Important Notice:
Always check out what you read and hear for yourself, using the Bible, asking our HEAVENLY FATHER for wisdom, guidance, and understanding. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website, without first doing your own homework. As Christians, we should be listening to GOD's WORD, not what someone else has to say if it can't be documented. As it's written in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Please note, the yellow text within our studies is Scripture, whereas the white text is our commentary.
Remember The Sabbath
The word "Sabbath" means "rest", and though JESUS is our ultimate rest, as true rest can only be found in HIM (Matthew 11:28), sadly many people believe we aren't to observe the Sabbath day as GOD commanded in Exodus 20:8-11, which says, "8 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: 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." Usually this is because of a misunderstanding of Colossians 2 and Hebrews 4. As we begin this study, it's important that we keep in mind and understand that JESUS HIMself kept the Sabbath day, as the Ten Commandments tell us to, and we'll also see where Paul kept it as well. Those who claim JESUS broke the Sabbath, obviously do not know what they're talking about, and to claim such would accuse HIM of sin, and as we know, HE never once sinned (1 Peter 2:22), which comes through transgression of the law (see 1 John 3:4-5). The only thing JESUS broke as we will see in this study, is the strict, pharisaical and hypercritical, man-made, added rules to the law of the Sabbath, which GOD never instructed. Below, we'll begin in Exodus 20 and we'll also address the Scriptures that people use as "evidence" to support that the Sabbath was "done away with."
Exodus 20:8-11
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
As we know, all of the Ten Commandments are important. It's something though how the very one that starts with "remember", is the most forgotten and ignored one by most people today.
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:
As we can see, this wasn't just instructed for the Israelites to follow, it was instructed for all to follow, including the stranger, which refers to foreigners (gentiles [i.e. non-Israelites]) in their land. After all, if you're a Christian today, regardless if you're an Israelite, you're grafted in (see Romans 11:17-25, Galatians 3:26-29), and part of being grafted in and receiving the gift of the promise land is by loving JESUS, and by loving HIM, we keep HIS Commandments (John 14:15). JESUS even says in Mark 2:27 "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" "Man" is in reference to mankind in general, not a specific race/group of people.
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 (i.e. declared it Holy [= set apart]).
This is in reference to Genesis 2:1-3 which says, "1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 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." It's important to note that no where does it say GOD needed this rest, but instead that HE did rest. Our FATHER doesn't become weak and tired as we do, so HE doesn't need to rest, but as you will come to see, HE did this for our benefit and for us to follow, as HE is our ultimate example. When HE works, HE does so by speaking things into existence, as we saw on the first six days of creation in Genesis 1, so when HE rested on the seventh day, HE simply stopped speaking. Isaiah 40:28 says, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding." And so it is. GOD gives us six days to get all of our work finished, and requires only one day (the 7th), to set aside specifically for HIM, whereby we can use that day wholly unto HIM, without any of our fleshly desires or distractions getting in our way. As HE tells us in Isaiah 58:13-14, "13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." In other words, we are to take delight in that day, setting it apart from how we would do any of the other six days of the week, that applies to our own pleasures, and conversations related to business and worldly distractions. That also includes cooking, shopping, or selling (business related things), which is why Exodus 16:23 says, "And he (= Moses) said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.", and Nehemiah 10:31 says, "and if the people of the land bring ware (= merchandise) or any victuals (= grain [i.e. food]) on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day (i.e. neither on any Holy day): and that we would leave the seventh year (see Exodus 23:10-11), and the exaction of every debt (see Deuteronomy 15:1-20)." So as we can see, even meals were to be prepared the day before. A lot like how people do with family gatherings, as many prepare the meals the day before the gathering. And also, all business related things including buying from those who sell on the Sabbath, were not to be done, as it funds and promotes those who violate GOD's set-aside day. Think of how most stores close on certain holidays, well GOD expects them to be closed on HIS day (the Sabbath), as well as other Holy days like Passover.
Now getting back to this twentieth chapter of Exodus, as we know from that chapter, the Sabbath is the 4th of the Ten Commandments, which is the law, and as CHRIST told us in Matthew 5:17-18, "17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." This word "jot" mentioned here is the Greek word "iōta", which refers to the tenth and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, Yod ('); It is what changes the sound of a vowel. And a tittle refers to the least particle of a Hebrew letter which distinguishes the difference between two letters similar in appearance. So as we can clearly see, CHRIST did not come to change even the slightest bit of the law, nor even the pronunciation till all be fulfilled, and all will not be fulfilled until this heaven and earth age pass away, and the end times are fulfilled. As discussed above in this study, many believe CHRIST fulfilled this law when HE died on the cross, and that in doing so, HE became our Sabbath, but the only thing CHRIST's death and resurrection did away with, was the requirement for sacrificing animals (i.e. blood ordinances), as HIS sacrifice and blood shed on the cross was for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12); it never did away or changed any law of how we are to observe and keep the commandments. But what about Hebrews 4 and Colossians 2? We'll get to them later on below, but it's worth noting what GOD told Moses in Exodus 33:14, which says, "And he (= GOD [YHVH]) said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Notice GOD said HIS presence would go with Moses and give him rest. However GOD still required a set aside day. So just as CHRIST/EMMANUEL (= GOD with us) was and is our rest, we're still to set aside the seventh day wholly for HIM, and though we are to live for HIM and worship HIM everyday, again, we are still to set aside the seventh day wholly for HIM, without other distractions getting in our way like cooking, house chores, and other labors. Continuing, let's turn to Numbers 15.
As we know, all of the Ten Commandments are important. It's something though how the very one that starts with "remember", is the most forgotten and ignored one by most people today.
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:
As we can see, this wasn't just instructed for the Israelites to follow, it was instructed for all to follow, including the stranger, which refers to foreigners (gentiles [i.e. non-Israelites]) in their land. After all, if you're a Christian today, regardless if you're an Israelite, you're grafted in (see Romans 11:17-25, Galatians 3:26-29), and part of being grafted in and receiving the gift of the promise land is by loving JESUS, and by loving HIM, we keep HIS Commandments (John 14:15). JESUS even says in Mark 2:27 "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" "Man" is in reference to mankind in general, not a specific race/group of people.
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 (i.e. declared it Holy [= set apart]).
This is in reference to Genesis 2:1-3 which says, "1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 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." It's important to note that no where does it say GOD needed this rest, but instead that HE did rest. Our FATHER doesn't become weak and tired as we do, so HE doesn't need to rest, but as you will come to see, HE did this for our benefit and for us to follow, as HE is our ultimate example. When HE works, HE does so by speaking things into existence, as we saw on the first six days of creation in Genesis 1, so when HE rested on the seventh day, HE simply stopped speaking. Isaiah 40:28 says, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding." And so it is. GOD gives us six days to get all of our work finished, and requires only one day (the 7th), to set aside specifically for HIM, whereby we can use that day wholly unto HIM, without any of our fleshly desires or distractions getting in our way. As HE tells us in Isaiah 58:13-14, "13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." In other words, we are to take delight in that day, setting it apart from how we would do any of the other six days of the week, that applies to our own pleasures, and conversations related to business and worldly distractions. That also includes cooking, shopping, or selling (business related things), which is why Exodus 16:23 says, "And he (= Moses) said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.", and Nehemiah 10:31 says, "and if the people of the land bring ware (= merchandise) or any victuals (= grain [i.e. food]) on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day (i.e. neither on any Holy day): and that we would leave the seventh year (see Exodus 23:10-11), and the exaction of every debt (see Deuteronomy 15:1-20)." So as we can see, even meals were to be prepared the day before. A lot like how people do with family gatherings, as many prepare the meals the day before the gathering. And also, all business related things including buying from those who sell on the Sabbath, were not to be done, as it funds and promotes those who violate GOD's set-aside day. Think of how most stores close on certain holidays, well GOD expects them to be closed on HIS day (the Sabbath), as well as other Holy days like Passover.
Now getting back to this twentieth chapter of Exodus, as we know from that chapter, the Sabbath is the 4th of the Ten Commandments, which is the law, and as CHRIST told us in Matthew 5:17-18, "17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." This word "jot" mentioned here is the Greek word "iōta", which refers to the tenth and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, Yod ('); It is what changes the sound of a vowel. And a tittle refers to the least particle of a Hebrew letter which distinguishes the difference between two letters similar in appearance. So as we can clearly see, CHRIST did not come to change even the slightest bit of the law, nor even the pronunciation till all be fulfilled, and all will not be fulfilled until this heaven and earth age pass away, and the end times are fulfilled. As discussed above in this study, many believe CHRIST fulfilled this law when HE died on the cross, and that in doing so, HE became our Sabbath, but the only thing CHRIST's death and resurrection did away with, was the requirement for sacrificing animals (i.e. blood ordinances), as HIS sacrifice and blood shed on the cross was for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12); it never did away or changed any law of how we are to observe and keep the commandments. But what about Hebrews 4 and Colossians 2? We'll get to them later on below, but it's worth noting what GOD told Moses in Exodus 33:14, which says, "And he (= GOD [YHVH]) said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Notice GOD said HIS presence would go with Moses and give him rest. However GOD still required a set aside day. So just as CHRIST/EMMANUEL (= GOD with us) was and is our rest, we're still to set aside the seventh day wholly for HIM, and though we are to live for HIM and worship HIM everyday, again, we are still to set aside the seventh day wholly for HIM, without other distractions getting in our way like cooking, house chores, and other labors. Continuing, let's turn to Numbers 15.
Numbers 15:27-36
27 And if any soul sin through ignorance (i.e. that person didn't realize they were doing wrong), then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering.
Remember, animal sacrifice was a shadow of things to come, and no longer applies to us today, because CHRIST fulfilled it HIMself on the cross (Hebrews 10). However, the laws of GOD (e.g. the Ten Commandments) still apply to us today. All we must simply do today to receive forgiveness is to repent and be genuinely sorry for our sins, and ask HIM to forgive us in CHRIST's name.
28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger (i.e. the gentiles/foreigners) that sojourneth among them.
Again, regardless of one's race, if you are a Christian, you're grafted in to the family of CHRIST (Romans 11:17-25, Galatians 3:26-29) and in doing so, you are to keep HIS Commandments; that is if you truly are a Christian that loves CHRIST (see John 14:15).
30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously (i.e. this type of person sins intentionally), whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth (i.e. blasphemes) the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
In other words, these people were not sure if this man knew right from wrong, concerning the Sabbath commandment.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Why? Because GOD knows all things (Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20), and this man clearly knew better and knew the consequences for intentionally violating the law, and GOD's set aside, Holy day, but he chose to still do so anyway.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
As we can see, the Sabbath wasn't just any ordinary commandment, it was serious, which was one of the few commandments that if broken, resulted in capital punishment, like murder, rape, adultery, homosexuality, blasphemy, etc. So are we really to believe that GOD no longer cares if we work on the seventh day, as mainstream churches teach, when the death penalty was required for those who violated it in the Bible? How crazy, because GOD HIMself tells us in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the LORD, I change not..." After all, HE is the GREAT "I AM", not the great I was, and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (see Hebrews 13:8 and compare to John 10:30). What was a sin thousands of years ago is still a sin today. So as we can see, GOD equates breaking the fourth commandment the same as committing adultery, murder, or rape. In Exodus 31:15-18, it says "15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Notice we are told to keep this throughout our generations for a "perpetual covenant." That means it's an eternal covenant that never ends nor changes. And who commanded it? GOD did. And as we read above in Matthew 5:17-18, JESUS said HE came NOT to change even the slightest bit of the law, including the pronunciation or appearance, 'til this heaven and earth [age] pass away and all be fulfilled. So clearly JESUS did not do away or replace the Sabbath commandment as many wrongly teach today because again, it is perpetual. Continuing, let's further view one of the consequences of what happened to Israel when they violated the Sabbath and GOD's law.
Remember, animal sacrifice was a shadow of things to come, and no longer applies to us today, because CHRIST fulfilled it HIMself on the cross (Hebrews 10). However, the laws of GOD (e.g. the Ten Commandments) still apply to us today. All we must simply do today to receive forgiveness is to repent and be genuinely sorry for our sins, and ask HIM to forgive us in CHRIST's name.
28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger (i.e. the gentiles/foreigners) that sojourneth among them.
Again, regardless of one's race, if you are a Christian, you're grafted in to the family of CHRIST (Romans 11:17-25, Galatians 3:26-29) and in doing so, you are to keep HIS Commandments; that is if you truly are a Christian that loves CHRIST (see John 14:15).
30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously (i.e. this type of person sins intentionally), whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth (i.e. blasphemes) the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
In other words, these people were not sure if this man knew right from wrong, concerning the Sabbath commandment.
35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Why? Because GOD knows all things (Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20), and this man clearly knew better and knew the consequences for intentionally violating the law, and GOD's set aside, Holy day, but he chose to still do so anyway.
36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
As we can see, the Sabbath wasn't just any ordinary commandment, it was serious, which was one of the few commandments that if broken, resulted in capital punishment, like murder, rape, adultery, homosexuality, blasphemy, etc. So are we really to believe that GOD no longer cares if we work on the seventh day, as mainstream churches teach, when the death penalty was required for those who violated it in the Bible? How crazy, because GOD HIMself tells us in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the LORD, I change not..." After all, HE is the GREAT "I AM", not the great I was, and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (see Hebrews 13:8 and compare to John 10:30). What was a sin thousands of years ago is still a sin today. So as we can see, GOD equates breaking the fourth commandment the same as committing adultery, murder, or rape. In Exodus 31:15-18, it says "15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Notice we are told to keep this throughout our generations for a "perpetual covenant." That means it's an eternal covenant that never ends nor changes. And who commanded it? GOD did. And as we read above in Matthew 5:17-18, JESUS said HE came NOT to change even the slightest bit of the law, including the pronunciation or appearance, 'til this heaven and earth [age] pass away and all be fulfilled. So clearly JESUS did not do away or replace the Sabbath commandment as many wrongly teach today because again, it is perpetual. Continuing, let's further view one of the consequences of what happened to Israel when they violated the Sabbath and GOD's law.
The Babylon Captivity:
Before the Babylon captivity, one of Israel's most offending and committed sins, besides idolatry (spiritual adultery) in the days of Jeremiah was violating the Sabbath commandment, which played a role in leading the people in to their captivity. GOD used Jeremiah to warn the people of what would happen if they didn't listen. Jeremiah 17:21-22 says, "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; 22 neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers." and in verse 27 of that 17th chapter, "But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched." Later in the book of Ezekiel, as Ezekiel and many of the tribe of Judah had been taken in to captivity, GOD told the Israelites (Ezekiel 20:10-16), "10 Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness. 11 And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them. 12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them. 14 But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out. 15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands; 16 because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols." And in Ezekiel 22:26, when referring to HIS people, HE said "Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them." When we look around us today, it's really no different at how most people view this commandment.
As time went by, Israel turned back to GOD, and they were eventually restored, and when they were, they were determined never to make the same mistake again by tossing GOD and HIS Holy days aside, and in doing so, the religious "leaders" created their own laws and attached them to the fourth commandment, regarding what was allowed on the Sabbath and what wasn't allowed, which led to a very strict and legalistic society, in which those who created the rules, weren't even able to keep themselves, but nonetheless they walked around prideful, with a "holier-than-thou" type of attitude; some of those extremist rules they added to the law of the Sabbath, as recorded in history, prohibited spitting on the ground, as spitting made mud and mud was mortar, and also could be considered plowing in their eyes. Throwing a piece of straw or a twig into a fire was also prohibited. Writing was prohibited. Pulling fingernails would also be classified by some as work or pulling a hair, and perhaps they would consider even wiping/rinsing one's rear. So transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament, Israel went from forsaking and corrupting the Sabbath, to enforcing oppressive rules to the Sabbath; things in which GOD never instructed, and as we continue below, we'll see these are the things/rules in which CHRIST violated, known as the Mishnah, NOT the law of the Sabbath in which GOD commanded.
As time went by, Israel turned back to GOD, and they were eventually restored, and when they were, they were determined never to make the same mistake again by tossing GOD and HIS Holy days aside, and in doing so, the religious "leaders" created their own laws and attached them to the fourth commandment, regarding what was allowed on the Sabbath and what wasn't allowed, which led to a very strict and legalistic society, in which those who created the rules, weren't even able to keep themselves, but nonetheless they walked around prideful, with a "holier-than-thou" type of attitude; some of those extremist rules they added to the law of the Sabbath, as recorded in history, prohibited spitting on the ground, as spitting made mud and mud was mortar, and also could be considered plowing in their eyes. Throwing a piece of straw or a twig into a fire was also prohibited. Writing was prohibited. Pulling fingernails would also be classified by some as work or pulling a hair, and perhaps they would consider even wiping/rinsing one's rear. So transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament, Israel went from forsaking and corrupting the Sabbath, to enforcing oppressive rules to the Sabbath; things in which GOD never instructed, and as we continue below, we'll see these are the things/rules in which CHRIST violated, known as the Mishnah, NOT the law of the Sabbath in which GOD commanded.
JESUS and the Sabbath:
When it comes to JESUS and the Sabbath, many who see what they want to see, and cling to what they want to cling, concerning men's traditions, use JESUS' miracles as "evidence" that HE violated the fourth commandment, and the event of HIM and HIS disciples in the corn-field (grain-field), but once again, we'll see that is not the case. Rather it was only the rules of the religious "leaders", which were violated, who again added their own regulations to the fourth commandment.
In Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28 and Luke 6:1-5, we're told JESUS and HIS disciples walked through the grain-fields on the Sabbath day, and while they did, HIS disciples plucked heads of grain to eat, and some of the pharisees stopped them and said "why do you do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?" and to JESUS' response, HE said "3...Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day (Matthew 12:3-8)." Now many read that and think JESUS was violating the Sabbath commandment and that it really isn't important to keep anymore because of HIM saying "HE was Lord of the Sabbath day.", but that is not the case. JESUS' disciples weren't in the field harvesting, they simply were walking through the field and plucked heads of grain as they walked by because they were hungry, which did NOT violate the fourth commandment.
In fact, GOD even allows this, as it's written in Deuteronomy 23:25, "When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn." The Israelite's were even instructed in Leviticus 19:9-10, "9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. 10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God." This was also mentioned in Leviticus 23:22.
So as we can see, JESUS nor HIS disciples violated the Sabbath commandment here, nor anywhere else as we will see, but rather they violated the man-made added rules of the religious leaders at that time. As for David, JESUS reminded these religious leaders that even he and his followers were blameless before GOD when they ate the shewbread which was supposed to be for the priests only, as that was the only bread around when they were fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 21:6). As for the priests, they too were blameless before GOD when they held worship services and performed the sacrifices required of GOD at that time. Why? Because they were doing GOD's work, and what was instructed by HIM, as those sacrifices required, covered the sins of the people and were used in holy convocations (Leviticus 23:15-18). The same could be compared to red traffic lights in our society today. What's the law? We are to stop at a red light, but when it comes to emergency vehicles, they're given a free pass and yet they do not break any laws.
In fact, GOD even allows this, as it's written in Deuteronomy 23:25, "When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn." The Israelite's were even instructed in Leviticus 19:9-10, "9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. 10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God." This was also mentioned in Leviticus 23:22.
So as we can see, JESUS nor HIS disciples violated the Sabbath commandment here, nor anywhere else as we will see, but rather they violated the man-made added rules of the religious leaders at that time. As for David, JESUS reminded these religious leaders that even he and his followers were blameless before GOD when they ate the shewbread which was supposed to be for the priests only, as that was the only bread around when they were fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 21:6). As for the priests, they too were blameless before GOD when they held worship services and performed the sacrifices required of GOD at that time. Why? Because they were doing GOD's work, and what was instructed by HIM, as those sacrifices required, covered the sins of the people and were used in holy convocations (Leviticus 23:15-18). The same could be compared to red traffic lights in our society today. What's the law? We are to stop at a red light, but when it comes to emergency vehicles, they're given a free pass and yet they do not break any laws.
JESUS' 7 Miracles On The Sabbath:
- JESUS removes the unclean spirits: One of the first miracles JESUS performed on the Sabbath was the removal of the unclean spirit from a man. HE did this as soon as HE got through preaching in the synagogue, revealing HE was fulfilling the Isaiah 61 prophecy that day. Mark 1:21-28 says, "21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee." Notice JESUS taught with authority. Authority (exousía in the Greek), involves jurisdiction, mastery, liberty, power, and strength. It means HE taught in command as a government agency would. After all, as Isaiah 9:6 told us, the government would be upon HIS shoulder. It says, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." JESUS' ministry points to HIM being the WORD of GOD as John 1 tells us. And HIM being the creator of the world (John 1:10), obviously HE is a MASTER in all things (Matthew 23:10). As we can see from above, HE showed us that HE had power over the unclean spirit within the man and they obeyed. Something only GOD could do. Wonder why? Because HE was/is GOD, as HE is the KING of kings and LORD of lords (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, 19:16).
- JESUS heals Simon's mother-in-law: "29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. (Mark 1:29-31)."
- JESUS heals a man's deformed hand: Mark 3:1-6 says, "1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. 2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. 3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. 4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him."
- JESUS heals a crippled woman: Luke 13:10-17 says, "10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. 15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? 16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? 17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him." Notice these religious leaders were so hard-hearted, that they had more love for their animals than for people who had life threatening sicknesses, afflictions, and infirmities. These people would feed and give their animals water, and even pull them out of a ditch on the Sabbath day, but yet they hated JESUS for helping people out of their ditch, by healing them of their problems.
- JESUS heals a man: Luke 14:1-6 says, "1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5 and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things."
- JESUS heals a disabled man: John 5:1-16 says, "1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 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. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day."
- JESUS heals a blind man: John 9:1-7 "1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." If you were to continue reading the rest of that chapter, you'll see where the religious "leaders" tried to accuse JESUS there also of sin, for healing this man's blindness. Notice in none of these cases listed here, do any of these religious "leaders" have any compassion, care, or mercy towards any of the sick due to their own hard-hearted, prideful, selves. They cared more about their regulations they added to the Sabbath commandment, than they did for someone being healed. Yet these hypocrites allowed and performed circumcision on many Sabbaths (John 7), and thought of themselves sinless, but yet accused JESUS of sin for making someone whole and restored.
Now are you starting to see the purpose of the Sabbath and what JESUS came to do and show us? By performing these seven miracles on the Sabbath, JESUS wasn't abolishing the Sabbath commandment, but rather showing us how to keep the Sabbath commandment. HE emphasized mercy, compassion, and loving-kindness by healing and doing good on the Sabbath to those in need, to lead people to GOD. And what we should learn from this is though GOD rested on the seventh day, and instructed us to do the same, GOD works 24/7 to help people grow spiritually and lead them closer to HIM and HIS Kingdom just as we should do, and as CHRIST showed us through HIS miracles and good deeds. In these occurrences, HE shows us not to be hard-hearted as the religious "leaders" were when it comes to the Sabbath, but to have mercy and forgiveness towards other people suffering and in need. So yes we are to rest from our physical labors but that doesn't mean sit and look at a wall all day, but rather is a day to be used to worship GOD without other distractions getting in our way, and a day used to show good unto others, pointing them to GOD. Though in every day we can do this, the seventh is a must as it is to be Holy.
What About Romans 14, Colossians 2 & Hebrews 4?
If you'll notice, people who claim the Sabbath day was "done away with" or "changed", often use Romans 14, Colossians 2 and Hebrews 4 to support their claim, but with a little understanding and commonsense, it is easily resolvable. After all, GOD's WORD doesn't contradict itself, and to state it was done away with after GOD said it is "perpetual", would be a lie. This is why it is important to understand the context and who Paul was talking to in those chapters.
Colossians 2
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Though the Colossians had never met Paul, he wanted them to know how much care and effort he had towards their spiritual well-being and directing them towards CHRIST.
2 that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
This is what Paul addressed in the last chapter (Colossians 1:9).
3 in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
Notice Paul doesn't want us to be deceived by men with enticing words. Many say today, "you don't have to keep the Sabbath because JESUS is our rest, and we worship HIM everyday." Yet JESUS tells us in John 14:15 that if we love HIM, we'll keep HIS commandments, and we know HE came not to abolish the law (Matthew 5:17-18) but to do the will of the FATHER (John 6:38). And certainly the FATHER's will is not to contradict HIS own words but for others to behold the SON (John 6:40), who we know upheld the law. Matthew 22:35-40 says, "35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." If we truly love GOD, we'll keep HIS commandments. These two commandments JESUS gave us summarize all of the ten commandments, as the first four relate to our relationship with GOD and having no other gods before HIM, while the last six relate to us loving others as ourself. Again, GOD was Moses' rest (Exodus 33:14) but GOD still required Moses to keep the Sabbath day, just as JESUS is our rest, and we are to still keep that "perpetual" fourth commandment of the Sabbath day.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh (i.e. in person), yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
And truly it is a joy to see others dedicated to serving CHRIST, as dying for us was the most HE could do, living for HIM is the least we can do in return.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
How did JESUS live? HE kept the Commandments, including the Sabbath, and if we truly love HIM, we'll keep it too in the way HE showed us.
7 rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
CHRIST never went against the FATHER and never taught others to go against the FATHER, and HE warned us in Matthew 5, after telling us HE didn't come to abolish the law (verses 17-18), HE said "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 (Matthew 5:19)." HE also warned us in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two masters, as one will either love GOD or mammon/materialism (i.e. the things of the world).
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
A person can keep the fourth commandment all they want, or any other commandment for that matter, but if they don't have CHRIST, their on their way to damnation unless they repent and trust in HIM, as their works alone can't save them (Ephesians 2:9).
11 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Compare to Romans 2:25-29.
12 buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 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;
What did JESUS come to do? HE came to seek, and to save the one's lost (John 19:10). And how would one know if they are lost? Based on their record of how well they've kept the law; for without the law, we wouldn't know sin (Romans 7:7). And again, JESUS didn't come to abolish the law (Matthew 5:17-18). After all, the law was never against us as the law shows us how to live peaceably with GOD and other people. Paul even said in Romans 7:12, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." If it no longer applied, he wouldn't have said that. Just four chapters prior to that, he said "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law (Romans 3:31)." The law shows us how to live righteously. However we don't get Saved due to our works towards the law, but rather by receiving CHRIST and HIS perfect works which were accomplished on the cross. We aren't saved by our works but because of HIS works, as HE was the only ONE to ever live and die without sin (1 Peter 2:22). This verse doesn't mean JESUS came to nail the law to the cross, it means HE came to nail our sins for transgressing the law to the cross, as the law is NOT sin (Romans 7:7). JESUS came to die for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2), not the law. The law is perfect and if we had never broken the law, we would never have been separated from GOD, but because we did, that is why we needed a SAVIOR, as GOD is life, and separation from GOD (life) only means death awaits for us, but JESUS paid our fine whereby we could live to whosoever believes and trusts in HIM. "Do not have any other GOD's before ME (YHVH).", "Do not set up graven images.", "Do not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain.", "Remember the Sabbath.", "Honor your parents.", "Do not murder.", "Do not commit adultery.", "Do not steal.", "Do not bear false witness.", "Do not covet." were never against us, but again show us how to live peaceably with GOD and other people in this world.
So obviously with these "ordinances" mentioned here, Paul was not addressing the law of GOD but the debt we owed for breaking the law of GOD, as that is what was against us, and many other translations even translate it that way. Isaiah 59:12-13 even confirms this, which says, "12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; 13 in transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood." Deuteronomy 10:12-13 even tells us that keeping the law is for our good, which means it was always for our benefit, so clearly the law itself was never against us, but those who want to live in sin see it that way, not understanding that the law was put in place to protect our liberty, which is why even James 1:25 calls it the perfect law of liberty. Also the law wasn't handwritten anyway by any man, it was written with the very finger of GOD on Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18). We must remember, it was our disobedience to GOD's law that put JESUS on the cross, and if GOD's law could be changed, then JESUS CHRIST need not to have died.
15 and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge (= krínō in Greek) you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
The word "judge" is "krínō" in Greek, and means to condemn. The word "meat" in the Greek is "brōsis" and simply refers to the act of eating. The word "drink" is "pósis" in the Greek and simply refers to drinking. In other words, Paul is saying, "let no man condemn you in food or drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days. You'll see below why Paul tells these believers this.
17 which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Notice this verse doesn't say "which were a shadow of things to come..." or "which were a shadow of things that came..." but rather "which are a shadow of things to come..." CHRIST had already died and resurrected at the time of this writing, yet Paul and others still kept the Sabbath day as we will see more on below. Also, the shadows pointing forward to CHRIST's death as an atonement for sin certainly were not instituted until after sin entered the world, and since the weekly Sabbath was instituted before man sinned, just as marriage also was, it was not a shadow of CHRIST's death as a SAVIOR from sin because both the Sabbath and marriage were given to man before man ever sinned and needed saving. And even if Paul was talking about the weekly Sabbath, he's referring to what's to come in the future, not what had already been done. Remember, JESUS said until Heaven and earth pass away, the law still stands (Matthew 5:17-18). Clearly this Heaven and earth age have not passed away as we're still in flesh bodies.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Notice these "heretics" Paul is warning these Christians in Colosse to be aware of, worshiped angels.
In verse 16 above, Paul was warning the assembly not to let the pagans judge them or mock them for keeping GOD's set apart commands instead of the pagan traditions of the land. Paul was not telling us that we should stop celebrating those commands, but rather telling us that we should continue with them regardless of what the rest of the world thinks because we are to be set apart (holy) and sanctified before GOD.
19 and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (touch not; taste not; handle not;
These are the ordinances Paul was referring to.
22 which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Notice these ordinances were "commandments and doctrines of men", which said "(touch not; taste not; handle not;)" because Paul is warning these Christians of Colosse, who live in a pagan area, of those who practice asceticism and those who refused to eat and touch certain foods due to how they may have been previously handled, as you will see below in the next chapter. In other words, Paul is telling these Christians not to let those people judge them for eating, drinking, and enjoying the feast days and Holy days of GOD, and foods in which GOD created to be received. Asceticism is the man-made doctrine that if one disciplines themself by not eating, not drinking, or giving in to any bodily needs, that it makes them better than others and allows one to have more favor with GOD, which simply isn't Biblical.
23 which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
In Romans 14, Paul addresses a similar issue. It should be noted that a large portion of Paul's audience wasn't Israel but gentiles. Why? Because Israel already knew the law and Holy days of GOD, whereas the gentiles didn't, and many of them who were converting to Christianity were facing hard judgements from the religious community of their lands and for this reason Paul said, "let no man judge you in food or drink or in respect of an holy day..." So can self-discipline help someone grow spiritually toward GOD? Of course, but it makes no one lesser of a person who doesn't participate, who eats and drinks in moderation. As we continue, let's turn to Romans 14.
Though the Colossians had never met Paul, he wanted them to know how much care and effort he had towards their spiritual well-being and directing them towards CHRIST.
2 that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
This is what Paul addressed in the last chapter (Colossians 1:9).
3 in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
Notice Paul doesn't want us to be deceived by men with enticing words. Many say today, "you don't have to keep the Sabbath because JESUS is our rest, and we worship HIM everyday." Yet JESUS tells us in John 14:15 that if we love HIM, we'll keep HIS commandments, and we know HE came not to abolish the law (Matthew 5:17-18) but to do the will of the FATHER (John 6:38). And certainly the FATHER's will is not to contradict HIS own words but for others to behold the SON (John 6:40), who we know upheld the law. Matthew 22:35-40 says, "35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." If we truly love GOD, we'll keep HIS commandments. These two commandments JESUS gave us summarize all of the ten commandments, as the first four relate to our relationship with GOD and having no other gods before HIM, while the last six relate to us loving others as ourself. Again, GOD was Moses' rest (Exodus 33:14) but GOD still required Moses to keep the Sabbath day, just as JESUS is our rest, and we are to still keep that "perpetual" fourth commandment of the Sabbath day.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh (i.e. in person), yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
And truly it is a joy to see others dedicated to serving CHRIST, as dying for us was the most HE could do, living for HIM is the least we can do in return.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
How did JESUS live? HE kept the Commandments, including the Sabbath, and if we truly love HIM, we'll keep it too in the way HE showed us.
7 rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
CHRIST never went against the FATHER and never taught others to go against the FATHER, and HE warned us in Matthew 5, after telling us HE didn't come to abolish the law (verses 17-18), HE said "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 (Matthew 5:19)." HE also warned us in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two masters, as one will either love GOD or mammon/materialism (i.e. the things of the world).
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
A person can keep the fourth commandment all they want, or any other commandment for that matter, but if they don't have CHRIST, their on their way to damnation unless they repent and trust in HIM, as their works alone can't save them (Ephesians 2:9).
11 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Compare to Romans 2:25-29.
12 buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 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;
What did JESUS come to do? HE came to seek, and to save the one's lost (John 19:10). And how would one know if they are lost? Based on their record of how well they've kept the law; for without the law, we wouldn't know sin (Romans 7:7). And again, JESUS didn't come to abolish the law (Matthew 5:17-18). After all, the law was never against us as the law shows us how to live peaceably with GOD and other people. Paul even said in Romans 7:12, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." If it no longer applied, he wouldn't have said that. Just four chapters prior to that, he said "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law (Romans 3:31)." The law shows us how to live righteously. However we don't get Saved due to our works towards the law, but rather by receiving CHRIST and HIS perfect works which were accomplished on the cross. We aren't saved by our works but because of HIS works, as HE was the only ONE to ever live and die without sin (1 Peter 2:22). This verse doesn't mean JESUS came to nail the law to the cross, it means HE came to nail our sins for transgressing the law to the cross, as the law is NOT sin (Romans 7:7). JESUS came to die for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2), not the law. The law is perfect and if we had never broken the law, we would never have been separated from GOD, but because we did, that is why we needed a SAVIOR, as GOD is life, and separation from GOD (life) only means death awaits for us, but JESUS paid our fine whereby we could live to whosoever believes and trusts in HIM. "Do not have any other GOD's before ME (YHVH).", "Do not set up graven images.", "Do not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain.", "Remember the Sabbath.", "Honor your parents.", "Do not murder.", "Do not commit adultery.", "Do not steal.", "Do not bear false witness.", "Do not covet." were never against us, but again show us how to live peaceably with GOD and other people in this world.
So obviously with these "ordinances" mentioned here, Paul was not addressing the law of GOD but the debt we owed for breaking the law of GOD, as that is what was against us, and many other translations even translate it that way. Isaiah 59:12-13 even confirms this, which says, "12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; 13 in transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood." Deuteronomy 10:12-13 even tells us that keeping the law is for our good, which means it was always for our benefit, so clearly the law itself was never against us, but those who want to live in sin see it that way, not understanding that the law was put in place to protect our liberty, which is why even James 1:25 calls it the perfect law of liberty. Also the law wasn't handwritten anyway by any man, it was written with the very finger of GOD on Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18). We must remember, it was our disobedience to GOD's law that put JESUS on the cross, and if GOD's law could be changed, then JESUS CHRIST need not to have died.
15 and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge (= krínō in Greek) you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
The word "judge" is "krínō" in Greek, and means to condemn. The word "meat" in the Greek is "brōsis" and simply refers to the act of eating. The word "drink" is "pósis" in the Greek and simply refers to drinking. In other words, Paul is saying, "let no man condemn you in food or drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days. You'll see below why Paul tells these believers this.
17 which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Notice this verse doesn't say "which were a shadow of things to come..." or "which were a shadow of things that came..." but rather "which are a shadow of things to come..." CHRIST had already died and resurrected at the time of this writing, yet Paul and others still kept the Sabbath day as we will see more on below. Also, the shadows pointing forward to CHRIST's death as an atonement for sin certainly were not instituted until after sin entered the world, and since the weekly Sabbath was instituted before man sinned, just as marriage also was, it was not a shadow of CHRIST's death as a SAVIOR from sin because both the Sabbath and marriage were given to man before man ever sinned and needed saving. And even if Paul was talking about the weekly Sabbath, he's referring to what's to come in the future, not what had already been done. Remember, JESUS said until Heaven and earth pass away, the law still stands (Matthew 5:17-18). Clearly this Heaven and earth age have not passed away as we're still in flesh bodies.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Notice these "heretics" Paul is warning these Christians in Colosse to be aware of, worshiped angels.
In verse 16 above, Paul was warning the assembly not to let the pagans judge them or mock them for keeping GOD's set apart commands instead of the pagan traditions of the land. Paul was not telling us that we should stop celebrating those commands, but rather telling us that we should continue with them regardless of what the rest of the world thinks because we are to be set apart (holy) and sanctified before GOD.
19 and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (touch not; taste not; handle not;
These are the ordinances Paul was referring to.
22 which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Notice these ordinances were "commandments and doctrines of men", which said "(touch not; taste not; handle not;)" because Paul is warning these Christians of Colosse, who live in a pagan area, of those who practice asceticism and those who refused to eat and touch certain foods due to how they may have been previously handled, as you will see below in the next chapter. In other words, Paul is telling these Christians not to let those people judge them for eating, drinking, and enjoying the feast days and Holy days of GOD, and foods in which GOD created to be received. Asceticism is the man-made doctrine that if one disciplines themself by not eating, not drinking, or giving in to any bodily needs, that it makes them better than others and allows one to have more favor with GOD, which simply isn't Biblical.
23 which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
In Romans 14, Paul addresses a similar issue. It should be noted that a large portion of Paul's audience wasn't Israel but gentiles. Why? Because Israel already knew the law and Holy days of GOD, whereas the gentiles didn't, and many of them who were converting to Christianity were facing hard judgements from the religious community of their lands and for this reason Paul said, "let no man judge you in food or drink or in respect of an holy day..." So can self-discipline help someone grow spiritually toward GOD? Of course, but it makes no one lesser of a person who doesn't participate, who eats and drinks in moderation. As we continue, let's turn to Romans 14.
Romans 14
Once again, context is everything to understanding chapters in the Bible, so as we begin this, pay close attention. This epistle (i.e. letter) of Paul is in response to messages that Paul received from the gentiles on what was permissible for a Christian and what wasn't. As you will see in this chapter, the subject consists of people who believe it's okay to eat meat, whereas another group of people abstain from all meats, NOT a group that eats only clean meats, and a group that eats unclean meats. So clearly, there's a reason why some of these gentile Christians believed all meat in their region should be abstained from, and that same reason is what Paul had addressed to the people in Corinth, which had to do with people getting meats on the market that had possibly come from animals used in sacrifice to idols (1 Corinthian 8:4, 10:28).
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
This word "herbs" in the Greek is láchanon and refers to vegetables. Does being a vegetarian make one weak? Of course not, but understanding these people's motive for being so is what determined who was weak (i.e. having a greater chance of sinning) as we will come to see.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Again, in this time and region, a lot of food, specifically meat, that people consumed, was meat that had previously been offered in sacrifice to false gods. Many new believers differed on whether or not to eat that meat that was possibly the same meat later put on the market afterwards, and whether or not it was acceptable. What Paul wants others to know is that to us as believers, we eat unto the LORD, not unto some worthless idol, and so to HIM that doesn't eat unto an idol but unto GOD, it is no sin, but some people wanted nothing to do with food that possibly had been involved in such ceremonies, so to them, they would refuse to eat it. Hence Paul says in the last verse of this chapter (verse 23), "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." If one didn't feel they should eat it, then they shouldn't, whereas if another thought it was okay because their focus was on GOD, then they could.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Remember, Paul is writing to a region of gentiles, not biological Israelites, so whatever special day they set aside, obviously was a day they made. In other words, the days spoken of here aren't in reference to days instructed within the law of GOD, but rather days in which were considered set apart in the eyes of man. It's from a personal experience that some felt they should dedicate certain days to GOD throughout the year, aside from the Holy days of GOD. An example of this today would be Sunday worship at church. Paul wants them to know that if you observe a special day or meal unto GOD, then good for you, but don't condemn or create hatred between you and other believers who don't do as you do.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
We don't live and die for ourselves, but for CHRIST, as dying for us was the most HE could do for us, living for HIM is the least we can do in return. If we obey HIM, we'll do as CHRIST instructed us to, which is to love GOD with all our hearts, soul, strength, and mind (the greatest commandment), and to love our neighbor as ourself. And if we truly love GOD, we'll strive to do things HIS way, and if we truly love others as ourself, we won't hate others who do other non-sinful things that are different from what we do, and how we focus on GOD.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
And so it is. Many take away from what GOD established all throughout HIS WORD by trying to take certain verses out of context and twisting them to their own doctrine. Again, as we read earlier, Paul warned us not to be deceived by the traditions of men, but to stick with the WORD of GOD. The Sabbath as well as other Holy days and clean meats, were instructed by GOD, not man.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Think about the division between many Christians today and how some believe it's okay to drink alcohol, whereas others think any sip is a sin. Any Christian should know if they've read the Bible that it is no sin to drink alcohol as long as they don't get drunk, but just because it is permissible to drink in moderation, doesn't always mean one should do it. For example, if you're in a place where there's a chance you could be around others who have a drinking problem, and they see you as a Christian drinking, it may cause them to stumble and sip until they've lost control, or turn other weak believers away and into sin just for the fact that alcohol is in your presence. For this reason, Paul says let us not judge one another by these things, and let us not put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in other's way, and certainly alcohol is a stumbling block to some, just as meat that possibly came from idol worship was to others at this time, who were previously involved in idolatry before they came to CHRIST. Don't be a stumblingblock to other Christians who have a danger of falling into sin.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Food in itself is just food in which GOD made and showed us in which we could eat, and no matter how other cultures and people may observe it, it is still food that GOD made, regardless if they twist it for idol worship. As Christians, we don't eat foods in honor of idols but unto the LORD which is why we thank HIM for our food. If any eat with the intentions of trying to offend another believer, it is evil for them to do so, as the end of this verse says.
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Again, alcohol is a good example of this today, as it was in Paul's time.
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Those who claim this chapter is an abolishment of GOD's food laws or Holy days like the Sabbath, force this interpretation into the text because it has no Biblical foundation. So should Christians question the source of their food? Some thought there was nothing wrong with eating food that may* have been offered to idols because a true Christian knows that idols are worthless objects. Others strictly observed the source of their meat or gave it up entirely, in order to avoid a guilty conscience. This issue mainly impacted Christians who had once been idol worshipers, and to eat meat that may have been involved in such ceremonies was a reminder of their pagan past and might would weaken their new faith in CHRIST, which is why they rejected it altogether, and for this reason, Paul says not to judge or condemn one another for their choices and to be led by faith in one's personal relationship with CHRIST. Continuing, let's go to Hebrews 4.
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
This word "herbs" in the Greek is láchanon and refers to vegetables. Does being a vegetarian make one weak? Of course not, but understanding these people's motive for being so is what determined who was weak (i.e. having a greater chance of sinning) as we will come to see.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Again, in this time and region, a lot of food, specifically meat, that people consumed, was meat that had previously been offered in sacrifice to false gods. Many new believers differed on whether or not to eat that meat that was possibly the same meat later put on the market afterwards, and whether or not it was acceptable. What Paul wants others to know is that to us as believers, we eat unto the LORD, not unto some worthless idol, and so to HIM that doesn't eat unto an idol but unto GOD, it is no sin, but some people wanted nothing to do with food that possibly had been involved in such ceremonies, so to them, they would refuse to eat it. Hence Paul says in the last verse of this chapter (verse 23), "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." If one didn't feel they should eat it, then they shouldn't, whereas if another thought it was okay because their focus was on GOD, then they could.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Remember, Paul is writing to a region of gentiles, not biological Israelites, so whatever special day they set aside, obviously was a day they made. In other words, the days spoken of here aren't in reference to days instructed within the law of GOD, but rather days in which were considered set apart in the eyes of man. It's from a personal experience that some felt they should dedicate certain days to GOD throughout the year, aside from the Holy days of GOD. An example of this today would be Sunday worship at church. Paul wants them to know that if you observe a special day or meal unto GOD, then good for you, but don't condemn or create hatred between you and other believers who don't do as you do.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
We don't live and die for ourselves, but for CHRIST, as dying for us was the most HE could do for us, living for HIM is the least we can do in return. If we obey HIM, we'll do as CHRIST instructed us to, which is to love GOD with all our hearts, soul, strength, and mind (the greatest commandment), and to love our neighbor as ourself. And if we truly love GOD, we'll strive to do things HIS way, and if we truly love others as ourself, we won't hate others who do other non-sinful things that are different from what we do, and how we focus on GOD.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
And so it is. Many take away from what GOD established all throughout HIS WORD by trying to take certain verses out of context and twisting them to their own doctrine. Again, as we read earlier, Paul warned us not to be deceived by the traditions of men, but to stick with the WORD of GOD. The Sabbath as well as other Holy days and clean meats, were instructed by GOD, not man.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Think about the division between many Christians today and how some believe it's okay to drink alcohol, whereas others think any sip is a sin. Any Christian should know if they've read the Bible that it is no sin to drink alcohol as long as they don't get drunk, but just because it is permissible to drink in moderation, doesn't always mean one should do it. For example, if you're in a place where there's a chance you could be around others who have a drinking problem, and they see you as a Christian drinking, it may cause them to stumble and sip until they've lost control, or turn other weak believers away and into sin just for the fact that alcohol is in your presence. For this reason, Paul says let us not judge one another by these things, and let us not put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in other's way, and certainly alcohol is a stumbling block to some, just as meat that possibly came from idol worship was to others at this time, who were previously involved in idolatry before they came to CHRIST. Don't be a stumblingblock to other Christians who have a danger of falling into sin.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Food in itself is just food in which GOD made and showed us in which we could eat, and no matter how other cultures and people may observe it, it is still food that GOD made, regardless if they twist it for idol worship. As Christians, we don't eat foods in honor of idols but unto the LORD which is why we thank HIM for our food. If any eat with the intentions of trying to offend another believer, it is evil for them to do so, as the end of this verse says.
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Again, alcohol is a good example of this today, as it was in Paul's time.
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Those who claim this chapter is an abolishment of GOD's food laws or Holy days like the Sabbath, force this interpretation into the text because it has no Biblical foundation. So should Christians question the source of their food? Some thought there was nothing wrong with eating food that may* have been offered to idols because a true Christian knows that idols are worthless objects. Others strictly observed the source of their meat or gave it up entirely, in order to avoid a guilty conscience. This issue mainly impacted Christians who had once been idol worshipers, and to eat meat that may have been involved in such ceremonies was a reminder of their pagan past and might would weaken their new faith in CHRIST, which is why they rejected it altogether, and for this reason, Paul says not to judge or condemn one another for their choices and to be led by faith in one's personal relationship with CHRIST. Continuing, let's go to Hebrews 4.
Hebrews 4
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest (= katápausis), any of you should seem to come short of it.
Coming short of this rest in CHRIST and the FATHER is what is addressed in Hebrews 3:18-19, and is a reminder of what is written in Psalm 95 and how some of the Israelites came short of GOD's rest due to their disobedience and unbelief. In this chapter, the writer [likely Paul] wants no one to come short of entering into the rest of CHRIST.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
If someone doesn't have faith in CHRIST, they're going to profit nothing, for without faith, it is impossible to please HIM (Hebrews 11:6).
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest (= katápausis), 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.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest (= katápausis).
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Again, true rest can only be found in CHRIST and the FATHER, and because many of ancient Israel had no faith, like through their journey in the wilderness, they obtained no true rest.
7 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 (i.e. Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
"Jesus" in this verse is in reference to Joshua, the son of Nun, in the Old Testament, who led the Israelites in to the promised land, as both "Jesus" and "Joshua" mean the same thing, "YHVH is Salvation". Joshua is the Hebrew form in English, whereas Jesus is the Greek form in English, and since the Old Testament was originally written mostly in Hebrew [some parts Aramaic], Joshua is what you will see in the Old Testament, and since the New Testament was written in Greek, Jesus is what you will see in the New Testament. Here and Acts 7:45 are in reference to Joshua in the Old Testament, not our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS the CHRIST.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest (= sabbatismós) to the people of God.
Notice in this verse that "rest" is different from all the other places mentioned previous in the chapter, and is the only place in the New Testament that "sabbatismós" is used. It's in reference to the Sabbath rest of the Old Testament and lets us know that it still applies in the New Covenant.
10 For he that is entered into his rest (= katápausis), he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
If we have CHRIST and truly want to rest in HIM, then we'll cease from our works as GOD did HIS in Genesis 2:1, and as CHRIST and the disciples did in their lives. If we keep the Sabbath day commandment but don't have CHRIST, then we cannot obtain true rest or Salvation because it can only be found in JESUS CHRIST alone.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Remember the religious "leaders" we read of earlier? Though they kept the Sabbath day and rested physically, spiritually they obtained no rest because they didn't believe and didn't want to believe JESUS CHRIST was who HE said HE was. Also, one of the biggest turn offs for non-believers is when they see Christians talk a talk that they don't walk. If we're out there preaching and trying to lead others to GOD by telling them about the Ten Commandments, and yet we don't keep the fourth one; the very one that starts with "remember", not only does it make us hypocritical, but it also discredits us.
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.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
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.
This is why JESUS CHRIST was our perfect and ultimate sacrifice for one and all times because though HE lived in the flesh as we did, never once did HE sin, and if HE had broken the Sabbath commandment as the religious "leaders" accused HIM of when HE healed those in need, then this wouldn't be true, but it is true because the only thing JESUS broke was the man-made added regulations to the Sabbath commandment, NOT GOD's rules to the Sabbath as documented earlier.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
No where in this chapter did it say the Sabbath day was abolished, but what we did see is that if we keep the Sabbath day but don't have CHRIST, then we cannot truly rest and be at peace with GOD. If we have CHRIST, then we'll rest from our works as GOD did HIS (verse 10). After all, CHRIST is our perfect and ultimate example, and just as HE kept the Sabbath, so should we. Acts 13:13-16, 13:42-44, 17:2, 18:4, even shows us that Paul kept it too, which further documents he wasn't telling us it was done away, and even others kept it after CHRIST's crucifixion (Luke 23:55-56, Matthew 28:1).
Coming short of this rest in CHRIST and the FATHER is what is addressed in Hebrews 3:18-19, and is a reminder of what is written in Psalm 95 and how some of the Israelites came short of GOD's rest due to their disobedience and unbelief. In this chapter, the writer [likely Paul] wants no one to come short of entering into the rest of CHRIST.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
If someone doesn't have faith in CHRIST, they're going to profit nothing, for without faith, it is impossible to please HIM (Hebrews 11:6).
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest (= katápausis), 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.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest (= katápausis).
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Again, true rest can only be found in CHRIST and the FATHER, and because many of ancient Israel had no faith, like through their journey in the wilderness, they obtained no true rest.
7 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 (i.e. Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
"Jesus" in this verse is in reference to Joshua, the son of Nun, in the Old Testament, who led the Israelites in to the promised land, as both "Jesus" and "Joshua" mean the same thing, "YHVH is Salvation". Joshua is the Hebrew form in English, whereas Jesus is the Greek form in English, and since the Old Testament was originally written mostly in Hebrew [some parts Aramaic], Joshua is what you will see in the Old Testament, and since the New Testament was written in Greek, Jesus is what you will see in the New Testament. Here and Acts 7:45 are in reference to Joshua in the Old Testament, not our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS the CHRIST.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest (= sabbatismós) to the people of God.
Notice in this verse that "rest" is different from all the other places mentioned previous in the chapter, and is the only place in the New Testament that "sabbatismós" is used. It's in reference to the Sabbath rest of the Old Testament and lets us know that it still applies in the New Covenant.
10 For he that is entered into his rest (= katápausis), he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
If we have CHRIST and truly want to rest in HIM, then we'll cease from our works as GOD did HIS in Genesis 2:1, and as CHRIST and the disciples did in their lives. If we keep the Sabbath day commandment but don't have CHRIST, then we cannot obtain true rest or Salvation because it can only be found in JESUS CHRIST alone.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Remember the religious "leaders" we read of earlier? Though they kept the Sabbath day and rested physically, spiritually they obtained no rest because they didn't believe and didn't want to believe JESUS CHRIST was who HE said HE was. Also, one of the biggest turn offs for non-believers is when they see Christians talk a talk that they don't walk. If we're out there preaching and trying to lead others to GOD by telling them about the Ten Commandments, and yet we don't keep the fourth one; the very one that starts with "remember", not only does it make us hypocritical, but it also discredits us.
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.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
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.
This is why JESUS CHRIST was our perfect and ultimate sacrifice for one and all times because though HE lived in the flesh as we did, never once did HE sin, and if HE had broken the Sabbath commandment as the religious "leaders" accused HIM of when HE healed those in need, then this wouldn't be true, but it is true because the only thing JESUS broke was the man-made added regulations to the Sabbath commandment, NOT GOD's rules to the Sabbath as documented earlier.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
No where in this chapter did it say the Sabbath day was abolished, but what we did see is that if we keep the Sabbath day but don't have CHRIST, then we cannot truly rest and be at peace with GOD. If we have CHRIST, then we'll rest from our works as GOD did HIS (verse 10). After all, CHRIST is our perfect and ultimate example, and just as HE kept the Sabbath, so should we. Acts 13:13-16, 13:42-44, 17:2, 18:4, even shows us that Paul kept it too, which further documents he wasn't telling us it was done away, and even others kept it after CHRIST's crucifixion (Luke 23:55-56, Matthew 28:1).
When Is The Weekly Sabbath Day?
So when is the weekly, seventh day, Sabbath? The best clue we're given to understand when the Sabbath is, is to start with the beginning (Genesis), and the creation week. Notice GOD created the earth in six days (Genesis 1) and rested on the seventh day and sanctified it (Genesis 2:2-3). However, we must consider the fact that GOD did not create the sun, moon, and stars (time pieces/calendar pieces) until the fourth day. So we know the days of the week (1-7), though they were unnamed at that time, were already in process (days 1-3) before any calendar or calendar pieces were ever made, which would later be used to determine the first month after man would eventually be created. So the first month in the Bible (Abib/Nisan), would later begin after GOD created the sun, moon, and stars on day four, as those are the instruments used for calendars, but aside from that, we know from Scripture that a week consists of seven days regardless of what people call those days of the week.
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
Day 5 |
Day 6 |
Day 7 |
Division between Light & darkness. |
Creation of the firmament and the separation between the waters above from the waters below. |
Land created and divided from water, along with vegetation created. |
Sun, Moon, and Stars (time pieces) created. |
Creation of fish and fowl. |
Creation of terrestrial animals and mankind. |
GOD rested, blessed, and sanctified the seventh day. |
As for the majority of the world today, the calendar we use is the Gregorian calendar, which originated from the Hebrew calendar. Now although the Gregorian calendar is a pagan calendar, with months and days of the week named after pagan gods, aside from that, we still have seven days in a week just as the Israelites in the Bible did. And regardless of what a country calls their seven days of the week, on our calendar we know the seventh day is Saturday or Shabbat as it's called in Hebrew, and Sunday or Yom rishon as it's called in Hebrew, is the first day of the week. So if we translate the creation week to our calendar today, we know GOD separated the LIGHT (good) from the darkness (evil) on day 1, which would be equivalent to our Sunday. Day 2, GOD created the firmament to separate the waters above from the waters below, which would be equivalent to our Monday. On day 3, GOD brought forth land and made the grass, trees, and plants of the earth, which would be equivalent to our Tuesday. On day 4, GOD created the sun, moon, and stars which would later be for us to keep track of time (see Genesis 1:14), which would be equivalent to our Wednesday. Day five, HE created water animals and the fowls of the air which would be equivalent to our Thursday. Day 6, HE created mankind which would be equivalent to our Friday. Day 7 HE rested which would be equivalent to our Saturday. Although it's no doubt there are two different creation events for man in Genesis, never is an eighth day mentioned for creation as some people believe, so we can throw that theory out the door, as Genesis 2:1 documents that GOD had finished HIS creation work in six days.
So to get back, we know there were three days before GOD ever created the Sun, moon, and stars, but nonetheless the sun, moon, and stars were given for us to keep track of time, which would allow man to know when the new calendar year would begin (Exodus 12), known as Abib/Nisan (equivalent to the end part of our March). So when the new calendar year began in Exodus 12 for the Israelites, no where did it state the seventh day of that new calendar month was the weekly Sabbath but rather it was simply just the seventh day of that first month. After all, remember, there were 3 days before the first calendar instruments were ever made in the Creation week (Genesis 1). So to continue, we know in Exodus 12, that the fifteenth day (starting sundown on the 14th) of the first month Abib/Nisan was Passover (the High Sabbath) and the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, and that no work was to be done.
We know from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that when JESUS was crucified, it occurred on the day of preparation before the High Sabbath (i.e. Passover/1st day of Unleavened Bread), and that HE was put in the tomb before sundown, which all would have happened on what would be our Wednesday afternoon. The next day, starting that Wednesday at sundown and ending Thursday at sundown, as Hebrew days began and ended at sundown, would be CHRIST's first day in the tomb, and also the day of Passover and first day of the feast of unleavened bread, and no work was to be done on that day, which is why JESUS was placed in the tomb right before sundown on that previous day. So with that in mind, the following day (Thursday sundown to Friday sundown) would have been JESUS' second day in the tomb. Then the next day (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown) would have been JESUS' third day in the tomb, and sometime in the night (between Saturday sundown and Sunday morning, just before sunrise), HE arose from the grave, which occurred on the first day of the week (equivalent to our Sunday).
The reason we know the 14th day of the first month, Abib/Nisan, (the day in which JESUS was crucified) wasn't the weekly Sabbath is because the religious leaders at that time would have never done work and crucified JESUS (our ultimate Passover Lamb) on that day, which is why they made sure HE was in the tomb before sundown. So though the Israelite's likely used the Solar Calendar, as the Solar Calendar basically remains the same every year, we know from what we've been given that the weekly Sabbath does NOT rotate as some have taught, as documented with the Creation week in Genesis, because GOD had not even created the instruments used for man's calendar until after 3 days (on the fourth day, [equivalent to our Wednesday]). So just because the first calendar month began on a Wednesday, doesn't make that the first day of the week. The same applies with your birthday. You may have been born on the fourth or fifth day of the week, but the weekly Sabbath doesn't begin on the seventh day of your life, it would resume and continue as it did with the ONE (GOD) who established it on day 7 (equivalent to our Saturday [observed from our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset]). So just as the weekly Sabbath day doesn't begin on the seventh day of one's life, neither does it always begin on the seventh day of the first month Abib/Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. That explains why JESUS was crucified on the 14th day of the first month, before sundown, because it was NOT the weekly Sabbath. However the following day beginning sundown of that 14th day, began Passover (the High Sabbath), and was also the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, which was the first day JESUS was in the tomb (from Wednesday sundown to Thursday sundown).
Although some follow the Enoch calendar, which is a type of solar calendar, which claims a true year consists of 364 days, we know this cannot be accurate as it takes the sun 365.25 days to begin a new year at the spring equilux, regardless of what calendar someone uses, and for the fact that JESUS was NOT crucified on the weekly Sabbath as the Enoch calendar would have one believe.
Now some may say "well how can we be sure the seven days of the creation week were seven days, and not 1,000 year segments?", as they compare to 2 Peter 3:8. And the reason we know the creation week was actual days and not 1,000 year segments as some believe, is because as Malachi 3:6 documents, GOD is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, "HE changes not." Therefore with that in mind, HE would not have commanded the Israelite's to observe and remember the Sabbath day, and to keep it Holy, while leaving Adam and mankind, 1,000 years or longer without it, as that would mean Adam and Eve, nor Enoch nor any other Adamite/Israelite before Moses ever observed it, and even GOD said "Abraham kept My charge, commandments, statutes, and laws (Genesis 26:5)", which are the same Hebrew words for the "law", "commandments", "statutes", given to Moses, so it's obvious the ones before Moses knew it. After all, the Sabbath was ordained before sin was even committed by man in this flesh life, as GOD blessed and sanctified that day, and tells us to remember it.
So to get back, we know there were three days before GOD ever created the Sun, moon, and stars, but nonetheless the sun, moon, and stars were given for us to keep track of time, which would allow man to know when the new calendar year would begin (Exodus 12), known as Abib/Nisan (equivalent to the end part of our March). So when the new calendar year began in Exodus 12 for the Israelites, no where did it state the seventh day of that new calendar month was the weekly Sabbath but rather it was simply just the seventh day of that first month. After all, remember, there were 3 days before the first calendar instruments were ever made in the Creation week (Genesis 1). So to continue, we know in Exodus 12, that the fifteenth day (starting sundown on the 14th) of the first month Abib/Nisan was Passover (the High Sabbath) and the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, and that no work was to be done.
We know from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that when JESUS was crucified, it occurred on the day of preparation before the High Sabbath (i.e. Passover/1st day of Unleavened Bread), and that HE was put in the tomb before sundown, which all would have happened on what would be our Wednesday afternoon. The next day, starting that Wednesday at sundown and ending Thursday at sundown, as Hebrew days began and ended at sundown, would be CHRIST's first day in the tomb, and also the day of Passover and first day of the feast of unleavened bread, and no work was to be done on that day, which is why JESUS was placed in the tomb right before sundown on that previous day. So with that in mind, the following day (Thursday sundown to Friday sundown) would have been JESUS' second day in the tomb. Then the next day (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown) would have been JESUS' third day in the tomb, and sometime in the night (between Saturday sundown and Sunday morning, just before sunrise), HE arose from the grave, which occurred on the first day of the week (equivalent to our Sunday).
The reason we know the 14th day of the first month, Abib/Nisan, (the day in which JESUS was crucified) wasn't the weekly Sabbath is because the religious leaders at that time would have never done work and crucified JESUS (our ultimate Passover Lamb) on that day, which is why they made sure HE was in the tomb before sundown. So though the Israelite's likely used the Solar Calendar, as the Solar Calendar basically remains the same every year, we know from what we've been given that the weekly Sabbath does NOT rotate as some have taught, as documented with the Creation week in Genesis, because GOD had not even created the instruments used for man's calendar until after 3 days (on the fourth day, [equivalent to our Wednesday]). So just because the first calendar month began on a Wednesday, doesn't make that the first day of the week. The same applies with your birthday. You may have been born on the fourth or fifth day of the week, but the weekly Sabbath doesn't begin on the seventh day of your life, it would resume and continue as it did with the ONE (GOD) who established it on day 7 (equivalent to our Saturday [observed from our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset]). So just as the weekly Sabbath day doesn't begin on the seventh day of one's life, neither does it always begin on the seventh day of the first month Abib/Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. That explains why JESUS was crucified on the 14th day of the first month, before sundown, because it was NOT the weekly Sabbath. However the following day beginning sundown of that 14th day, began Passover (the High Sabbath), and was also the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, which was the first day JESUS was in the tomb (from Wednesday sundown to Thursday sundown).
Although some follow the Enoch calendar, which is a type of solar calendar, which claims a true year consists of 364 days, we know this cannot be accurate as it takes the sun 365.25 days to begin a new year at the spring equilux, regardless of what calendar someone uses, and for the fact that JESUS was NOT crucified on the weekly Sabbath as the Enoch calendar would have one believe.
Now some may say "well how can we be sure the seven days of the creation week were seven days, and not 1,000 year segments?", as they compare to 2 Peter 3:8. And the reason we know the creation week was actual days and not 1,000 year segments as some believe, is because as Malachi 3:6 documents, GOD is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, "HE changes not." Therefore with that in mind, HE would not have commanded the Israelite's to observe and remember the Sabbath day, and to keep it Holy, while leaving Adam and mankind, 1,000 years or longer without it, as that would mean Adam and Eve, nor Enoch nor any other Adamite/Israelite before Moses ever observed it, and even GOD said "Abraham kept My charge, commandments, statutes, and laws (Genesis 26:5)", which are the same Hebrew words for the "law", "commandments", "statutes", given to Moses, so it's obvious the ones before Moses knew it. After all, the Sabbath was ordained before sin was even committed by man in this flesh life, as GOD blessed and sanctified that day, and tells us to remember it.
Things to consider:
- If the Sabbath and the law in general was done away with, there would be no such thing as sin today, and wouldn't even be possible for someone to sin today as sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).
- Just like marriage, the Sabbath was instituted before sin even entered the world. JESUS told the Pharisees that from the beginning it was not so, when referring to divorce, and though marriage isn't a requirement (Matthew 19:12, 1 Corinthians 7), the Sabbath is as we have read.
- Again, we must remember, it was our disobedience to GOD's law that put JESUS on the cross, and if GOD's law could be changed or done away with, then JESUS CHRIST need not to have died, and again, it wouldn't even be possible for people to sin today if that were true.
- JESUS kept the Sabbath, and so did Paul, Barnabas, the disciples, and the women, after JESUS crucifixion. Luke 23:56 "And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment."
- Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I change not"...
- GOD/CHRIST has always been our TRUE REST (Exodus 33:14, Matthew 11:28), just as HE has been our LIVING WATER (Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14), etc., but we have always been commanded to rest on the 7th day.
- Why call it the Ten Commandments if you only recognize and obey nine?
- People who believe JESUS broke the Sabbath is equivalent to accusing JESUS of being a sinner, and as we know, HE never once sinned (1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 9:14, 1 John 3:5).
- Someone who works 7 days a week is probably more in love with money than GOD.
- If you are following the Sabbath with a strict religious heart like the "religious leaders" in JESUS' time, rather than doing it because you crave personal time with CHRIST, and helping others in emergency need if the opportunity occurs, then you miss the whole point.
- Don't view the seventh day as a burden or a time to be endured, rather view it as an exciting day which you can use to dedicate wholly to GOD without other distractions getting in your way, and thanking HIM and worshiping HIM for everything HE has blessed you with, and given you throughout all the other six days of the week and your life. Think of it like a holiday to look forward to every weekend.
- Now regardless if one chooses to agree with Friday sundown to Saturday sundown being the accurate 7th day, I believe what's most important in the eyes of GOD is that people at least keep the fourth commandment by getting their work done in six days, and resting the seventh day as HE said to in Exodus 20, rather than a specific date.
- Though we are to worship CHRIST everyday, history shows that it was Constantine who changed the Sabbath day from Saturday to Sunday.
- Saturday in numerous languages means "Sabbath" (rest).
So who do you choose to listen to, our HEAVENLY FATHER and CHRIST who is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8), who is the "GREAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14 - John 6:35, John 8:12, John 10:7, John 10:11, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 15:1) or some man's opinion? Joshua 24:15 says, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." and JESUS said in Matthew 7:21-23 "21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Iniquity = lawlessness.