Things That Were Written Aforetime...

DISPOSITION OF THE SABBATH

When Jesus came to this earth, He superceded, fulfilled, and abolished the Law of Moses. Part of that law that was taken away by Jesus was the ordinance to observe the Sabbath. In the book of Colossians, the Bible is addressing the problem of some people who were trying to mix elements of the old law with the New Testament. In chapter 2 and verse 14, Paul said concerning the old law that Jesus had blotted “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.” Therefore, since it was nailed to the cross and “taken out of the way” the Bible goes on to say in the 16th verse, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days.”

Even though the Sabbath is not to be observed any longer, its significance is not lost. For the New Testament Christian, the Sabbath is a cherished and sacred day that we look forward to with great anticipation. Hebrews chapter 4 tells us about the Christian Sabbath. In verse 4 the Bible establishes that the Sabbath is being spoken of saying, “For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.” As Christians, we are promised a day of rest. Consider verses 8-10, “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” This rest (Sabbath Day) which we look for is the day of the Lord in which He will come and gather His people to Him. When we cease from the works of this life, then we have our Sabbath with Jesus.

The first day of the week is significant, because it is the day on which our Lord was raised from the dead (Luke 24:1-7). Additionally in the New Testament, the Christians worshipped on the first day of the week. Consider Acts 20:7, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Additionally, the Christians in Corinth were instructed that they should bring their contributions on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2).

Frequently, Paul went about preaching in the synagogues on the Sabbath Day (Acts 17:2; Acts 18:4).

However, he did not do this because he was required to observe the Sabbath. He did this in order to have an audience to hear the Gospel proclaimed. Since the unconverted Jews still observed the Sabbath, Paul knew that by going to the synagogues on the Sabbath, there would be many Jews there for him to preach to.

I know many faithful and diligent Christians who continue to observe the seventh day as a day of rest. We have that liberty as Christians to “esteem one day above another” (Rom 14:4-6). However, we cannot require or be required to observe the sabbath (Col 2:16). Furthermore, the mandated day for worshipping God has been established on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), not the sabbath.

ONLINE ACADEMY OF BIBLICAL STUDIES A work of the: Phillips St. Church of Christ 912 Phillips St. Dyersburg, Tn. 38024 (901) 285-5666 www.oabs.org Director: Tom Bright           HOLY BIBLE * Four-Year Program (part-time) * Tuition Free * Qualified Faculty * Live, interactive classes, on-line * Write, call, or                                             email for your application             "Preach the Word..."                   2 Timothy 4:2 Come and study the Bible from the comfort of your home!