by Susan Manning

Created on: March 14, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

The observance of the Sabbath has been a subject of debate for centuries. Some maintain the time for the Sabbath remains from sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday, while others insist it was changed to Sunday under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. While both sides provide compelling arguments, we will find the truth only in scripture, and there simply no evidence in scripture to support the idea that the observance of the Sabbath has changed any way. The day and manner in which it is to be honored has remained the same throughout, though it has been fulfilled and perfected under the New Covenant. To understand this, we must first examine the intent and purpose of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is specified as the seventh day over sixty times in the Old Testament, but it's most important mention is as one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). While the other parts of Mosaic Law refer to the process of purification and cleansing that is no longer necessary under the blood of Jesus, and other ceremonial and customary practices pertinent to the times and culture, these Commandments are eternal as God's moral law. They are God's instructions to us on how we are to love one another, and God. The Sabbath, specifically, is called a "commandment for all time" (Exodus 31:16), and Jesus Himself upheld the observance of the Sabbath as well as all the Commandments ( Matthew 5:17-19, Luke 16:17). God also exemplified the seventh day Sabbath for us when He rested on the seventh day ( Genesis 2:23). The Bible has remained constant on God's designation of the seventh day as the Sabbath.

It is not enough to simply accept the seventh day Sabbath as God's commandment, for He has also explained to us it's purpose and meaning (Exodus 31:12-17). It is a day to rest, remember and refresh. It is more than just a day off, it is a time to step away from the demands of this world and come closer to God. It is a time to reflect on the week before, in the presence of God, and to see life from His perspective. It offers us a chance to examine our own actions and motives and to see what God has done. Taking this time at the end of the week allows us to leave behind what we should, and prepares us to begin a new week with renewed minds and spirits. As Jesus told us, it is for our benefit (Mark 2:27).

There are still those who claim the Sabbath has been abolished by Jesus, but this is also not supported by scripture. Jesus could be found every Sabbath at the synagogue in accordance

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