In the religious world today there is much confusion concerning the origin of the Sabbath, its purpose and continuance. Some claim that since God rested from creation on the seventh day (Gen. 2:2) that the Sabbath was instituted at that time.  Others claim that the Sabbath is still binding on Christians today. In this article we will attempt to consider and clarify each of these elements.

The word Sabbath (rest or intermission) is first used in Exodus 16:23.  In that context the Israelites, just prior to making encampment at the base of Mt Sinai, were told to gather and prepare a double portion of food for themselves on the sixth day because manna would not be provided on the seventh.   The reason given in the scripture was “tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord” (vs 23) and “Six days ye shall gather it (manna) but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath in it there shall be none” (vs 26).   We find later in the chapter that some of the people violated this command without consequence to them. A reprimand of Moses is recorded (vs 28).

Since Moses needed to explain the expectation of the Sabbath to the people of Israel we can reasonably conclude that the law had not been in effect prior to that time or at least during that generation. Further since there was no punishment for a violation of the Sabbath it is also reasonable to conclude that it had not yet been formally given or codified. This practice of food gathering and preparation was in anticipation of the law which was to come a short time later. The Decalogue is recorded in Exodus chapter 20: 1-17 which includes the fourth commandment “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” (vs 8).  This is when the law to keep the Sabbath was given.

In Exodus 20:2 we learn that God gave His law to those who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage.  This is further stated in Ezekiel 20:10-13 where it is said; “I caused them to go forth from the land of Egypt”… (vs 10) and “Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between me and them that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify (set apart) them” (vs 13).

In confirmation as to where, when and to whom the Sabbath command was given, Nehemiah 9:13-14 records, “Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgements, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy Sabbath and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant”. And finally, the scripture reads; “The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb (Sinai).  The Lord made not His covenant with our fathers but with us, who are all of us alive this day” (Deuteronomy 5:2-3).  And so we see that the law of the Sabbath was given to those Israelites at Mt. Sinai, who had been delivered from Egypt, so that they might know that “I am the Lord that sanctify them” It was not given to their fathers before them.  Knowing when it was given, to whom and why we now ask if it is perpetual and binding upon Christians today?

As a general observation all of the Decalogue is restated in New Testament scripture except “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy”.  Further and logically, there are 21 epistles in the New Testament, written to Christians as instruction for living and worship and not one instructs us to keep the Sabbath. One might ask why since all others have been mentioned and restated as part of the New Testament. On this basis we as Christians do not keep the Sabbath as a matter of faith or practice.  We cannot act upon the silence of the scriptures.

In addition to the above stated principle the scripture is even more specific. In Amos 8:5-10 we read of when the Sabbath would pass; “when will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? And the sabbath that we may set forth wheat”…….. (vs 5) ”And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon and I will darken the earth in the clear day” (vs 9).  When did the sun go down at noon?  In Luke 23: 44-45 we find this event occurring at the crucifixion of Jesus.  Or more directly stated in Colossians 2:14-16 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross” (vs 14); “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or drink, or in respect to an holy day, or of the new moon or of the Sabbath days” (vs 16).

In conclusion the Sabbath was instituted on Mt Sinai as part of the Decalogue for the sanctified Israelites.  The old law was nailed to the cross of Jesus.  Therefore keeping the Sabbath is not a part of our Christian faith or practice.

How God Saves —  Keep the Faith