What is Sabbath Rest?

Sabbath Rest Man of God

The practice of keeping the Sabbath is a topic of considerable discussion among New Testament scholars and varies based on interpretation of scripture and theological perspective.

1. **Jesus and the Sabbath**: Jesus’ actions and teachings about the Sabbath are central to understanding its application for New Testament believers. He often healed on the Sabbath (e.g., Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 13:10-17), emphasizing mercy and the well-being of people over strict Sabbath observance. In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath," indicating a principle of human benefit rather than legalistic observance.

2. **Paul and the Sabbath**: The Apostle Paul addressed the issue of Sabbath observance in his letters. In Colossians 2:16-17, he wrote, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." This passage suggests that for Paul, the Sabbath and other Jewish religious practices were not obligatory for Gentile Christians, as they were fulfilled in Christ.

3. **The Early Church**: The early Christian community began to gather on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). This shift indicates a move away from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to what is often referred to as the Lord’s Day. The Didache, an early Christian document, also reflects this practice.

4. **Hebrews 4**: The author of Hebrews speaks of a "Sabbath rest" for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-11), which some interpret as a spiritual rest in Christ rather than a literal day of rest. This suggests that the Sabbath rest is a symbol of the eternal rest believers find in Jesus.

5. **Christian Practice**: Different Christian traditions vary in their observance of the Sabbath. Some, like Seventh-day Adventists, observe Saturday as the Sabbath. Others, like many Protestant denominations, observe Sunday as a day of worship and rest. Still others view Sabbath observance as a matter of personal conviction (Romans 14:5).

In summary, while the New Testament does not mandate strict Sabbath observance for believers, it emphasizes principles of rest, worship, and mercy. The focus shifts from a specific day to the broader spiritual rest and freedom found in Christ.