith but sight. when one keeps it not to try it but because they see it in the word and have it written on their heart by faith only then do these benefits come.

The day itself is not magical. only by faith in Gods revealed word do the benefits come.

 

[gotime]

Excuse the analogy but in many ways its like sex within the confines of marriage with only one person ever in your life. you can talk about it if you want and try to explain it as best you can. but those who do not know it can not grasp it fully.

 

[Blain]

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? I mean does that mean no working at all? Also I never understood which was the Sabbath, ppl say saturday but others say sunday

 

[gotime]

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? I mean does that mean no working at all? Also I never understood which was the Sabbath, ppl say saturday but others say sunday

The 7th day is Saturday This can easily be traced by the history of Israel given by God and even the Gospel shows it.

But what does it mean. Its meaning derives from Creation it was when God finished making our home and us and declared it very good. Then he rested in that finished work and blessed and made it Holy for us. Its a special day where God invites us into an undistracted relationship date as it were.

by faith when we keep it we acknowledge Him as creator and rest in the day as it is Holy by his making.

 

[gotime]

By the way, actually keeping the Sabbath is an act of faith.

ask yourself this, why would an atheist not keep the Sabbath? Simply because He or She does not believe that God made that day Holy. they don't believe in God or that He created the world.

what possible reason is there to keep it? The only reason is if you believe His word and then by faith in His word you keep it because you believe He made it holy.

The question is simple, Do we believe Him or not?

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Gen 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

 

[Blain]

By the way, actually keeping the Sabbath is an act of faith.

ask yourself this, why would an atheist not keep the Sabbath? Simply because He or She does not believe that God made that day Holy. they don't believe in God or that He created the world.

what possible reason is there to keep it? The only reason is if you believe His word and then by faith in His word you keep it because you believe He made it holy.

The question is simple, Do we believe Him or not?

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Gen 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Ok but if you say clean the house on the sabbath, does that mean you didn't keep it?

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

That is not true and you should not that. Sanctification comes through the sacrifice of Jesus. This is only needed because we have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.

Sanctification is the work of the spirit within us.

... I am a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving the gospel of God as a priest, in order that the offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16​

So why don't you explain to us how Jesus death nullifies what He did at creation?

You're so confused that you can't separate the sabbath from the 4th commandment given to Israel to keep it holy (sanctify it).

Like I said before, you worship the sabbath; you don't worship Christ.

 

[gotime]

KohenMatt

In addition to the benefits of keeping the Sabbath, There are many that come that anyone can have any day of the week if they at least keep one day aside.

But there a blessings and things that come from keeping the 7th day that come on no other day. Many who speak of the Sabbath and try to keep it don't even know those benefits because they are keeping it legalistically and not by faith.

 

[gotime]

Ok but if you say clean the house on the sabbath, does that mean you didn't keep it?

We have the week to do that and do so deliberately so that we don't have to clean the house on the Sabbath. Why?

Well let me ask you, If your wife a girlfriend had a special date time with you and then when she arrived you said oh sorry just wait over there while I clean the house. How much value have you put on time with her? not much. When in love one will keep the date time as free as humanly possible.

That does not mean that emergencies can not happen. The issue here is love, love will do all it can to make that time free from distractions so to enjoy and develop the relationship.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

So what curse am I under now if my salvation is through grace by faith, but I choose to follow the Law, albeit imperfectly?

Why would you chose to follow something you can never follow? and which was given to bring a curse? Why would you follow something and take it out of its intended purpose. and think it would be a good thing?

That reaps defeat. not victory.. Every try the same thing over again, and fail.. How long before you either water it down and say your doing ok. or give up altogether and walk away (which most people do)

 

[Blain]

We have the week to do that and do so deliberately so that we don't have to clean the house on the Sabbath. Why?

Well let me ask you, If your wife a girlfriend had a special date time with you and then when she arrived you said oh sorry just wait over there while I clean the house. How much value have you put on time with her? not much. When in love one will keep the date time as free as humanly possible.

That does not mean that emergencies can not happen. The issue here is love, love will do all it can to make that time free from distractions so to enjoy and develop the relationship.

Well I don't know about the whole not working thing but if the sabbath is used to spend time with God and develop the relationship then everyday is the Sabbath for me. Why on earth would I set aside one day of the week to spend personal intimate time with him when I can do this everyday? No matter what I am doing or where I am I can always find him I can speak with him I can connect intimately with him and I can learn from him. When People make the excuse that they don't have enough time to spend with him they are lying to themselves, if you love someone enough you always make time for them.

 

[KohenMatt]

Why would you chose to follow something you can never follow? and which was given to bring a curse? Why would you follow something and take it out of its intended purpose. and think it would be a good thing?

That reaps defeat. not victory.. Every try the same thing over again, and fail.. How long before you either water it down and say your doing ok. or give up altogether and walk away (which most people do)

While I disagree with your reasoning on this (as I'm sure you do mine), thanks for your opinions on it. I'll be moving on from here.

 

[breno785au]

We have the week to do that and do so deliberately so that we don't have to clean the house on the Sabbath. Why?

Well let me ask you, If your wife a girlfriend had a special date time with you and then when she arrived you said oh sorry just wait over there while I clean the house. How much value have you put on time with her? not much. When in love one will keep the date time as free as humanly possible.

That does not mean that emergencies can not happen. The issue here is love, love will do all it can to make that time free from distractions so to enjoy and develop the relationship.

That analogy is only valid if God has set one single moment in time for us to have his attention, or within the context of sabbath, one day. We have 24/7 access to the Throne through Christ Jesus, right?