Am I not a christian if I do not keep the Sabbath?
But which Sabbath, which day, what can I do, and what cannot I do? What about emergencies? What about social services like light and heating?
If I keep the sabbath what about graven images? Are these pictures of anything ie advertising, sculptures, buildings, models are included or is it more about intention and attitude?
Do not bow down to the sun, moon or stars. Now these things are still present everyday, it is ones attitude and approach that matters. Statues are used to commorate people, acts of courage, history, but are not worshiped. Photographs are used to remember events, make us feel better about ourselves.
The problem with legalism and taking this as the emphasis is it comes from the idea that rules justify you, rather rules are there for your protection and guidance. It is who you are, your relationships that justify you.
If you are born of the Spirit of God, walking in his love, accepting Jesus as you saviour, then you are justified.
The word Christian means to be Christ like. It means to do the same things Christ did...
Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
And then we read this...
Rev 22:14
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.
Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
And Paul said this...
1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
John says this...
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Much is said about love. Love God and love your neighbor...
1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Here we find that Paul says the Command to love our neighbor is just a summary or the Commandments...
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
In all of this, keeping the Commandments seems pretty important to being a Christian.