It Does Matter What Day Is the Sabbath and Here is Why
It is often claimed that it does not matter what day is the Sabbath. Some claim the Sabbath was changed, others say it was done away with at the cross.
Some people even say that Jesus is our rest, and we do not need a Sabbath day.
But what does the Bible say about this subject?
If you have found the opinions of many to be confusing and contradicting, join me in this study to find out together what the Word of God says about the Sabbath.
And it does matter.
What Day is the Sabbath in the Bible?
The Bible designates the seventh day as the Sabbath, which aligns with Saturday (Exodus 20:10; Luke 23:53–56).
Understanding the biblical perspective on the Sabbath day is vital in deciphering its significance in Christianity.
God has chosen this day to meet with us. It was created for our benefit, to get closer to God, and to never forget our origins.
What Day is the Sabbath in Christianity?
In Christianity, the Sabbath day is on Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as outlined in the Bible. (Exodus 20:10)
Unfortunately, many Christians observe the Sabbath on Sunday, a practice that has no biblical support.
Sunday worship is a common tradition among believers, but it does not come from the Bible.
Christians do their best, and God knows everyone’s heart, but if we want to follow God, then we must obey His commandments. (John 14:15)
We will see later who changed the Sabbath day to Sunday.
When was the Sabbath Day Established?
The Sabbath day was established in the Garden of Eden, right after the six literal creation days. (Genesis 2:2–3)
Genesis 2:2–3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
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.
Contrary to popular belief that it was established at Mount Sinai for the Jewish people, the Bible tells us that God established the Sabbath day after the creation days.
Back then, there was no Jewish nation alive, but only Adam and Eve. The Sabbath was made for everyone, for mankind, and not only for a certain group of people.
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
The Sabbath holds deep meaning for Christianity, symbolizing God’s rest after creation. It’s a day set apart for spiritual reflection and rejuvenation. A day when we spend more quality time with our Creator.
Who Changed the Sabbath Day to Sunday?
You may ponder who initiated the shift from observing the Sabbath on Saturday to Sunday.
The shift of the Sabbath day from Saturday to Sunday is historically attributed to the early Christian Church.
- The change was influenced by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.
- Cultural practices of the day of the sun (Sunday) were incorporated into Christian worship.
- The shift aimed to distinguish Christianity from Judaism.
- Sunday was seen as a day of celebration for the resurrection of Christ, but it has no biblical support.
- Over time, Sunday became widely accepted as the new day of rest and worship for Christians, despite the Sabbath being the seventh day according to biblical teachings.
The Roman Catholic Church also played a big role in this change. It was even prophesied in the book of Daniel.
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws…
In the Council of Laodiceea, they decided, without the Scriptures to change the holy day of God from the seventh day of the week to the first day of the week.
But God does not approve of this act!
Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Jesus and the Sabbath
Jesus, in His teachings and actions, provided profound insights into the significance and observance of the Sabbath day.
He emphasized that the seventh day is the Sabbath, meant for rest and worship, as outlined in the commandments.
Jesus kept the Sabbath, demonstrating its importance through his Sabbath worship practices. (Luke 4:16)
His adherence to the Sabbath according to the biblical teachings reinforces the observance of this day.
He also did a lot of good deeds on the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is a day to do good unto others.
Matthew 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Hence, Jesus’ teachings and practices underscore that the Sabbath is still relevant and should be observed according to the biblical guidelines.
He even said He did not come to change any law, but to fulfil it. (Matthew 5:17–19)
The Apostles and the Sabbath
Building upon Jesus’ teachings on the Sabbath, the practices and beliefs of the Apostles regarding this sacred day provide further insight into the significance and observance of the Sabbath within the early Christian community.
The Apostles played a significant role in shaping the understanding and practice of the Sabbath among the early Christians.
Their actions and teachings regarding the Sabbath shed light on its continued importance within the Christian faith.
- The Apostles upheld the Sabbath commandment as a day of rest and worship.
- They recognized the Sabbath's significance in honouring God’s creation and commandments.
- Apostles emphasized the eternal Sabbath promised in the Scriptures.
- Their observance of the Sabbath set a precedent for future generations of believers.
- The Apostles’ teachings on the Sabbath reinforced the continuity of Jesus’ instructions on this worship day.
(Acts 13:42,44, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4)
The Sabbath — a Sign between God and His People
Ezekiel 20:12 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.
In understanding the Sabbath as a sign between God and His people, its significance transcends mere observance to symbolize a covenantal relationship.
The Sabbath is a sign between God and His faithful followers.
The Sabbath serves as a distinct marker of faith, uniting believers worldwide in honouring God’s commandments and acknowledging His covenant with His people.
The Sabbath Controversy at the End of Times
As the prophesied end of days approaches, the Sabbath controversy will intensify.
In Revelation 13, we are told that a final battle will take place between true worship and false worship.
People will need to receive a mark to be able to buy or sell.
This mark is very much related to worship as the entire theme of that chapter shows us.
God also warns in Revelation 14:9–11 that those who receive this mark will be tormented in fire, and lose their eternal salvation.
God also has a mark or a seal that will be placed on His faithful followers. (Revelation 7:2–4)
This will not be a physical mark but a spiritual one.
And the Sabbath worship will decide what mark or seal are people going to receive.
If people listen to man’s teachings and commandments and worship on Sunday, they will belong to the beast power.
If people listen and obey God’s teachings and worship in the biblical Sabbath, they will receive the seal of God, and be saved for eternity.
Everyone will need to make a decision!
The Sabbath is to be celebrated for eternity
For believers, the eternal celebration of the Sabbath stands as a foundational aspect of their faith and future.
The seventh day Sabbath, as established by God’s fourth commandment, holds lasting significance in the biblical teachings.
Keeping the Sabbath holy isn’t just a tradition but a commandment with eternal implications.
The observance of the Sabbath serves as a day of rest and reflects the importance of honouring God’s Law.
The Bible tells us that those who will be saved for eternity in the kingdom of God will celebrate the Sabbath forever.
Isaiah 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discovered together that it does matter what day is the Sabbath.
Contrary to popular belief, and various opinions, the Sabbath will be involved in the final battle between true worship and false worship.
As we can see from Revelation 14:9–11, it does have serious consequences to disobey God’s Law, and it will cost those who do so their eternal salvation.
If we want to follow Jesus and His commandments, we must keep the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, as the Bible teaches.
The Sabbath was never changed to the first day of the week, and God wrote the Ten Commandments in stone for a reason.
Let us be like Paul, and obey the Word of God. And even if an angel from Heaven would come to us to preach a different gospel, we must not believe it but test it with the Bible.
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Act 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
References
KJV Bible
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t2nU85xEzo — The Sabbath History’s greatest Hoax by Doug Batchelor
https://www.sabbathtruth.com/sabbath-history/how-the-sabbath-was-changed
