Chester Caswell's Learn More'>Supporter

The Sabbath was created during the creation week, thus it was put in place for all of God's created humans. Exodus 20 commands that we still keep it as the seventh day of the week. It is Jesus himself who corrected the way we keep it and set an example not only for the traditionally minded leaders of His day, but for His future church. That's us. Isaiah testifies that we will keep the same Sabbath in heaven with Him. Alleluia. 
Chester

May 29 2016 • 11 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Smith Supporter

Sabbath Keeping (Genesis 2:3) is in scripture prior to Israel. God himself kept the Sabbath. God intended all man from Adam to Moses to the end of time to follow His example. (Exodus16:22-36) Prior to Moses receiving God's Ten Commandments on mount Sinai, Israel was already keeping the 7th day Sabbath. God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it after he created man. Sanctification means to make holy set apart from all other days. God himself rested on His holy day that he created for man, long before Moses and Israel were created.

Genesis 26:5 Abraham obeyed God's voice, and kept God's commandments, statutes and God's laws. Many argue that there is no definition describing what commandments Abraham obeyed. There sure is scripture stating God does not change his laws or His 7th day, He set apart and made it sacred and holy.

Exodus 16:23-30 For Israel, God's 7th day Sabbath was and is in effect since creation. Prior to Mt Sinai. Exodus 31:12-18. God spoke to Moses saying it is a sign between God and the children Israel for ever. Does this mean that God holy day is excluded, taken away from all mankind? Nowhere in scripture is there any hint that God created the 7th day Sabbath for Jews only.

May 30 2016 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

jarod fields Supporter

God made the sabbath for man not man for sabbath (Mk. 2:27), if God made it only for Jews he would have said Jews. The Sabbath was kept before Moses received the Ten Commandments see Ex.16:22-36. Abraham also kept Gods moral laws Gen.26:5. Also there is no verse in the Bible that says that the sabbath was changed to Sunday. Acts 20:7 says they came together to break bread but back then they they baked bread without leaven and they had to break pieces of bread of to eat, but this does not say they broke break and worshiped only broke bread as the gathered in a custom. 

This first day was also our Saturday night which was their Sunday, the Jewish day began in the evening from sunset to sunset. 1Cor.17:2 refers to collect money and being picked up on the first day. Again he didn't talk about worship he was taking a special offering for those in Galatia as there was a famine that was referred to in Acts. I hope this helps.

May 29 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Did God set apart the Sabbath only for Israel, or for all of humanity?

The question of whether the Sabbath was given only to Israel or to all humanity is answered by examining the passages that describe its origin, purpose, and place in God's plan.

1. Genesis 2:2-3 - The Sabbath at Creation

"And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it."

This is the first reference to the seventh day. God set it apart at Creation, before Israel existed and long before the Law of Moses. Because the event occurred at the beginning of human history, many see it as a principle intended for all humanity. Others note that the passage records God's action but does not directly command humanity to observe the day.

2. Exodus 16:22-30 - Before the Ten Commandments

When God provided manna in the wilderness, Israel was told not to gather it on the seventh day.

"Tomorrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord."

This occurred before God gave the Law at Mount Sinai. Some view this as evidence that the Sabbath already existed as a recognised institution. Others understand it as preparation for the covenant that Israel was about to receive.

3. Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

The reason given for the command reaches back to Creation:

"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth... and rested the seventh day."

Rather than appealing to Israel's history, God points to His creative work. This connection leads many to conclude that the Sabbath reflects a pattern established for humanity.

4. Exodus 31:16-17 - A Sign Between God and Israel

"The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath... It is a sign between the children of Israel and me for ever."

Here the Sabbath is described as a covenant sign between God and Israel. Just as circumcision marked Israel's covenant relationship, the Sabbath identified them as God's covenant people. This passage strongly supports the view that the Sabbath had a special role within the nation of Israel.

5. Mark 2:27-28 - Christ's Teaching

"The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."

Jesus corrected traditions that had turned the Sabbath into a burden. He emphasised that the day was made for humanity's benefit. The focus moves from legalism to God's original purpose of blessing and refreshment.

6. Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom Under the New Covenant

"Let no man therefore judge you... in respect of... the sabbath days."

Paul teaches that a believer's standing before God is not determined by observing religious calendars. Salvation comes through Christ, not through keeping ceremonial requirements. Christians differ on whether Paul refers to all Sabbath observance or specifically to the ceremonial sabbaths associated with Israel's festivals.

7. Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Greater Rest

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

The writer points beyond a weekly observance to a deeper reality found in Christ. The Sabbath theme reaches its fulfilment in the rest that comes through faith in God's completed work of salvation.

Conclusion

Scripture presents the Sabbath from two perspectives. It begins at Creation before the existence of Israel, suggesting a principle with universal significance. It also becomes a covenant sign given specifically to Israel under the Mosaic Law. Jesus affirmed its value and purpose, while the New Testament emphasises the spiritual rest found in Him. Together, the passages show both the Sabbath's importance in God's design and its fulfilment in Christ.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report