Today, is the Sabbath Day Rest in Jesus Christ

“Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and they to whom it was first preached did not enter due to unbelief, again He establishes a certain day, ‘Today’, saying through David, after so long a time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4: 6-7

The Sabbath Day Law

This belief of the Sabbath Day is rooted in the creation story of Genesis, which states that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. In Judaism, keeping the Sabbath Day holy is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God. This commandment emphasizes the importance of rest and reflection on this specific day. For Muslims, Friday holds a similar significance as they believe it was on this day that Allah completed his creation of Adam. It is also a sacred day for worship and prayer.

Christian churches, such as Seventh-day Adventists and some Protestant denominations, also observe Saturday as their Sabbath Day due to its biblical roots. They view it as a time for spiritual rejuvenation and honoring God’s commandment to keep it holy. The idea of resting from work or labor on a designated day has been interpreted differently among different religions. Jews refrain from working during Shabbat from Friday evening until Saturday evening. It includes any form of creative activity like cooking or lighting a fire.

Muslims are encouraged but not required to attend congregational prayers at noon every Friday. Christians traditionally attend church services on Sundays since early Christianity when Jesus Christ rose from death and ascended into heaven on Sunday, according to the New Testament account in Acts 1:3-11 & Luke 24:50–53.

On the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Genesis 2: 2. 

The seventh day of creation is a symbol of completion and perfection. God created everything according to His perfect plan. He established the laws that govern our world, such as the law of growth and life, the law of gravity, and the law of cause and effect. These laws prove that God’s handiwork is present in every aspect of our lives.

One example is how God placed humans in the Garden of Eden and blessed them with all they needed for sustenance and happiness. However, He also warned them not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil because it would bring death upon them. It shows that even though we have free will to make choices, there are consequences for disobedience to God’s commands.

In this way, the rest on the seventh day reminds us to trust God’s plans and follow His instructions faithfully. Just as He rested on that day after completing His work during creation week, we find rest by surrendering ourselves to Him and trusting in His sovereignty over our lives.

During ancient times, the Israelites were prohibited from engaging in any work on the Sabbath day. This commandment ensured that they took a day of rest and dedicated their minds and focus toward God. The law also cursed them with difficult work as a reminder of what they were ultimately striving for.

“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” Exodus 20: 8-10

The Law of Sabbaths

The law of the Sabbath is a multifaceted commandment that serves man, the earth, and animals. God established the Sabbath Rest for man (Mark 2: 27). It reminds us to take time off work and refresh ourselves. Throughout all generations, this rest period remains significant as it prevents individuals from overworking themselves or others around them. By honoring this law, we can maintain balance in our lives and show respect for ourselves and those affected by our actions.

“For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the foreigner may refresh themselves.” Exodus 23: 12.

“Keep the Sabbath day, to keep it holy; just as the Lord your God has commanded you.” Deuteronomy 5:12.

The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were unable to find rest in God because they lacked faith and did not follow His commands. It was a result of their disobedience, which prevented them from entering into His promised rest (Hebrews 3:16-19). Before Jesus came, all people were bound by the law, including observing the Sabbath day as one of its requirements.

The Spiritual Sabbath Rest

Sabbath made for mankind

 "Then He said to them. The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2: 27-28.

Due to the disobedience and sin of humanity, God instituted strict laws and laborious tasks for people to atone for their wrongdoings. These laws serve as a punishment and a means of repentance. However, they also served as a constant reminder of the separation between God and man.

But through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, these chains of bondage are broken. He not only fulfilled the law but also conquered death itself. This act opened up a way for humanity to be reconciled with God once again. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about forgiveness for sins that were not possible by following rigid laws or performing exhausting rituals. Through His grace and mercy, our past mistakes are forgotten and instead have been given freedom from sin’s power over us. This freedom allows us to connect with God without fear or shame. We can approach him boldly because Christ has paid the price for our sins once and for all.

In breaking these chains of bondage, Jesus showed that love triumphs over condemnation, grace trumps judgment, and redemption is available to all who believe in him. He set us free from the weight of sin’s burden so that we may experience abundant life with Him – forever.

The Greatest Commandment

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22: 3-40

The gift of Jesus to humanity is remarkable. Through his teachings and sacrificial love, we can experience true joy and fulfillment. Unlike other belief systems or religions that require strict adherence to practices or works of penance, Jesus asks us to believe in him as the Son of God and follow his example by loving one another. We no longer have the burden of constantly trying to earn our salvation or prove ourselves worthy through actions alone.

Jesus also brings a sense of unity among people. His message transcends cultural and societal barriers, bringing people from all walks of life together to follow his teachings. It creates a community based on love, compassion, and understanding rather than judgment or division. Moreover, with Jesus as our guide, we no longer have to fear death because he promises eternal life for those who believe in him. It gives us hope and reassurance during times of hardship and uncertainty. Jesus’ presence on earth has made it easier for us to navigate this journey called life. He forgives our sins and shows immense grace towards all who seek him. By accepting his gift of salvation through faith and spreading love, we can truly enjoy the blessings of being children of God.

 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew11: 29-30

The law of the prophets was complex to follow, leading many people to struggle in upholding it. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses warned the people that they would face curses if they disobeyed the commandments of God. Consequently, priests had to perform frequent sacrifices involving animal bloodshed as a form of atonement. However, Jesus is now Lord over even the Sabbath day.

Colossians 2 verse 16-17

Therefore let no one judge you regarding food, or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days. These are shadows of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.