the Sabbath

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

SabbathBlessing

Well-known member
Dec 13, 2023
1,416
235
63
In conclusion, the argument that the Sabbath is no longer tied to a specific day contradicts Scripture. The Bible consistently identifies the Sabbath as the seventh day of the week and emphasizes its ongoing significance as a day of rest, worship, and relationship with God. Both its literal observance and spiritual meaning remain essential aspects of God's plan for humanity.
Good post.

The argument contradicts God.

Exo 20:10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.

It couldn't be clearer if God had spoken and written it Himself. Oh, He did that! God personally wrote and God personally spoke these Words- no Greater Authority than God, at least for me. I'm so glad there are others who see it this way too.

God bless!
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
719
325
63
The work of God is simply to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ...John 6:28-29. Spiritual work is believing what God says. Faith is spiritual work.
All the work for our salvation has already been done. Jesus paid for our sins on the cross and lived a perfect life so His righteousness could be imputed to us. By trusting this we enter into rest. No longer do we need to strive to acquire peace with God. In Christ, we are already reconciled.


Well, you have been verified to be boasting only in the Christ, well done.
Inquisitor, @Cameron143 , The belief that faith alone, without any need for works, is sufficient for salvation is a misunderstanding of the relationship between faith and obedience as taught in Scripture. While it is true that salvation begins with faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ, the Bible is clear that true faith naturally produces works. These works are not an attempt to earn salvation but are the fruit of genuine faith, demonstrating love and obedience to God.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of obedience and works in many of His teachings. In Matthew 7:21, He said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." This shows that simply professing belief is not enough; a life lived in accordance with God’s will is required. Jesus also used the parable of the two sons to illustrate this point. One son initially refused to obey but later did his father's will, while the other professed obedience but did nothing. Jesus asked, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" and the answer was clear—it was the one who acted (Matthew 21:28-31).

Faith without action is further addressed in the teachings of James. In James 2:17-18, we read, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James makes it clear that works are the evidence of living faith. Faith is not merely intellectual assent or belief in a set of facts; it is a trust in God that manifests in obedience to His commands and a life of service to others.

Jesus reinforced this principle in the parable of the sheep and the goats. In Matthew 25:31-46, He taught that those who inherit the kingdom are those who demonstrated their faith through actions—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and helping those in need. Conversely, those who failed to do these works of love were cast out, not because they lacked belief, but because their lack of action showed a lack of true faith and love.

Another powerful example of the relationship between faith and works is seen in Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler. The man asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus first pointed him to obedience to the commandments and then told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, saying, "and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21). Here, Jesus made it clear that following Him requires both belief and a willingness to act on that belief, even when it involves sacrifice.

Obedience to God’s commandments is also a demonstration of love for Him. In John 14:15, Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." This statement ties together faith, love, and works. Genuine faith in Jesus leads to love for Him, and that love naturally results in obedience. Works are not separate from faith but are its natural outgrowth and evidence.

While salvation is initiated by faith, the Bible is clear that faith without works is dead. Works are the evidence of living faith and demonstrate love and obedience to God. Jesus consistently taught that obedience to God’s commandments and acts of love toward others are essential aspects of a life of faith. True faith transforms the heart and compels believers to live in a way that honors God and serves others. Therefore, faith and works are not in opposition but are inseparable parts of a life committed to God.

Blessings.
 
Apr 7, 2014
25,494
13,432
113
58
Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-26).

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.* (Romans 3:24-28)

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-26) *Perfect Harmony*
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
719
325
63
Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-26).

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works.* (Romans 3:24-28)

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-26) *Perfect Harmony*
A parable that beautifully balances the idea of faith with the importance of works is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. This parable emphasizes that while salvation is a gift from God, the faithful are expected to act on what they have been given, demonstrating their faith through obedience and fruitful actions. Let’s explore this parable in detail.

In the parable, Jesus describes a man who, before going on a journey, entrusts his servants with talents (a measure of wealth). "To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey" (Matthew 25:15). The servants were not given these talents to hide or hoard but to steward wisely in their master’s absence.

Two of the servants used their talents to produce more. The one who received five talents earned five more, and the one with two talents earned two more. When the master returned, they were commended for their faithfulness: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matthew 25:21, 23). Their actions demonstrated that they understood the master’s will and acted in accordance with it.

However, the servant who received one talent did nothing with it. He buried it in the ground and offered excuses upon his master’s return: "Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours" (Matthew 25:24-25). The master was displeased, calling him a "wicked and lazy servant" (Matthew 25:26). This servant’s failure to act on what he had been given resulted in his talent being taken away and himself being cast into "the outer darkness" (Matthew 25:30).

The Parable of the Talents teaches that God expects those who receive His grace and gifts to use them for His glory. The talents represent the resources, opportunities, and abilities God entrusts to each person. Faithful stewardship of these gifts is not optional; it is essential. While the servants could not take credit for receiving the talents—that was entirely the master’s choice—they were responsible for what they did with them. Their works demonstrated their faithfulness and love for their master.

This parable makes it clear that faith is not passive. True faith results in action—works that glorify God and further His purposes. As Jesus said in John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." Bearing fruit is a natural result of a life connected to God, and it is through these works that faith is proven genuine.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Talents illustrates the necessity of works as evidence of faith. While salvation is a gift from God, our response to that gift is crucial. God calls us to actively use what He has entrusted to us for His glory, showing our love, faith, and obedience through our actions. This parable reminds us that faith without works is not only incomplete but ultimately unfaithful to the calling God has placed on our lives.

Peace
 

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,482
695
113
A parable that beautifully balances the idea of faith with the importance of works is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. This parable emphasizes that while salvation is a gift from God, the faithful are expected to act on what they have been given, demonstrating their faith through obedience and fruitful actions. Let’s explore this parable in detail.

In the parable, Jesus describes a man who, before going on a journey, entrusts his servants with talents (a measure of wealth). "To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey" (Matthew 25:15). The servants were not given these talents to hide or hoard but to steward wisely in their master’s absence.

Two of the servants used their talents to produce more. The one who received five talents earned five more, and the one with two talents earned two more. When the master returned, they were commended for their faithfulness: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matthew 25:21, 23). Their actions demonstrated that they understood the master’s will and acted in accordance with it.

However, the servant who received one talent did nothing with it. He buried it in the ground and offered excuses upon his master’s return: "Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours" (Matthew 25:24-25). The master was displeased, calling him a "wicked and lazy servant" (Matthew 25:26). This servant’s failure to act on what he had been given resulted in his talent being taken away and himself being cast into "the outer darkness" (Matthew 25:30).

The Parable of the Talents teaches that God expects those who receive His grace and gifts to use them for His glory. The talents represent the resources, opportunities, and abilities God entrusts to each person. Faithful stewardship of these gifts is not optional; it is essential. While the servants could not take credit for receiving the talents—that was entirely the master’s choice—they were responsible for what they did with them. Their works demonstrated their faithfulness and love for their master.

This parable makes it clear that faith is not passive. True faith results in action—works that glorify God and further His purposes. As Jesus said in John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." Bearing fruit is a natural result of a life connected to God, and it is through these works that faith is proven genuine.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Talents illustrates the necessity of works as evidence of faith. While salvation is a gift from God, our response to that gift is crucial. God calls us to actively use what He has entrusted to us for His glory, showing our love, faith, and obedience through our actions. This parable reminds us that faith without works is not only incomplete but ultimately unfaithful to the calling God has placed on our lives.

Peace
Your cart precedes your horse.
 
Dec 13, 2023
1,416
235
63
God's promises are conditional based on our cooperation

John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 3: 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

John 15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love

Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

even this one is conditional on coming to the light and exposing our deeds (sin Rom 3:20 1 John 3:4 breaking God's law Rom 7:7 James 2:10-12) so we don't cover our sins Pro 28:13 but instead confess, repent and turn from sin.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
719
325
63
But he did. That which has become useless by virtue of being replaced by something superior is void. The law was the only thing against us.

Having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments in orders, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; Ephesians 2:15
Blotting out the written orders that were against us, which were contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Colossians 2:14
Abolished
G2673 καταργέω katargeo (kat-ar-ǰe'-ō) v.
1. to be entirely idle (useless).
2. to render entirely idle (useless).

there is a problem with what you say that the law is abolished, first it contradicts the word of GOD and Jesus, and it puts apostle Paul in a predicament;

In the book of Deuteronomy, the test for false prophets is outlined in two key passages: Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and Deuteronomy 18:20-22.

In Deuteronomy 13:1-5, the passage warns against prophets or dreamers who perform signs and wonders but lead the people to worship other gods or violate the commandments:

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 (NKJV):
"If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods'—which you have not known—'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst."

This passage emphasizes that even if a prophet performs signs and wonders that come to pass, if they encourage the worship of other gods or lead people to break God’s commandments, they are a false prophet. The people are commanded to reject them and punish them for attempting to lead others away from God's law.

In Deuteronomy 18:20-22, the test is specifically about whether a prophet speaks in God's name and whether their predictions come true:

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (NKJV):
"But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?'—when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."

In this section, it explains that a true prophet is one whose words come to pass and align with God's will. If the prophet claims to speak for God but their prophecy does not come true, or they speak in the name of other gods, they are to be considered false and rejected.

The key idea in these passages is that the prophet's teachings must align with God's commandments, and they must not lead people away from the truth. Any attempt to diminish God's law, encourage disobedience, or promote worship of other gods marks a false prophet. These tests emphasize God's sovereignty and the necessity of faithfulness to His revealed word.
 
Jun 18, 2024
93
13
8
The phrase "The spiritual is not about a 'day' but 'the rest itself, for us to enter into it by believing in Jesus'" is often used by those who argue that the Sabbath, as a specific day of observance, is no longer relevant under the New Covenant. However, the Bible clearly teaches that the Sabbath is still valid and is designated as the seventh day of the week. Both its spiritual significance and its role as a specific day remain central to God’s covenant with His people.

The Sabbath originates in the creation account, where God Himself rested on the seventh day, sanctifying it as holy. Genesis 2:2-3 declares, "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." This act of sanctification predates the existence of sin and human disobedience, showing that the Sabbath was established as a universal principle, not limited to Israel or the Old Covenant.

The importance of the Sabbath as a specific day is reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-10 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." This commandment explicitly identifies the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath and links its observance to God’s rest at creation. Far from being merely symbolic, the Sabbath is a day of physical rest and spiritual communion with God.

Some might argue that belief in Jesus replaces the need for a specific day of rest. However, Jesus Himself upheld the Sabbath and clarified its purpose. In Matthew 12:8, He declared, "For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." This statement emphasizes His authority over the Sabbath, not its abolition. Additionally, in Mark 2:27, He taught, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath," affirming that the Sabbath is a gift for humanity’s benefit, designed to provide rest, restoration, and a time to focus on God.

The continuity of the Sabbath as a specific day is also supported by its role as a perpetual covenant. Exodus 31:16-17 states, "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." While some might claim this covenant applies only to ancient Israel, the Sabbath was instituted at creation for all humanity. Moreover, Isaiah 66:22-23 prophesies that the Sabbath will continue to be observed in the new heavens and the new earth: "'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."

The New Testament provides no evidence that the Sabbath was abolished or transferred to another day. Instead, it reinforces its observance as a divine principle. Jesus’ teachings clarified the spirit of the Sabbath, demonstrating that it is not a burden but a blessing. The Bible does not support the idea that spiritual rest in Christ negates the observance of the Sabbath as a specific day. Rather, the two work together: the Sabbath provides a weekly reminder of God’s creative power and redemptive work, while faith in Jesus offers ultimate spiritual rest and reconciliation with God.

In conclusion, the argument that the Sabbath is no longer tied to a specific day contradicts Scripture. The Bible consistently identifies the Sabbath as the seventh day of the week and emphasizes its ongoing significance as a day of rest, worship, and relationship with God. Both its literal observance and spiritual meaning remain essential aspects of God's plan for humanity.
then i hope you keep the 7th day sabbath along with other commandments as God commanded without failing otherwise your words are just words with no Truth. failing to keep any commandment means you also fail to keep the rest of the commandments. Be careful God cannot be mocked.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
3,005
881
113
God's promises are conditional based on our cooperation

John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 3: 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

John 15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love

Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

even this one is conditional on coming to the light and exposing our deeds (sin Rom 3:20 1 John 3:4 breaking God's law Rom 7:7 James 2:10-12) so we don't cover our sins Pro 28:13 but instead confess, repent and turn from sin.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Here is your heresy summarized in one line.

"God's promises are conditional based on our cooperation"

Now here is the truth in one line.

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

You do not understand that grace is unconditional.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
3,005
881
113
God's promises are conditional based on our cooperation

John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 3: 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

John 15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love

Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

even this one is conditional on coming to the light and exposing our deeds (sin Rom 3:20 1 John 3:4 breaking God's law Rom 7:7 James 2:10-12) so we don't cover our sins Pro 28:13 but instead confess, repent and turn from sin.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Now your teaching salvation by grace through faith.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

"that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
 
Nov 27, 2024
6
4
3
Why would anyone try to convince people they don't have to follow Elohim's law anymore when you cannot provide one explicit verse in the Bible saying "Don't keep the law anymore". You instead show indirect verses that says we're not saved by the law but by grace. We're not in disagreement with those verses. We are saved by grace, fine. This doesn't mean we can now break Torah with murrder, raape, idolatry, unclean eating, gluttony, bearing false witness, adultery, fornication. God himself said to keep Torah and Jesus valued it enough to kept Torah FULLY. The disciples kept Torah too. We will keep the laws, statutes, and commandments an NO ONE will convince us not to. You guys are acting as if keeping Torah is a bad thing. I'm pretty sure you can't be condemn to hell if you obey Torah. I've already responded to everything you're saying with scripture and history but you ignore this. You want to make excuses to disobey God and it's always been like this long before Christ walked the Earth. In the beginning God commanded Adam not to do 1 thing but the serpent convinced Eve to disobey and she convinced Adam. And God asked them why did they disobey so they blamed each other. You don't get it. If God tells you what to do and you disobey him, you AND your influencer will be punished by God. You guys are playing the same role. This is why so many people are lost today. Hommosexuality, abortion, obesity, fornication, adultery, orphanage, divorce, pride, laziness, hard-heartness, effeminate men, bossy women, suiiciide, cancer, mental illness is all on the rise in your world because you try to throw out the commands of God.