How does a Christian keep the Sabbath Holy?

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TMS

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Mar 21, 2015
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Did God reveal the plan of salvation before Adam sinned?

Genesis 2:9
Out of the ground the Lord God caused every tree to grow that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

The answer to the question will depend on the interpretation you apply to Genesis 2.

If the tree in the center of the garden represents Jesus Christ (eternal life). Then God has started to reveal a plan for our salvation.

If the tree in the center of the garden represents a type of tree. Then God has not revealed His plan of salvation.
The plan of salvation is revealed in chapter 3 after they realize they are naked.

They are seperated from the tree of life when they sinned , and Jesus came to save us while we were yet sinners.

The sabbath was made holy before sin and before Jew or gentile ever existed..
 
May 19, 2023
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The plan of salvation is revealed in chapter 3 after they realize they are naked.

They are seperated from the tree of life when they sinned , and Jesus came to save us while we were yet sinners.

The sabbath was made holy before sin and before Jew or gentile ever existed..

Hi TMS.

So, in the New Testament, how does the fourth commandment concerning the Sabbath fit in our life under the New Testament?

God bless you,
Wayne
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
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The plan of salvation is revealed in chapter 3 after they realize they are naked.

They are seperated from the tree of life when they sinned , and Jesus came to save us while we were yet sinners.

The sabbath was made holy before sin and before Jew or gentile ever existed..
Mankind existed before the Sabbath day.
 

TMS

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Mar 21, 2015
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Hi TMS.

So, in the New Testament, how does the fourth commandment concerning the Sabbath fit in our life under the New Testament?

God bless you,
Wayne
The new testament is new because it was set up by the blood of Jesus.. they are both based on grace. They were all about God saving us from sin. The old testament wasn't about people keeping laws to be saved. It has always been salvation by grace through faith.
Heb 11 states that it was by faith that the patriarchs did the works they did.
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

We today have received the promise of Jesus and understand the plan clearer.
Not a promise anymore.

By faith we should live as children of God. Through faith we can recieve righteousness.
Righteousness that covers all our sins and makes us perfect before the judge. (Justification)
And Righteousness that works inside us to transform and create the Character of Jesus. (Sanctification)

The keeping of the law including the sabbath is the outword result of Gods righteousness working in us.
The fruit of the Spirit. No glory to us, it is God working in us.

Jas 2:17-22
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

If you believe the 10 commandments are all moral laws that God wants us to obey, you don't keep them to be saved or earn salvation. You keep them by faith because you love God.

For example if you Love God you don't take His name in vain. And if you love you brother you don't steal from them.

The sabbath should be kept because God said to remember it. To honour our creator and spend time with him.
Heb 4:9-10
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
 

TMS

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Mar 21, 2015
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Mankind existed before the Sabbath day.
Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

It was made for man not Jew, not a special group of people it was made for all mankind before sin occurred.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
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The new testament is new because it was set up by the blood of Jesus.. they are both based on grace. They were all about God saving us from sin. The old testament wasn't about people keeping laws to be saved. It has always been salvation by grace through faith.
Heb 11 states that it was by faith that the patriarchs did the works they did.
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

We today have received the promise of Jesus and understand the plan clearer.
Not a promise anymore.

By faith we should live as children of God. Through faith we can recieve righteousness.
Righteousness that covers all our sins and makes us perfect before the judge. (Justification)
And Righteousness that works inside us to transform and create the Character of Jesus. (Sanctification)

The keeping of the law including the sabbath is the outword result of Gods righteousness working in us.
The fruit of the Spirit. No glory to us, it is God working in us.

Jas 2:17-22
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

If you believe the 10 commandments are all moral laws that God wants us to obey, you don't keep them to be saved or earn salvation. You keep them by faith because you love God.

For example if you Love God you don't take His name in vain. And if you love you brother you don't steal from them.

The sabbath should be kept because God said to remember it. To honour our creator and spend time with him.
Heb 4:9-10
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
How do you deal with Exodus 31:17...it is a sign between me and the children of Israel?
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
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Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

It was made for man not Jew, not a special group of people it was made for all mankind before sin occurred.
God rested on the seventh day in Genesis II. There is no mention of a sabbath, made for man, in those verses. You would need to leap to Exodus 16 to find the first occurrence of a Sabbath law.

I will stick with text.

There is not a single mention of a Sabbath day until Exodus 16.

There is no mention of a Sabbath law in the seven laws of Noah. That is a problem for you.

Exodus 16:29-30
See, the Lord has given you the Sabbath; for that reason He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain, everyone, in his place; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the seventh day.

Looks as though, the only people that were given the Sabbath law were the Jews.
 
May 5, 2023
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I also find it not easy to keep the Sabbath .Last week I decided I will do a lot of work on the Friday so I am fully tired and need the rest on the Sabbath, also you can go out for a walk, socialising with other people, probably better like minded. I also sleep that day, it is a time for rest. Yes, I will also welcome other ideas.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
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There is a lot the Bible admonishes us to Not Do on the Sabbath. My dilemma is what can we DO? I spend some time in prayer, some time reading the Word, and then I am stumped. I physically cannot sit around all day and end up just doing things (renovations on house etc) that are self-serving. What is acceptable to God on this day? What sort of things do YOU do to keep the Sabbath?
To be honest Jesus became our sabbath he kept the prupose of the sabbath in his ministry it is not just a special day top dedicate to God it is a prophetic one that Jesus fulfilled.

But I also do not think keeping the sabbath to honor him is in any way unbiblical I actually kind of fasted for the first time on easter I didn't really think about it I just kind of did it and interestingly I actuall felt a closer connection fromj doing it.

I spent the whole day dedicated to him and the funny thing I was unaware of what day it was. but if yuor wanting to keep the sabbath don't think of it as what can't do rather what you get to do and that is dedicate your day to the Lord however it is you do this any way you and God connect do so with an intent of of hearing from he rewards those who make the ffort to be with him instead of doing daily life.
 

Grace911

Active member
Nov 11, 2018
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There is a lot the Bible admonishes us to Not Do on the Sabbath. My dilemma is what can we DO? I spend some time in prayer, some time reading the Word, and then I am stumped. I physically cannot sit around all day and end up just doing things (renovations on house etc) that are self-serving. What is acceptable to God on this day? What sort of things do YOU do to keep the Sabbath?
KISS - keep it simple s..... Do not do what can be done on the other 6 days. No buying, no selling, no work to earn money unless you are essential personnel. Do be a good citizen and volunteer to serve others. However, do not require others to work on your behalf, for example going to a restaurant and they must work for pay, you are causing them to serve you. If you are an emergency personnel, like medical field or fire department or police, etc. work if you must, but cry out to God for his mercy and grace to fall on your heart's desire to please Him in whatever ways He leads you. For me, after the 2020 lockdown, I have found a zoom group that I participate with. My time zone begins at 11:30 a.m. and the zoom often goes on for 5 to 6 hours. The midrash, discussing the reading (whether it be from Torah or Prophets or New Testament) really great and often deep conversations are happening after each "portion" is read. You could do this with a live audience in your home or rotate to other homes. My zoom group has music, prayers, and open mike for topical presentations by participants. Of course, it is organized, and you are put on a schedule or a date when you can make your presentation. I plan for this weekly Sabbath event. I get housecleaning, groceries, meals prepared all done before Friday sundown. On occasion, I have had to be not as prepared, but knowing I don't want to miss the fellowship and Bible Study and readings, it is OK. If traveling, I look to make sure I have gassed up the car, and can easily pack snacks and meals, so as not to buy anything on the Sabbath. Enjoy the day with family, friends, and most of all with the LORD. I've been doing this way of life since 2012. I am single and do not have family to share the day with, but I have a spiritual family and have made friendships with others around the world. It is a delight and not a burden.
 

TMS

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Mar 21, 2015
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How do you deal with Exodus 31:17...it is a sign between me and the children of Israel?
It was a sign, and Israel were the chosen people, God was using them as a light to witness, to share the truth with the world.
If it was God's design for Israel, wouldn't it have been God's design for everyone?
Anyone that wanted to join themselves to God needed to follow the laws.

Same today, if we choose God we can't sit on the fence and serve two masters.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
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It was a sign, and Israel were the chosen people, God was using them as a light to witness, to share the truth with the world.
If it was God's design for Israel, wouldn't it have been God's design for everyone?
Anyone that wanted to join themselves to God needed to follow the laws.

Same today, if we choose God we can't sit on the fence and serve two masters.
Between isn't exclusionary?
 

Ted01

Well-known member
May 14, 2022
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If it was God's design for Israel, wouldn't it have been God's design for everyone?
No, I don't think that it necessarily follows that what God was doing for Israel is what He intended for everyone.
Israel, for example, was meant to carry the message of/about God through the ages...
 

Grace911

Active member
Nov 11, 2018
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The covenant was not the problem. The people were the problem. At Mt. Sinai, on Shavuot/Pentecost, the people were given the covenant and they said, all that the LORD has said "We will do". So what happen?? They did not do as they were instructed by the covenant. They were unfaithful. They were adulterous.

Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Heb 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

The new (renewed) covenant began at Shavuot/Pentecost after Christ's death, burial and resurrection. The Holy Spirit was given so that the people now had the power to obey the covenant and the desire to keep the covenant.

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, v.26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
 

TMS

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James Cardinal Gibbons, The Faith of our Fathers, 88th ed., pp. 89.

"But you may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify."

Who changed the day?
The catholic church claims the change. With no bible authority.
 

TMS

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Stephen Keenan, A Doctrinal Catechism 3rd ed., p. 174.

"Question: Have you any other way of proving that the Church has power to institute festivals of precept?

"Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her-she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority."
 

TMS

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Roman Catholic and Protestant Confessions About Sunday
The vast majority of Christian churches today teach the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, as a time for rest and worship. Yet it is generally known and freely admitted that the early Christians observed the seventh day as the Sabbath. How did this change come about?

History reveals that it was decades after the death of the apostles that a politico-religious system repudiated the Sabbath of Scripture and substituted the observance of the first day of the week. The following quotations, all from Roman Catholic sources, freely acknowledge that there is no Biblical authority for the observance of Sunday, that it was the Roman Church that changed the Sabbath to the first day of the week.

In the second portion of this booklet are quotations from Protestants. Undoubtedly all of these noted clergymen, scholars, and writers kept Sunday, but they all frankly admit that there is no Biblical authority for a first-day sabbath.

Roman Catholic Confessions
James Cardinal Gibbons, The Faith of our Fathers, 88th ed., pp. 89.

"But you may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify."

Stephen Keenan, A Doctrinal Catechism 3rd ed., p. 174.

"Question: Have you any other way of proving that the Church has power to institute festivals of precept?

"Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her-she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority."

John Laux, A Course in Religion for Catholic High Schools and Academies (1 936), vol. 1, P. 51.

"Some theologians have held that God likewise directly determined the Sunday as the day of worship in the New Law, that He Himself has explicitly substituted the Sunday for the Sabbath. But this theory is now entirely abandoned. It is now commonly held that God simply gave His Church the power to set aside whatever day or days she would deem suitable as Holy Days. The Church chose Sunday, the first day of the week, and in the course of time added other days as holy days."

Daniel Ferres, ed., Manual of Christian Doctrine (1916), p.67.

"Question: How prove you that the Church hath power to command feasts and holy days?

"Answer. By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of, and therefore they fondly contradict themselves, by keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same Church.'

James Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore (1877-1921), in a signed letter.

"Is Saturday the seventh day according to the Bible and the Ten Commandments? I answer yes. Is Sunday the first day of the week and did the Church change the seventh day -Saturday - for Sunday, the first day? I answer yes . Did Christ change the day'? I answer no!

"Faithfully yours, J. Card. Gibbons"