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The Seventh Day
What is this subject known as the "Seventh day"? It obviously takes you back to the creation week of the first and second chapters of the book of Genesis. We are all aware that God sanctified and blessed the seventh day of the creation week. We are also aware that God "rested" on the seventh day from all his work that he had created and made. God set this day apart (sanctified it) from all the other days. The question we have to ask; what is so special about the seventh day, and what is the seventh day? It is obviously associated with what is called the "Sabbath day" that was given to Moses under the old covenant, as it explains in Exod. 20:10-11.
Exodus 20:10-11 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:
11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (KJV)Notice it was because God worked six days and then rested the seventh day that he (wherefore) blessed and hallowed the Mosaic seventh day Sabbath. In other words, the Sabbath day that was given to Moses represented the seventh day of creation, and showed that God "rested" the seventh day. Can we understand this fact and truth? This is very important because this is where the understanding begins if we want to understand why the Sabbath command was given to Moses. It is a biblical fact that what is known as the Sabbath day is not mentioned until Moses; which is why the Sabbath day only represented the seventh day of creation. This concept is very important to understand!
It is assumed by many of today's Christians that the Sabbath was made on the seventh day of creation. Therefore by this assumption it is believed that the Sabbath is literally the seventh day of the week. This booklet will show a completely different explanation than what some might assume was the real purpose and function of the Sabbath day during Moses. Is it necessary for Christians to observe the Sabbath as given by Moses? Most of us are aware that the Sabbath command during Moses was very strict and of a very serious nature. My question has always been; why did God have to impose this type of a command on a people called Israel? What was the purpose and the lesson to be learned for Israel to do all their work in six days, and then to rest the following day (seventh)? Why would an Israelite have to give his life and die for any infraction or violation of the laws of the Sabbath? To me, it just does not seem logical for an Israelite to be stoned and killed for not "resting" on a certain day. I have never had these questions answered to my satisfaction. Common sense tells us that God does not command a law with a death penalty unless there is a very important reason for God to do so. These types of questions I want to attempt to explain and answer in this booklet.
To understand this subject known as the "Seventh Day" requires that we simply believe what the laws of the Sabbath pictured, and were designed to do under the old covenant. What I want to explain and show from the Bible is the true meaning behind Sabbath observance as outlined by Moses. The Sabbath is one of the most talked about subjects in the Bible, especially during Christ's ministry. There have been many countless books and related information made available over the years on what is known as the Mosaic seventh day Sabbath. However, there is another side to the seventh day Sabbath than just an observance of the seventh day. For years, I have always assumed that the Sabbath God commanded Israel to observe was God's Eternal Sabbath. I did not realize that the Sabbath day that was given to Moses only represented the seventh day of creation, and pointed toward what is known as God's "Eternal Rest". I have never read any material that explains to my satisfaction this "Eternal Rest". The Bible indeed talks about this "Rest" that the Sabbath under Moses represented.
The Sabbath command simply means to "cease and rest" every seventh day of a weekly cycle, which is easily applied in modern-day Christian life. However It would surprise some to learn that it is impossible for us to obey the Sabbath command based on the festival laws of God as given by Moses. The weekly Sabbath was considered a "feast day", as we shall see. It will also surprise some to learn that the Sabbath did not necessarily have to fall on the "seventh day of the week". This phrase is not found in the Bible!The Old Testament Sabbath
I want to now go to the account in Gen. 2:2-3 where God rested on the "seventh day". It states; "God blessed the seventh day, because that in it he had rested from all his work".
Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. {created...: Heb. created to make} (KJV)
Notice the implication that God is resting in (continual) on the "seventh day". This is very important to understand! If this "Rest" is literally the seventh day of the week and a continual pattern of one day in seven since the creation; then why is God not working six days and resting the following day on a continual basis? My question is, what did God bless? Was it the seventh day of the week (by our calendar), or was it something far more important and far reaching than what we can comprehend? In Heb. 4:3, it states plainly that the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV)
Since the works are finished, then God is still resting since the creation. It is therefore a continual rest; and according to Heb. 4:3, a believer in Christ can also enter into that "Rest". There is a biblical fact concerning the Sabbath day in the Old Testament that I want to address at this time. A physical observance of a Sabbath day by anyone in the Old Testament (before Moses) is not mentioned. This is a fact that we must acknowledge, and we cannot assume that Godly men observed a Sabbath day if it is not recorded in scripture. God would have certainly inspired this to be recorded if he wanted us to know the importance of the observance of his Holy Sabbath. Is this not true? It is only when we get to Moses that a physical observance of a Sabbath day is mentioned, and according to Deut. 5:15 the Sabbath command was a memorial of Israel coming out of Egypt. Pay close attention to the word "remember" and the word "therefore". Moses stated; "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt..," "...therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day".
Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. (KJV)
In other words, God commanded the Sabbath day to remind Israel that he brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm. This is why God commanded Israel to keep the Sabbath day, and the implication is that the Sabbath day was not observed before Moses! To believe and say otherwise is to read something into the Bible that simply is not recorded. Some believers will argue that Abraham kept the Sabbath day, since it states in Gen. 26:5 that Abraham kept the commandments.
Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. (KJV)
Why do some people assume from reading this verse that Abraham kept a Sabbath day? It simply means that Abraham obeyed God in everything! He did exactly what God told him to do! We assume that the commandments Abraham kept were the "ten commandments" as given by Moses. The old covenant along with the ten commandments was four hundred and thirty years after the covenant that was given to Abraham, which was confirmed before of God in Christ. Read and simply believe Gal. 3:17
Galatians 3:17 And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (KJV)
Notice this covenant with Abraham was not canceled (cannot disannul), and it was long before the law was given by Moses; of which the ten commandments were a part of. Notice it was confirmed in Christ, which means that the Christian faith is built on the promises and the covenant given to Abraham. This is very important to understand! Gal 3:17 (among other scriptures) proves that Christ was the God of the Old Testament. The covenant given to Abraham is in full force and in effect for us today, and must be believed by modern-day Christians! This truth is explained in detail in my booklet entitled, "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism". An interesting fact concerning the ten commandments is found in Exod. 34:28 and in Deut. 4:13. According to these verses, the ten commandments were the old covenant. Keep in mind they were written in stone, and is therefore why (as written in code form) they were of the "letter".
Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. {commandments: Heb. words} (KJV)
Deuteronomy 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. (KJV)Abraham was never under this covenant as given by Moses! This is the covenant that the Sabbath command and the other nine commandments were written in stone. Before I go any further, I want to make this point and stress the fact that Christ did not come to do away or destroy the law that the ten commandments were a part of. Christ came to "fulfill" what the law demanded, which is very important to understand and will be explained later. See Matt. 5:17.
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (KJV)
However we must accept the fact that the ten commandments were the old covenant! It puts the ten commandments in proper perspective, because they were written laws and were of the letter. These laws held us in "death"! This is all explained in Rom. 7:6 and 2 Cor. 3:6. Please read and study these verses very carefully.
Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter. {that being...: or, being dead to that} (KJV)
2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. {giveth life: or, quickeneth} (KJV)This is not talking about a physical death, since we all naturally and normally die anyhow. The ten commandments show that we are sinners and worthy of "death", and we are held in this "death" if we are not serving in "newness of spirit". No one is able to keep the ten commandments perfectly in the "oldness of the letter". This is important! Also it states in Romans 2:29; "But he is a Jew (Israelite) which is one "inwardly" of the heart and the spirit, and not in the letter".
Romans 2:29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God. (KJV)
As was explained in Rom. 7:6 we are delivered from this law that held us in "death" of which the ten commandments were a part of. We are delivered, since we are made able ministers of the New Testament (covenant) and have the spirit of Christ. This is why it stated in 2 Cor. 3:6, "...for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life". 2 Cor. 3:7 states that this "letter" was called the "ministration of death", and was written and engraved in stones.
2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: (KJV)
What was written and engraved in stones? The Sabbath command as well as the other nine commandments. I want to remind you again that these commandments are not done away! See Matt. 5:19.
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (KJV)
They are not done away, simply because they are designed to show that we are sinners and worthy of "death"! This design is in "code form" the way they were written of the letter under Moses. Those in Christ are delivered from this written code if they are serving in "newness of spirit", as was explained in Rom. 7:6. What did God have in mind by instilling into the minds of carnal-minded Israelites a very strict observance of this type of command? We know failure to obey the Sabbath command meant death to the disobedient! See Exod. 31:14.
Exodus 31:14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. (KJV)
This is why the Sabbath as well as the other nine commandments were called the "ministration of death", as was explained in 2 Cor. 3:7. Notice in Exod. 20:8-10 the instructions, and how the Sabbath command is worded.
Exodus 20:8-10 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: (KJV)
The command was to "work" six days (in succession) as well as to "rest" the following day (seventh). The "works" of this law was patterned after and pictured God also working six days and "resting" the seventh day. This is what seventh day Sabbath observance under Moses was all about! How was Israel to keep the Sabbath day holy? In one case, they were not to leave their homes, and in another case they were not to kindle fire. See Exod. 16: 29 and 35:3.
Exodus 16:29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.(KJV)
Exodus 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day. (KJV)There were other ceremonial laws directly involving the observance of the seventh day Sabbath. It is important to understand that these were laws of God imposed on the nation of Israel, and were only to serve for a temporary purpose, which will be explained later. The first month that the divine pattern of the Sabbath law started was in the month Abib. This is when Israel came out of Egypt, and the Sabbath was on the fifteenth day. Keep in mind this event was the very first biblically recorded Sabbath. Read very carefully Exod. 12:2, 13:4, Lev. 23:2-3, and 23: 6-7.
Exodus 12:2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. (KJV)
Exodus 13:4 This day came ye out in the month Abib. (KJV)
Leviticus 23:2-3 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. 3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. (KJV)
Leviticus 23:6-7 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. (KJV)These verses are loaded with information regarding the law of the Sabbath, and how it related to the feasts! The fifteenth day of the month Abib, or beginning of months, or the first month of the year (new month); Israel was to keep the very first Sabbath. Lev. 23:3 explains the law of the weekly Sabbath, which was included and regarded as the "feasts of the Lord" (verse 2). This is very important! As we know, the feasts were appointed on a certain day of the month. The first day of unleavened bread on the "first month" was when the law of the Sabbath commenced. Please understand, the Sabbath therefore would always fall on the same day (fifteenth) of the "first month" (or new month) every year. It worked on the same principle as birthdays, anniversaries, etc., which always are on the same day of the month, year after year. The Sabbath was never designed to fall on the same day of the week! Please understand this old covenant truth!
For those that want to observe the Sabbath based on the old covenant, must observe the Sabbath based on the "new month" every year. The Sabbath must be kept according to Moses's instructions. These instructions also forbid Israelites to leave their homes, and they were also not to kindle fire. We cannot pick or choose what we want to, or try to "Christianize" the Sabbath (if you know what I mean). In James 2:10 the apostle James implies that by keeping the whole law it is still possible to offend in one point, therefore we are guilty of all (the whole law).James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all. (KJV)
I believe the point James wanted to make is that we cannot keep the whole law without offending in some point. By attempting to observe the Sabbath according to Moses we are in a sense already guilty, and sentenced to "death" by the "ministration of death". These are serious facts we need to consider, and there is such a thing as "frustrating" the grace of God, which will be discussed later. We are now under a new covenant as it states in Heb. 8:10.
Hebrews 8:10 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: {put: Gr. give} {in: or, upon} (KJV)
The new covenant means that God is putting and writing his laws in our minds and in our hearts. Under the new covenant it might surprise some to learn how the Sabbath is to be honored and obeyed, as we shall see. Since the ten commandments are not done away, they are now written on the heart by the Spirit of the living God, and not on tables of stone as it shows in 2 Cor. 3:3.
2 Corinthians 3:3 [Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (KJV)
Again I ask, why did God give the Sabbath command to a physical and a carnal-minded people called Israel? What is the purpose of this type of ceremonial law of working six days and resting the following (seventh) day? What about the other written ceremonial laws directly associated with Sabbath keeping? God chose to show carnal Israelites physical types and patterns to be "worked out" in ceremonial fashion to explain his plan of redemption for his people. They still did not understand because of unbelief and hardness of heart. This is explained in chapter four of the book of Hebrews, which I will cover later.
These physical ceremonial "works" of the old covenant obviously pointed toward something spiritual. The "works" of working six days and resting the following day (seventh) by the law of the Mosaic Sabbath represented, and was patterned after, the old six day creation and a certain continual "rest" of God. By obedience to the sacrificial laws and also the ceremonial laws of the Sabbaths, the Israelites had a temporary "remedy" for sin. This obedience at the same time pictured and pointed toward, and was contrasted with a "spiritual rest". All the prophets write about this "spiritual rest".The Spiritual Rest
I want to now list the scriptures that I feel highlight the true "Eternal Rest" of God. Please keep in mind that from these following scriptures is a truth about God's Eternal Rest which is so important to understand. The ceremonial "works" commanded to a carnal-minded people called Israel were designed as lessons to show a "remedy" for the sin of Adam, and also pointed toward God's Eternal Rest. The book of Psalms has many verses dealing with a kind of "spiritual rest". Psl. 95:11 shows that Israel did not enter into God's rest, yet they did enter into the land of Canaan; which we all know to be a fact.
Psalm 95:11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. {that...: Heb. if they enter into my rest} (KJV)
This was a very serious matter since God swore in his wrath that they should not enter into his "rest". The "wrath of God" will be addressed later in the book of Hebrews. Psl. 116:7 shows that souls can return to a certain kind of "rest". Christ also talked about this "rest" for our souls, which will be discussed later.
Psalm 116:7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. (KJV)
Psl. 132:8-14 properly identifies the place of God's rest. This is very important to understand, as we shall see.
Psalm 132:8-14 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. 9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. 10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. 11 The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. {body: Heb. belly} 12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon throne for evermore. 13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation. 14 This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. (KJV)
These scriptures are explaining a future time when the throne of David will rule in the kingdom. God's children that have obeyed the covenants and the testimony of God, will also sit on that throne in God's habitation which is called Zion (New Jerusalem). This is where God will eventually dwell when the throne of David is in power and will rule in the kingdom of God on this earth, and it is called God's "rest" for ever (verse 14). God looks on believers as already come to this holy city of the living God where God dwells now, which is his "rest". See Heb. 12:22.
Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (KJV)
This is how believers in faith can enter into God's "rest" which is explained in the book of Hebrews, as we shall see. Isa. 66:1 is directly tied to a quote in the book of Acts, which I will show and explain later.
Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest? (KJV)
Isa. 11:10 talks about a day when a root of Jesse (David) will stand for an "ensign" of the people. This will be the time known as God's "rest", and it states his rest shall be glorious.
Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. {glorious: Heb. glory} (KJV)
What is meant by God's rest being "glorious"? The word "glorious" or "glory" in most cases is biblically used to show a truth about the "glory of God", and also refers to the resurrected bodies of saints. Read and study very carefully Rom. 8:18, 1 Cor. 15:43, Col. 3:4, and Phil. 3:21
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: (KJV)
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV)These scriptures do indeed show that our resurrected bodies will have a glory which could very well be referring to a certain kind of "glorious rest". Isa. 28:12 says the weary are waiting for a certain kind of "rest", which is also called the "refreshing". This is very important to understand when we look at the "refreshing" spoken of in the book of Acts.
Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This [is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (KJV)
Jer. 6:16 talks about "rest for your souls", which Christ also talked about, as we shall see.
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is]the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein]. (KJV)
A "future rest" for Israel is shown in Jer. 30:10 and 31:2. This rest that is promised to God's people Israel is the time known as the thousand year rule of Christ, or the "restitution of all things"; which is also shown in the book of Acts and will be discussed later.
Jeremiah 30:10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid. (KJV)
Jeremiah 31:2 Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. (KJV)The point I want to make at this time is by asking this question; which "rest" do we want? Do we want the Sabbath rest as commanded by Moses, or do we want the real Sabbath rest? Keep in mind, during Moses the weekly Sabbath was considered as a feast day, and was therefore not determined to fall on the seventh day of the week. According to the law these holy festivals, along with the Sabbath, were laws involved with certain animal sacrifices. Taking these biblical facts into consideration does not mean that we disregard the Sabbath command, thereby missing the objective and purpose of the fourth commandment. Please understand that the basic premise of the Sabbath law (which is allowing for God's time every seventh day) was not changed regardless of these old covenant laws; which included animal sacrifices!
There is a profound truth about the Mosaic Sabbath that occurred at the death of Christ, as we shall see. Jesus Christ gave us some very important hints and clues that sheds some light on "another day". It was even difficult for the apostles to understand and make this transition to "another day". It is required that we pay very close attention to some of the wording of the New Testament, and we must believe exactly what is being stated.The New Testament "Rest"
I want to now show some interesting verses in the New Testament which for years were of no interest and did not mean much to me. In Matt. 11:28-29, Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.", "... and ye shall find rest unto your souls".
Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (KJV)
Christ said, "I will give you rest" (Sabbath). It is something Christ has to give you, however it is conditional and dependent upon a certain attitude that believers must have. Christ explained how believers can have spiritual rest. We all need and want to experience real joy, peace, contentment, and be free of fear and worry. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me" are Christ's instructions. To do that, a believer must become "meek and lowly in heart" as Christ is. I believe this is one of the most important statements that Christ ever made, and it has to do with a spiritual rest. This "rest" is what the Mosaic Sabbath pointed toward! Christ quoted this from Jer. 6:16 and Psl. 116:7 which was shown earlier. Acts 2:25-26 is talking about David now being in "rest". Flesh resting in hope of course means in hope of the "glorious" resurrected body.
Acts 2:25-26 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:(KJV)
Acts 2:26 is quoted from Ps. 16:9, which states "my glory rejoiceth" (flesh "resting" in hope of the resurrection).
Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. {rest...:Heb. dwell confidently} (KJV)
This is the same condition that Daniel is in, since Daniel's flesh is also "resting" in hope. See Dan. 12:13 and notice it says; "for thou shalt rest".
Daniel 12:13 But go thou thy way till the end [be]: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. {for thou: or, and thou, etc} (KJV)
Acts 7:48-49 is quoted from Isa. 66:1, and refers to the place of God's rest. These scriptures simply say that God does not dwell or "rest" in physical temples made with hands.
Acts 7:48-49 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven [is] my throne, and earth [is] my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what [is] the place of my rest? (KJV)
Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is]the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest? (KJV)Acts 7:48 was written to explain that the most High does not dwell in the physical temple at Jerusalem. This temple (made with hands) only represented where God dwells and is "resting". The temple with all the laws associated with the Mosaic Sabbath only pointed toward God's "rest". In Matt. 12:6 Christ's profound statement was; "But I say unto you, that in this place is one greater than the temple".
Matthew 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is [one] greater than the temple. (KJV)
The Pharisees accused Christ of breaking the Sabbath (which they did numerous times). To which Christ said something that has a profound meaning! Christ tied old covenant Sabbath observance with temple service. This has far-reaching implications about old covenant Sabbath keeping if we honestly understand what Christ meant! If we attempt to keep the old covenant Sabbath, we are in a sense invoking or bringing back the complete temple service as outlined by Moses! The Levitical priesthood must be in place with all the sacrificial offerings, and by all means the Sabbath must be kept at Jerusalem; because this is where God placed his name under the old covenant. In 2 Cor. 6:16 it states that God now dwells in us, therefore we are now the temple of God.
2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (KJV)
In John 5:17-18 the Jews had again accused Christ of Sabbath breaking, in which Christ responded; "My father worketh hitherto and I work". Verse 18 states, "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said that God was his Father, making himself equal with God".
John 5:17-18 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (KJV)
Why did Christ mention that he and his Father were "working", and what was this "work"? I believe Christ and his Father were working on "ending" the six day creation, which was made useless to God because of Adam's sin. Christ and his Father were working to restore a "new creation". God is "resting" from the finished works of a physical creation, however was also at the same time doing a "spiritual work" when Christ made that statement. The apostle John stated that Christ had broken what could be called the "Jewish Sabbath". Christ had a man take up his bed after he had healed him, as it shows in John 5:8-9.
John 5:8-9 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (KJV)
The Jews used Jer. 17:21 to claim that this was a sin for Christ to do this. The Jews with their legalism did not consider that "no burden" meant not to do business.
Jeremiah 17:21 Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem; (KJV)
As we all know, Christ never sinned as it shows in 1 Pet. 2:22 and Heb. 4:15.
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (KJV)
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. (KJV)Christ did not break the Sabbath! However he obviously did break the legalism of the "Jewish" Sabbath, which is what the apostle John declared and wrote in John 5:18, as we have seen. Christ did not sin in doing this deed, which explains the wrong in the perverted form of legalism of the "Jewish" Sabbath. It would be interesting to know the real reason and purpose as to why Christ had a man carry his bed after he had healed him. It served no purpose other than to anger and frustrate the Jews, and also to show a truth about the correct intent of Sabbath observance. It could be said that Christ did this deed deliberately, knowing full well that it would anger the Jews! The book of Hebrews explains important truths about God's Eternal Rest. Starting in Heb. 3:11; God is saying that Israel shall not enter into his "rest". This is stated also in Psl. 95:11, which was shown earlier.
Hebrews 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) {They...: Gr. If they shall enter} (KJV)
It states that it was because of the wrath of God that they did not enter into God's rest. God was grieved with his people, because in their hearts they refused to know and understand the ways of God. See Psl. 95:10.
Psalm 95:10 Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: (KJV)
What were the ways of God? God's ways were that he, showing love toward his people, commanded Israel to "work out" his plan of redemption in lessons of types and patterns. Israel because of hardness of heart refused to understand. According to Christ the wrath of God abideth on "he that believeth not the Son". This truth proves that Christ was the God of the Israelites of old, because they did not believe the Son (Christ), which is why the wrath of God was on them. Also the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience. See John 3:36 and Eph. 5:6.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV)
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. {disobedience: or, unbelief} (KJV)Heb. 3:18 repeats the fact that Israel could not enter into God's rest because they believed not, which made them children of disobedience; therefore invoking the wrath of God. Yet they did enter into the land of Canaan, and were observing the Sabbath under Joshua! Please understand the implications of this biblical fact!
Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? (KJV)
Heb 4:3-4 states that we who are believers do enter into God's Rest. It shows that God finished his works from the foundation of the world, therefore his "Rest" is continual (eternal). Since it is continual, it therefore makes it possible for believers in faith to enter into God's "Rest" also.
Hebrews 4:3-4 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 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. (KJV)
The word "although" in verse 3 could read; "because" the works were finished. In other words, this is why it is possible for believers to enter into God's Rest; because God finished his works and is now resting. Verses 5, 6 states once again, they entered not in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4:5-6 And in this [place] again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: {it was: or, the gospel was} (KJV)
These verses are very important to understand, because the gospel of spiritually entering into a "rest" with God was first preached to the Israelites of old, and is basically the same message for believers under the new covenant. These verses are not talking of Israel entering into the land of Canaan; which Israel did enter in under Joshua. However Joshua did not give them "rest", yet they were keeping the Sabbath. Heb. 4:7-8 is very interesting, because it was Christ saying in David, "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts".
Hebrews 4:7-8 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. {Jesus: that is, Joshua} (KJV)
A believer in Christ enters into "God's Rest" through faith, and also by not hardening the heart. I might add, our Bibles have "Jesus" not giving them "rest", and also speaking of "another day". It was not possible for Joshua to give the obedient Israelites a spiritual "rest" (which these verses are talking about). We have always assumed "Jesus" referred to Joshua, however could the translators have it correct in saying that the real Jesus did not give them "rest"? Also, the real Jesus (not Joshua) had the authority of speaking of "another day". Please note in verse 8 that "another day" was spoken of afterward (note the word afterward). "Afterward" of course means after the old covenant and after Christ's death. I believe Heb. 4:9 explains this transitional change from one Sabbath to another Sabbath (another day).
Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (KJV)
In spite of this changing of days, a "rest" (keeping of a Sabbath) still remains, because it is a commandment of God! It must be assumed "another day" is referring to the "first day of the week" (eighth day), which will be explained soon. Verse 10 shows in order to enter in, a believer ceases from his own "hardening of the heart" works just as God ceased from his works.
Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. (KJV)
This means on a continual basis, and not just a ceasing of physical "works" on a cycle or pattern of one day in seven. Heb. 4:11-12 are interesting verses because it states; "For the word of God is quick and powerful...". Notice the word "for" in verse 12. All the preceding verses in Hebrews that we have read regarding entering into a spiritual "rest" with God are directly related to the word of God being sharper that a two-edged sword. This is important!
Hebrews 4:11-12 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. {unbelief: or, disobedience} 12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)
How can it be explained what God's "Eternal Rest" has to do with the word of God piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit? The spiritual rest that we are to "labor" to enter into, is because (for) the word of God will divide soul and spirit. Could this be talking about the time of the resurrection and the "glorious rest" when the soul and spirit will be severed from the body? I believe the power of the "word of God" is a "spiritual rest" for believers waiting for the resurrection. In Gal. 4:3 and 9-10, Paul is saying to the Galatian Church that they were turning back again to "the weak and beggarly elements".
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: {elements: or, rudiments} (KJV)
Galatians 4:9-10 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? {turn ye again: or, turn ye back} {elements: or, rudiments} 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (KJV)These elements are called "elements of the world", and it is obvious according the Paul, that these "elements" have something to with the observance of certain days, months, times, and years. Paul stated that when we were children, we were dependent (or in bondage) to "elements", which Paul warned against! This means that the Galatians were not to serve God with "elements" (whatever they are). Some sincere believers of today make the claim that the Galatian Church was going back again into paganism by observing certain days, months, times, and years. It is very interesting to know what Paul meant by speaking of these "elements". Paul stated that they were desiring again to be in bondage, which means the Galatians became children again depending on certain "physical works" (elements of the world). If we allow the Bible to interpret what these days, months, times, and years were, you will see in verse 21 that the Galatian Church was desiring to be under the law.
Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (KJV)
They were desiring to be under the law of Moses, if you will. We cannot assume that the Galatian Church was involved with paganism. Not that paganism is all right to observe, which it isn't! However it does appear that the Galatian Church wanted to come under the ceremonial works involved with days, times, months, and years. After the death of Christ these days, times, months, and years cannot be observed according to Moses; because there was no salvation in the "works" of these laws. Salvation can only come by the works of Christ. Moses himself understood this, as it states in Acts 3:22. The prophet that God raised up, which Israel was to hear; refers of course to Christ.
Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (KJV)
The problem that the Galatian Church was in, is that they thought these "works" were required for salvation! They were on the premise and faith that by observing and doing the works of these laws associated with days, times, months, and years (elements of the world) was a salvational matter. They did not and could not receive the Spirit of God by the "works" of these laws according to Paul. See Gal. 3:2-3.
Galatians 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (KJV)
Paul was very concerned with the Galatian Church. He writes in Gal. 3:1; "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you..."? Gal. 4:11 reads; "I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain." In Gal. 4:19 it says that Paul travailed in birth again because of the situation and the danger that the Galatian Church was in!
Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (KJV)
Galatians 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. (KJV)
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (KJV)In Col. 2:14-16, Paul is saying that Christ took the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and nailed it to the cross. After Christ spoiled principalities and powers, Paul then says therefore they were not to be judged on meat and drink, or of an holyday, the new moon, or the Sabbath days.
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; 15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. {in it: or, in himself} 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: {in meat...: or, for eating and drinking} {respect: or, part}(KJV)
Notice the word "therefore" in verse 16. Paul put meat and drink offerings in the same context as Sabbath days; and more important, he just stated what was nailed to the cross. It is always wise to take notice whenever the word "therefore" occurs in scripture. We need to find out why it's "there for"! Paul used the term "new moon" (verse 16). Read Isa. 1:14 and Hos. 2:11, and again take note of the term "new moons".
Isaiah 1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. (KJV)
Hosea 2:11 I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. (KJV)No. 02320 in Strong's Lexicon explains that "month" (or new month) was translated as "new moon" twenty times.
02320 chodesh {kho'-desh}from 02318; TWOT - 613b; n m AV - month 254, new moon 20, monthly 1, another 1; 276 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
As was explained previously, the law of the weekly Sabbath every year commenced on the fifteenth day of the "new month" of Abib. However this system of "new months" and appointed feasts (Sabbaths) were to serve only temporarily, and therefore were destined to cease; as was shown in Hos. 2:11. Please understand, God's soul hated Israel's new moons (months) and appointed feasts, because of unbelief on Israel's part (Isa. 1:14). Read Col. 2:16-17, and realize the point Paul is making is that the crucified body of Christ was the sum total and the true substance that cast the "light"; which caused the shadow of the "new moon(s)" and Sabbaths (plural) to cease.
Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (KJV)
By attempting to observe these types of laws involved with "new moons" and Sabbaths (plural) means that Christ has died in vain and is of no effect to believers, as explained in Gal. 2:21 and 5:4.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV)
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (KJV)The Sabbath day and holydays, minus the laws of the old covenant, still show God's Eternal Rest and also "picture" and explain the plan of redemption. Therefore if we choose to observe the holydays we must be careful not to be "legalistic" in determining the correct day and manner of worship, etc. They should not be observed according to Moses! This would bring shame to a finished work of Christ. Paul implied that the Colossian Church was being judged for not observing these ordinances by self-righteous Jews who were observing them. Who else would be judging the Colossian Church? Why would the handwriting of the sacrificial meat and drink offerings along with the Mosaic Sabbath (or holydays) be against us? This system of laws did not and could not make the real atonement for sin. They only pointed toward the ultimate perfect sacrifice for sin, and only pictured God's Eternal Rest and his plan of redemption for his people. When the perfect sacrifice was made (Christ), the ceremonial "works" of these laws lost their the objective and were no longer needed. All these ceremonial laws were only a "shadow" of things to come (Col. 2:16), and therefore found their fulfillment in the "body of Christ"; which was nailed to the cross! Didn't Christ say that he did not come to destroy, but to fulfill? See Matt. 5:17.
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (KJV)
It was only after Christ spoiled the principalities and powers of the fallen angel world that this fulfillment was possible. Again review Col. 2:15. This truth is very important to understand, and is explained in my booklets entitled "The World before Adam" and "Life and Death". In Gal. 5:19-21, Paul itemizes and painstakingly lists every work of the flesh, and according to Paul if one does these things they will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Why did not Paul mention Sabbath breaking? There are those sincere believers of today that would be quick to add Sabbath breaking to Paul's complete list of works of the flesh. In Rom. 13:9, some of the ten commandments are quoted. Notice how Paul states, "and if there be any other commandment....". Why did not Paul mention the fourth commandment (Sabbath keeping)?
Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (KJV)
I believe the reason why Paul never mentioned Sabbath keeping is simply because the Sabbath under Moses had served its purpose, and was finished. The Sabbath is nevertheless a commandment of God, however it must not be premised on the "old creation" as it was under Moses. I will explain later what I mean by this. In Rev. 4:8, it talks about the four beasts having no "rest" day nor night. In Rev. 6:11, it says the souls should "rest" yet a little season. In Rev. 14:11 it says, they have no "rest" day or night. In verse 13 it reads, "...yea, saith the spirit, that they may "rest" from their labours..."
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. {rest...: Gr. have no rest} (KJV)
Revelation 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled. (KJV)
Revelation 14:11, 13 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. {from henceforth...: or, from henceforth saith the Spirit, Yea} (KJV)The word "rest" found in these verses is no. 372 and 373 in Strong's Con., and these two meanings for this certain "rest" have the words "refresh" and "recreation". These two words are very important to understand as we shall see, since they are used in certain key scriptures.
373 anapano (an-ap-ow'-o); from 303 and 3973; (reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively [be exempt], remain); by implication, to refresh: KJV-- take ease, refresh, (give, take) rest.
372 anapausis (an-ap'-ow-sis); from 373; intermission; by implication, recreation: KJV-- restThe word "rest" found in these verses in the book of Revelation is very interesting, because in Acts 3:19-21 it talks about the times of "refreshing" and the times of "restitution of all things". This theme is tied to Isa. 28:12, which also talks about a "refreshing".
Acts 3:19-21 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (KJV)
Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This [is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (KJV)According to these scriptures this "rest" is a "refreshing" and a "restitution" of all things. It was stated that the wicked have no "rest" day and night. This means by implication, the wicked will have no part in this "refreshing" or "restitution of all things" that all the prophets spoke about since the world began. Again see Acts 3:21. This is the time known as the millennium or the thousand year rule of Christ. It is indeed very interesting, as we have seen, the word "rest" also means "recreation" (372). 2 Cor. 5:17 states; "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature...", or is in God's Eternal "Rest", if you will.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. {he is: or, let him be} (KJV)
This is a very important scripture, since the key words are "new creature" (or recreation), and "old things are passed away", and "all things are become new". This is very interesting, since all this refers to a man being "in Christ". This therefore means that any man in Christ is not considered (from God's viewpoint) to be a part of the old creation. This truth is very important! In Matt. 24:19-21 Christ stated; "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day". This is a time of severe hardship for Christians. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it rough, and it mentions wintertime and also great tribulation.
Matthew 24:19-21 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no,
nor ever shall be. (KJV)My question is, why would the Sabbath day be mentioned in the same context of a very difficult time of survival? This will be the time that the "man of sin" will be in the holy place (temple in Jerusalem), and he will have complete domination of the world. The reason that this man will control the whole world is because he managed to deceive the world into believing that he is God! I might add, he will be obeyed and worshipped as God. This cunning deception was accomplished after the working of Satan through all power, signs, and lying wonders; as carefully explained in Matt. 24:15, and 2 Thes. 2:3-4, 9.
Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (KJV)
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (KJV)
2 Thessalonians 2:9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (KJV)What will be the one-world religion? This "man of sin" will have to use the Bible to deceive the world. I believe a mixture of the Mosaic administration and the new covenant will be in place at Jerusalem. There could very well be a world-wide enforcement of the physical observance of the Sabbath day premised on the seventh day of the week. Sincere people will kill you thinking of course that they are doing God's service, as it shows in John 16:2.
John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. (KJV)
The world will believe that this is now the returned Jesus Christ setting up his kingdom. All rebellion must be abolished! Anyone caught violating the Holy Sabbath will be put to death, which is what Moses commanded! Can we now understand why Christ would ask his followers; "Pray ye that your flight be not on the Sabbath day"?
The First Day of the Week
It is very important to understand the original Greek meaning of the word "week". See no. 4521 in Strong's Lexicon given for the word "week".
4521 sabbaton {sab'-bat-on}of Hebrew origin 07676; TDNT - 7:1,989; n n AV - sabbath day 37, sabbath 22, week 9; 68 1) the seventh day of each week which was a sacred festival on which the Israelites were required to abstain from all work 1a) the institution of the sabbath, the law for keeping holy every seventh day of the week 1b) a single sabbath, sabbath day 2) seven days, a week
As we can see; this Greek word (sabbaton) was translated as "Sabbath day" or "Sabbath" almost every time, and as "week" only nine times. Keep in mind that the word "day" in the phrase "first day of the week" is always in italics; which means it was added by the translators. With this concept in mind I want to point out a very interesting truth found in Matt. 28:1.
Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. (KJV)
As was explained, the word "sabbath" in this verse is the same word used for "week". The Concordant Literal New Testament in the eight times this phrase is found; it always states this phrase as the "first Sabbath" (singular), or as "one of the Sabbaths" (plural). Christ rose on the "first Sabbath". This is clearly explained in Mark 16:9, which is worded as follows: "Now rising in the morning in the first Sabbath". Matt. 28:1 was translated correctly in the following matter: "Now it is the evening of the Sabbaths. At the lighting up into one of the Sabbaths came Mary Magdalena and the other Mary to behold the sepulcher".
This is very interesting, because this verse no doubt is referring to two Sabbaths occurring on two days. The "evening of the Sabbaths" could only mean that these two Sabbaths were in a sense blended or joined together. One was ending (in the evening), and since the days started at sundown, the other Sabbath commenced at sundown. The women arrived at the sepulcher at dawn on the second Sabbath. This is exactly what Matt. 28:1 is explaining when taking into account the correct rendering of "the first day of the week". The Sabbath that was ending was known as the Passover, which followed the death of Christ. What is the purpose of the second Sabbath, since this Sabbath has no place in the Mosaic administration? Why was it called the "first Sabbath" (Mark 16:9) since it was the second Sabbath in sequence? It must be assumed it was called the "first Sabbath" simply because it was first in rank of importance! It took priority over the other Sabbath! The very important point is this; it was the second Sabbath, but it was called the first Sabbath. What are we to understand from this biblical fact?
It is very obvious that the "first Sabbath" could not be revealed until after Christ's death. John 20:17-19 shows when the disciples assembled on the first day of the week (first Sabbath) for the very first time. Christ gave his peace and blessing on them for assembling. He states, "Peace be unto you" (verse 19). Please read these verses very carefully to get the proper story flow of this event.John 20:17-19 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] he had spoken these things unto her.19 Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. (KJV)
We read in verse 17 that Christ had a conversation with Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. This conversation is very important, because I believe this is what convinced the disciples to assemble. She was told by Christ to go to the brethren, and to tell them "I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God". Now pay close attention to the way verse 19 is worded; "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week". Please notice, it was in the evening when they assembled. Could it be that after Mary had spoken certain things concerning Christ's ascension to the Father that convinced them to assemble? I'm sure they no doubt questioned or wondered about what Mary had told them, and during the course of the day they became convinced to assemble; which by this time was in the evening. Some will argue that they assembled for "fear of the Jews". True, that is what is stated and this is partly the reason, but what about the other days of the week? Did they fear the Jews less on other days? They shut the doors possibly for fear of the Jews, however it could also signify a private meeting or a religious assembly. They assembled and shut the doors again after eight days, and this time it was not for "fear of the Jews"! See John 20:26.
John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you. (KJV)
Christ again gave his peace in favor of them assembling. Counting "after eight days" of course included the same day, which takes us to the following Sunday. Therefore this argument for them assembling for "fear of the Jews" is now rendered frivolous and invalid! It states in Luke 23:56 that the women rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. Why was the phrase "according to the commandment" added to the statement? This is not some idle wording taking up space in that statement! Why did the Holy Spirit inspire Luke to write this in this manner? Please notice the way Luke 23:56 is worded.
Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. (KJV)
We all know why they rested on the Sabbath day. The phrase "according to the commandment" would not have to be added at all, except for this very important point. It was the last Mosaic Sabbath! I believe this particular Sabbath was not a weekly Sabbath. In John 19:31 it states; "for that Sabbath was an high day".
John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away. (KJV)
In past years I was led to believe that this particular Sabbath happened to be a holyday and also the weekly Sabbath on the same day. Some translations imply of it as the "Great Day" or the "Great Sabbath". I think it could mean the "last Sabbath", if you will. According to the law of Moses this particular Sabbath would have had to be the "first day of unleavened bread" that followed the Passover (or the day following Christ's death) See Lev. 23:5-7.
Leviticus 23:5-7 In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month [is] the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. KJV)
All the gospel accounts of this "high day" Sabbath was singular (one Sabbath). Since this Sabbath was singular and also not the weekly Sabbath would explain why the law of the weekly Sabbath was not based and determined to fall on the seventh day of the week. This will be explained later. The six day creation (flawed by the sin of Adam) had come to it's fulfillment at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! This old six day creation that failed and was useless to God, called for and demanded the cruel sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ! The six "work" days, and the following seventh day Sabbath under Moses represented, and was patterned after, this old creation that failed. After the death of Christ, we are now (in a legal sense) in the "eighth day" or in the "new creation", which is what old covenant Sabbath keeping pointed toward! I believe Christ's ascension to the Father on the first day of the week had a direct bearing on Christ bringing about the "new creation", and instituting the "first Sabbath". I believe this is what Mary Magdalene discussed with the disciples on the first day of the week that convinced them to assemble in honor of this very important event! The "eighth day" shadows and types are mentioned more then twenty times in the Bible. They are mentioned for a reason! They are highly symbolic of a "new beginning" or a "new creation". This truth is very important!
Some will argue that Paul assembled on the Sabbath day, therefore this would make a case that we should also assemble on the seventh day of the week (Saturday). True, Paul did go where the Israelites were assembled on the Sabbath day; as it shows in Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, 15:21, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4.Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. (KJV)
Acts 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him]. (KJV)
Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. {the next...: Gr. in the week between, or, in the sabbath between} (KJV)
Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. (KJV)
Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. (KJV)
Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted [thither]. {sabbath: Gr. sabbath day} (KJV)
Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, (KJV)
Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. (KJV)The Israelite people still observed the old covenant. That is all they knew as their form of worship and service to God. The temple was still there with all the temple service, etc. The people were very important to Paul, and he needed to go where and when they assembled. However Paul chose the "first Sabbath" (first day of the week) as the day to honor and assemble with the believing saints. The is proven simply because the "other Sabbath" was not mentioned during the seven day weekly cycle spoken of in Acts 20:6-7!
Acts 20:6-7 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 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. (KJV)
As was explained, this "other Sabbath" is talked about many times in the book of Acts, but not in Acts 20:6-7. This is very important! The Israelite people were still observing the "other Sabbath", and as was explained, Paul attended many of these Sabbath keeping assemblies. A merciful God allowed the physical temple to stand forty some years after Christ's death. The early believers understood that the customs of Moses (which included ceremonial Sabbath keeping) no longer applied under the new covenant. Read and believe Acts 6:14, 21:21.
Acts 6:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. {customs: or, rites} (KJV)
Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after the customs. (KJV)This truth can be verified throughout the book of Acts. That's what the persecution of the early Church was all about! Some believers gave their lives for this belief and faith. Paul suffered greatly for preaching and teaching this truth. Paul earlier had people imprisoned and put to death for believing in the liberty and freedom that Christ had brought them. It was Paul (then called Saul) that consented to the death of Stephen (Acts 7:58).
Acts 7:58 And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. (KJV)
The people that stoned and killed Stephen were no doubt devout Sabbath keepers. Stephen gave the Israelite people a history lesson that they could not handle because of their hardness of heart. Stephen started with Abraham, and explained in detail how God worked through Moses and all the prophets with the old covenant that was carefully designed to lead the Israelite people to Christ. This history lesson cost Stephen his life, because his murderers were not about to forsake what they thought were the true intentions of the customs of Moses. Stephen explained in detail that the old covenant had served it's purpose, and was finished! By being "stiff-necked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears", they refused to understand the intent and purpose of the old covenant. They were resisting the Holy Spirit as their fathers also did before them, as it explains in Acts 7:51. This scripture proves the Holy Spirit was available during the old covenant.
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye. (KJV)
If they and their fathers would have kept the customs of Moses, they would have understood that these "works" of the law were only temporary and pointed toward the prophet (Christ), that the Lord God would raise up like unto Moses. See Acts 7:37.
Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear: {like...: or, as myself) (KJV)
This is the point that Stephen wanted to make with these stubborn and hardhearted Israelites that loved their ceremonial righteousness, including their Sabbath keeping! Another important scripture proving that the early Church assembled on the first day of the week is found in Acts 20:7, which states that the disciples came together to break bread, and Paul preached unto them. Paul also wanted to depart on the "morrow".
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. (KJV)
It was the custom of the early Church to assemble on the first day of the week (Sunday). Why is it so hard for people to believe and understand this fact? They came together to fellowship, have a meal, and a sermon. A real Church service, if you will! It was told me some years ago that this meeting was actually on a Saturday, and extended into Sunday. I'm sorry, that is not what is stated! This assembly (note the word "when") commenced and came together upon the first day of the week! We cannot assume that the preceding day was the weekly Sabbath, as many of today falsely assume. This will be explained later. They assembled sometime in the hours in what we would call Saturday evening since the days started at sunset, and Paul continued his speech until midnight. Since Paul was doing Christ's work, it was not a sin for Paul to travel on the same day (Sunday), because Paul understood that the "legalism" of Sabbath keeping had ended. However the time frame of Paul's departure to travel on the "morrow" could mean on the following day (Monday). There are some sincere Christians today that make the claim that the first day of the week during the days of the early Church was a common "work day", and they will quote this scripture found in 1 Cor. 16:2.
1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (KJV)
These same sincere people fail to realize that it was not a sin for the Corinthian Church to gather food for other saints in need, even if done supposedly on the Sabbath day. It is very important to simply read and believe what Paul instructed the Corinthian Church to do before his arrival. Paul gave instruction that this gathering of food was to take place before he was among them and before the Church service, and it is easy to understand why. 1 Cor. 16:2 only proves that Paul wanted to assemble with the Corinthian Church on the first day of the week, however not while this gathering of food was going on! Keep in mind that after Christ's death, Sabbath keeping was no longer based on "legalism"; but on the saints assembling on the first day of the week!
Why do we have the phrase "first day of the week" in our Bibles since it was not translated originally this way? This was the day that the translators of the King James Version were keeping as the "first Sabbath", which is why it is translated as the "first day of the week"! This was the day of the week (Sunday) on which Christians have for centuries observed the "first Sabbath"! True history confirms that our nation found its greatness in the gospel of Jesus Christ and believing in the Ten Commandments. I believe the spiritual foundation of this great nation was built on Sunday Church attendance! This nation is however losing its greatness simply because it no longer honors God's time on the "first Sabbath"!In Conclusion
In the Bible, the days of the week are not mentioned (by our calendar), but a system of numbering of the days. Six days was given to Israel to do all their work and pleasure, however the following day (seventh) was a time of "resting" or a ceasing; which allowed for God's time. It was a cycle and pattern of one day in seven. As was explained, the law of the Sabbath started on the fifteenth day of the "new month" (Abib) when Israel came out of Egypt. Theoretically, the Sabbath therefore could fall on any day of the week (by our calendar). This may sound blasphemous to Saturday keepers, but I will explain what I mean as we continue. This divine pattern of six "work" days in succession and a seventh day "rest" had to be maintained according to the law. A Saturday keeper believes this weekly cycle was unbroken from the creation, and the seventh day has always fallen on what is known as Saturday. This concept simply does not fit the law of the festivals. Never mind of the fact that the Sabbath was not biblically introduced until Moses!
However keep in mind that the principal of giving one day in seven back to God still applies. The Sabbath command is still valid, because the ten commandments are not done away! What was done away and nailed to the cross were the "works" of sacrificial laws, which included the six "work" days and the following "rest" day. These Sabbath "works" were contrasted, or were in opposition with the new creation and the true "Rest" of God. No, God's Eternal Rest was not nailed to the cross! Let's be honest with the scriptures. Sabbath keeping under Moses went along with sacrificial laws, and that's a fact! All the types and patterns that were to be "worked" out in ceremonial fashion no longer serve a purpose. The system of ceremonial and sacrificial laws only pictured and pointed toward the work of redemption done by Jesus Christ. Christ did the works that were required to secure our redemption for us! Christ became the perfect sacrifice for sin that the law demanded, and he had to suffer and die a very cruel death to bring an end to the six day creation. The "works" that were patterned after the old failed six day creation and a continuing "rest" of God, also came to an end. As a result of the sacrifice of Christ, we can now be legally in the new creation (spiritually speaking), and actually enter into a "Rest" with God. Please keep in mind that God blessed the seventh day before a sacrifice was required! This is why we can by faith enter into this "Eternal Rest" without the laws of the Sabbath under Moses!Adam was given dominion over the six day creation, and when Adam sinned the creation became useless to God. When the perfect sacrifice was made for Adam's sin, God could then bring in the "eighth day" or the new creation. The six day creation was doomed to fail, and actually demanded and caused the sufferings and cruel death of Christ. Sabbath keeping under Moses provided the obedient Israelites with a temporary solution to the failed creation. However, obedience to the Sabbath command with all the sacrificial laws was not the real solution for Adam's sin and a failed creation. The perfect sacrifice and the real solution would come later. Obedience only "bought time" or "put on hold", so to speak, the demanded penalty for Adam's sin and a failed six day creation. Therefore disobedience to the Sabbath command canceled the luxury of this delayed perfect sacrifice, which is why the death penalty for Adam's sin came back on the disobedient Israelites. Israel was commanded to work six days just like God did! Israel was also commanded to "rest" the seventh day just like God rested! Israel under the old covenant, in a sense, "acted out" through a system of laws a failed six day creation, and a continuing "rest" of God. This is why a death penalty also had to be "acted out" for disobedience to the Sabbath command, which ultimately required the death of Christ. Through a system of sacrificial and Sabbath laws, Israel was provided with temporary sacrifices for Adam's sin, and at the same time these laws pointed toward the perfect sacrifice.
It is an open mockery toward Christ for believers to continue in the type of laws that demanded his sufferings and his death. Christ cannot be sacrificed again! The Sabbath "works" based on the "old creation" were a part of these laws. It is just that simple, and it is just that serious! If believers are involved in this form of righteousness it is like telling Christ that his works were not quite sufficient, or it is as if we need to improve on the works that Christ did for us. In Rom. 10:4, Paul states that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth".Romans 10:4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (KJV)
This scripture has caused many people to stumble. Christ did not bring an end to the Ten Commandments, including true Sabbath keeping! Rom. 10:4 means exactly what it says. For Christ to be "the end of the law", simply means that Christ ended what the law demanded; which was a perfect sacrifice. Christ's death allows believers the freedom of entering into a "rest" with God. Keep in mind this freedom is only for "everyone that believeth", as Rom. 10:4 explained. We cannot have this freedom, and at the same time attempt to obey the ceremonial law that was patterned after what caused Christ's death! Please understand this truth! The problem that we encounter if we attempt to observe this form of ceremonial righteousness is that it frustrates the grace of God, which can be very dangerous! See Gal. 2:21.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV)
I know that well-meaning Saturday Sabbath keepers would never intentionally want to frustrate the grace of God. Sadly however this is how deception works, and deceived people are not at all aware that they are deceived. This was the heresy that the Galatian Church was deceived by and believed in. As was shown earlier, the Galatian Church wanted to go back under the "legalism" of the old covenant; and Paul said in Gal. 2:21 that Christ is dead in vain with this form of righteousness! Can we understand what the true implications would be if our Savior died in vain for us?
The Sabbath command is still valid and God requires that we assemble and fellowship. The premise now is not on the old creation, but on the new creation (eighth day); hence the first day of the week, which is Sunday. The true principle of Sabbath keeping has always been, and forever will be, simply allowing every seventh day for God. Sunday keeping is true Sabbath observance, since it is setting aside one day in seven to build Christ's Church. The observance of the "first Sabbath" is also done in honor and remembrance of the finished work of Jesus Christ in securing our redemption for us, which was all done on the first day of the week!
Christians have for centuries always observed Sunday as the day of rest and worship. There is documented evidence that men that were taught by the apostles kept Sunday. This truth is recorded in the early history of the Church. Here are some quotes taken from "The Ante-Nicene Fathers". These are writings from the early Church fathers down to 325 AD. Here is a quote from an epistle of Barnabas, Paul's companion; "Your present Sabbaths are not acceptable to me. I will make a beginning of the eighth day, that is, a beginning of another world". Justin Martyr born about 110 AD writes," And on the day called Sunday on which we hold our common assembly...". Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John writes; "Let every friend of Christ keep the resurrection day, the queen and chief of all days of the week". In the "The Teachings of the Apostles" written 105 AD we read; "The apostles therefore appointed on the first day of the week...", ... "let there be service and reading of the Holy scriptures". More writings could be quoted regarding the "first Sabbath".
God is interested in a child-like attitude of wanting to know the truth regarding the Sabbath, and he does expect us to respond to what we know in our hearts to be the truth. It cost the life blood of Jesus Christ to bring an end to the six day creation which became useless to God because of Adam's sin. Do we really want to serve the living God by religiously observing the very "works" which called for the death of Christ? Or do we want to serve the living God as a new creation in Christ? Read and understand 2 Cor. 5:17.2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. {he is: or, let him be} (KJV)
If we truly are "in Christ", then God looks on us as a part of the new creation. The old creation has indeed passed away, and all things are become new. I know this term "new creature" is not understood and realized by us in this life. However this is how God looks on those that are "in Christ". Understand this from God's point of view! We are still living and suffering in this "old creation". It is hard for us to understand that after the death of Christ, we can "live by faith" in the new creation. God's spiritual "Rest" was made before the restored creation became useless, which is why believers from God's point of view, are not a part of the failed old creation.
Let us all be thankful for the work that Jesus Christ did for us, and let us be careful not to serve in the "works" that represent the old creation that has failed for God. It is very necessary for sincere believers to assemble and fellowship on the "first Sabbath" (Sunday) to build the body of Jesus Christ. Christ works through his Church to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God that will restore a new creation. The Sabbath under Moses reminded God's people of the need for a divine "Rest", as this booklet explained. Therefore we need to pray for understanding, and also earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3), so that we can truly enter into God's Eternal Rest!Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (KJV)
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