Observance of the Sabbath Day deserves our attention. After all the Commandment says:
"Thou shalt remember the Sabbath Day: to keep it Holy." Exodus 20:8
WHICH DAY IS THE "SABBATH DAY"?
First of all, the Sabbath Day on the calendar is Saturday. The 7th day, (Saturday) is still Observed by the Jewish people and also Sabbath-Day Keepers.[1]
THE "CHRISTIAN SABBATH"
The changing of the Sabbath Day (Saturday) to Sunday and calling it "The Christian Sabbath" is stated in several Statements of Faith in Christianity.
This change is because of the interpretaion of Scripture that Yeshua (Jesus) Rose from the dead early on a Sunday morning. Therefore, Sunday is Observed as "The Sabbath".
Others however, would argue that He Rose from the dead on Saturday.
Still and all, Sunday is widely known as the "Christian Sabbath", and many do not work on that day, as an Observance to "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy". Because of the tradition, there have been "Blue Laws" passed in several states forbidding certain sales on Sunday. Some states have repealed those laws.
Because of the disagreement on which Day actually is the "Sabbath", debates have arisen in every generation.
THE DILEMMA
New Testament Scripture says this:
"One man esteemeth one day above another, another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Romans 14:5
The question then arises, if some esteem all days alike how can the Commandment be Observed to "Remember the Sabbath Day" at all?
This is the dilemma.
How can the two Scriptures be reconciled? Perhaps then we should seek the Scriptures for another Sabbath Day that would Fulfill both.
Furthermore, could both be right?
ANOTHER SABBATH DAY
"Let us therefore fear, lest a Promise being left [us] of entrering into His Rest (Sabbath), any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the Gospel preached. as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with Faith in them who heard [it]. For we who have believed do enter into that Rest (Sabbath), as He has Said,
'As I Swore in My Wrath they shall not enter into My Rest (Sabbath).' Psalm 95:11
"although the Works were Finished from the Foundation of the world. For He has Spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this wise:
'And G-d Rested on the Seventh Day from all His Works.' Genesis 2:2:
"and again in this [place]:
'They shall not enter My Rest.' Psalm 95:11
"Since therefore it remains that some [must] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He Designates a certain Day, saying in David,
'Today' Psalm 95:7
"after such a long time, as it has been Said:
'Today, if ye will hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts.' Psalm 95:7,8
"For if Joshua[2] had given them Rest (Sabbath), then He would not afterward have Spoken of another Day. There remains therefore a Rest (Sabbath) for the People of G-d. For he who has entered His Rest (Sabbath) has ceased from his works as G-d [did] from His.
"Let us therefore be diligent to enter that Rest (Sabbath) lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the Word of G-d is alive and Powerful, sharper than any two-edged Sword, Piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, the joints and the marrow, and is a critic of the the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His Sight, but all things [are] naked and open to the Eyes of Him with whom we [must give] account. Seeing then we have a Great High Priest who has passed through the Heavens, Jesus the Son of G-d, let us hold fast [our] confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but who was in all points tempted as [we are], yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy, and Grace to Help in time of need." Hebrews 4:1-16
THE MOMENT-BY-MOMENT SABBATH REST
The People of G-d have therefore been Given the Continual Sabbath Rest. They are to enter into His Rest (Sabbath) by Faith and cease from their own works and do His Works: that is, Fully excersize the Spiritual Gifts that G-d Gave at the Point of Salvation.
As long as the Continual Sabbath is first in your life, the People of G-d will Fulfill Hebrews Chapter 4, and also "...keep it Holy" by doing His Works in Faith, moment-by-moment, and ceasing from your own.
FREEDOM TO STILL OBSERVE
Does Hebrews Chapter 4 therefore forbid the observance of any single day? No. We have Liberty. We may still observe a day, but we are to keep in mind our First Priority: that is, we are Resting by Faith in His Continual Sabbath in all that we may do. We believe this is directly related to the KINGDOM OF G-D.
PEOPLE OF G-D MINISTRIES
© Copyright 2001 2002 People of G-d Ministries, Inc. No reproduction or redistribution without the Prior Written Consent and Approval of People of G-d.
FOOTNOTES
[1
Believers are free to Worship on any day that they wish, or even every day. The traditional day is Sunday. Many fine Messianic Congregations worship on Saturday. Either or both are Permitted. All are directed toward fulfilling Hebrews 4 and entering into His Continual Sabbath.
[2