The fourth commandment

The Creator sanctified the seventh day sabbath from the creation of the world. He wrote the ten commandments with his own finger in stone. Man doesn't have the authority to change the sabbath. In fact, many have strained to attempt to prove that the New Testament believers did so. Daniel 7:25 says of the little horn (Antichrist) that, he shall "...think to change times and laws." The sabbath was officially changed by the Papacy at the Council of Laodicea on March 7, 364 A.D., 43 years after Constantine declared Sunday the day for christians to honor as the rest day. The Roman church also deleted the 2nd and split the 10th commandments, thus fulfilling Da 7:25.

I know this is what the 7th day Adventists teach (the "Sabbath" was done away with in the Christian church in the late 300's Ad). I am sitting here right now reading Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and Tertullian's writings regarding the Sabbath and the observing of it. None of them believed in observing it------Justin Martyr wrote quite a bit on the issue. I would encourage you to seek out the writings of the ECF (Early church fathers)---especially the antenicene fathers which are the earliest church writings (80ad-300ad). You will clearly see that the nonobservance of the Sabbath was something that occured VERY early in church history and the most renowned Christians of that time believed Sabbath keeping did not grant God's favor. Here's a good site of their writings: http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/Click on the "V2". Blessings in Him............

I believe the very heart of the sabbath is a seeking to enter in the the rest that remained or is available to us in Christ Jesus.What do you think?

Yesterday I was thinking about this subject. It seems unusual that God would nullify one of the 10 commandments.Colossians 2:16,17 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.The only understanding is that Christ has fulfilled this, but the rest of the commandments will be fulfilled during the second coming? Christ is our rest.I personally take Sunday as my day of rest. I kind of set my own standard though. I allow myself to type here but I will not go to a store and allow my conscious defiled by knowing that someone had a excuse not to go to church because they had to work (for me).So as I shared that please do not judge me in my sabbath.But please share your thought with us.I care for you all.

I also see Christ as the fulfillment of the Sabbath----HE is our rest. One day set aside for Him for reflection/study/worship is fine, but I think truly what He desires of us is for us to rest in Him 24/7.I found it interesting reading some of the ECF's "blips" on this topic today. In their writings, they seem to be of the mind that keeping the Sabbath was not necessary for Adam nor any of the saints prior to the giving of the 10 commandments, therefore why is it that keeping a "day" is now what gives us favor with God----especially considering that scripture tells us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Sabbath/rest for mankind? Interesting, valid point in my opinion. Blessings.........

------Justin Martyr wrote quite a bit on the issue.The writings of Justin martyr are very antisemetic and I believe this governed many of his beliefs. Sabbath (shabot) means "ceasation" and begins when the first star appears in the sky on Friday night and ends when the first star appears in the sky on Saturday night. It was a time of rest that God instituted as a pattern of His own behavior. Nevertheless, their remaineth a rest for the people of God. (Hebrews 4:9) It can be argued that we cease from our own works of righteousness when we are in Christ; as He is our rest. This does not change the day of rest being a Saturday. Man is not at liberty to change what day the Sabbath shall be. However, Sunday was the first day of the week and was celebrated as a day of worship by the early Christians. This plays out as follows:"The First Day of the Week"Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2,9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1,19; refer to the first day of the week as the day in which Christ arose from the dead. Matthew 28:1 reads Now after the Sabbath towards the dawn of the first day of the week." (RSV)Acts 20:7 refers to a day Paul taught at Troas when the Church gathered together to break bread. Paul preached until midnight in this passage. You know the story.I Corinthians 16:2 refers to when provision for the Saints in Jerusalem were to be set aside. This adds more weight that there were gatherings on Sunday. Moreover, Paul taught that none are to judge concerning meat, drink, new moons, and Sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come. It is my understanding that the early Church (1st Century), which was comprised exclusively of Jews (up to Acts 10, roughly 10-15 years) and added Gentiles from Acts 10 to the present, celebrated BOTH Sabbath and the first day of the week (Sunday). The believing Jews would worship in the Synagogues along side the non-believing Jews on Shabot and continue on in celebration of Christ until Sunday afternoon. Then they continued daily in fellowship after that. When the unbelieving Jews got tired of the believers (minim) in their services (this was after the destruction of the Temple) under Rabban Gamaliel II there was a question asked if anyone knew a way to deal with the Christian heretics (minim), they found one, and its known as the Birkat ha Minim (12th ben.). It was an added benidiction that was recited by the Jews in the synagogues. Believing Jews had to endure synagogue services that essentially cursed them! Here is what it reads: 'for apostates (meshumaddim) let there be no hope, and the dominion of arrogance, do thou speedily root out, in our days; and let Nozrim (Believers) and minim perish in a moment, let them be blotted out of the living and let them not be written with the righteous'. (Cairo Genizah Version)This is one of the things that caused the split between the Believing Jews and the non-believers. Once these things became known in the Church apart from the believing Jews an overall hostility began to develop towards the Jews as a whole that unfortunately carried over into Church (Justin Martyr is a prime example). Soon Sabbath would be cut from celebration and deemed as Judaizing. This was a reactionary move more than a Biblical one. Yet to this day we enjoy what we know as "The weekend." It begins Friday night and ends Sunday night. If a Christian wants to rest Saturday he can do that. If he or she wants to work (wants to work :-?) they can do that also. Yet, Sunday is rarely a day of rest for me. It is a very busy day generally.God Bless,-Robert

It is my understanding that the early Church (1st Century), which was comprised exclusively of Jews (up to Acts 10, roughly 10-15 years) and added Gentiles from Acts 10 to the present, celebrated BOTH Sabbath and the first day of the week (Sunday). The believing Jews would worship in the Synagogues along side the non-believing Jews on Shabot and continue on in celebration of Christ until Sunday afternoon.Hi RobertAs many of the early Christians outside the Land were gentile slaves it is unlikely that they kept either day as a 'sabbath'. The meeting at Troas clearly took place during the night when it would have been easier for slaves to gather when their days work was done.The reference to Troas in Acts 20 makes it sound as though the pattern was to meet on the first day of the week; On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. (Act 20:7 NASB) It is likely that Paul began this dialogue late in the evening of the first day, Sunday.The Corinthian reference in a letter which was expected to be read elsewhere (1 Cor 1:2) certainly sounds as though the pattern for the whole church was to meet on the first day;On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. (1Co 16:2 NASB)

As many of the early Christians outside the Land were gentile slaves it is unlikely that they kept either day as a 'sabbath'. The meeting at Troas clearly took place during the night when it would have been easier for slaves to gather when their days work was done.I don't at all disagree. I really just wanted to place things into the broader context to see how it all plays out. God Bless,-Robert

Romans 14:1-23 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 doubtethis damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

The Creator sanctified the seventh day sabbath from the creation of the world. He wrote the ten commandments with his own finger in stone. Man doesn't have the authority to change the sabbath. In fact, many have strained to attempt to prove that the New Testament believers did so. The day is of no significance to me as with several others who have written, but the point of alteration of the 10 commandments is significant. Did you realise that Paul altered another one?This is the original; Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Exo 20:12 KJV)… now here is Paul’s version… Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (Eph 6:2-3 KJV)The original was Land focussed. It was part of the tenancy agreement between Jehovah (Israel’s personal name for God) and a people described as I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exo 20:2 KJV) The 10 commandments are a legal document with very carefully defined ‘parties’. This is part of a covenant between Jehovah and the Exodus people.The inward essence of the 10 words however, is wider than Israel, and so Paul ‘alters’ it to make it relevant to folk who live in Ephesus who were never in bondage in Egypt. The ‘truth’ is captured but the localised details of the 10 commandments were Israel-specific. Paul take’s Moses’ promise of lasting tenancy of a specific territory – the Land always means the Promised Land in this sense – and transposes its abiding significance into a promise of longevity. Paul has transposed the truth that was originally given in a particular local setting into a universal context. This is what we should look for in a universal application of the Jewish Sabbath. The Sabbath, in fact, was the key identifier of the Sinai Covenant. Circumcision was older than Sinai, but the specific keeping of the Sabbath was the one unique feature of this Covenant.

I belong to a denomination that is almost legalistic in its approach to the sabbath.This has been a source of some dissagreements in the past.I tend to esteem all days the same but as to my personal disciplines I do set aside a day to do nothing but center on the Lord in my devotion and full attention. That day isn't sunday though.I've always struggled in giving an answer to this question about the sabbath though.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 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: 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. (Exo 20:8-11 KJV)The Sabbath day was specifically instituted within the Sinai Covenant and was community based. These laws were given to a community rather than to individuals and the Sabbath legislation makes this very plain. Its sphere of application is ‘within thy gates’ i.e. this is to be implemented on a city-wide bases. According to a Talmudic view if the Jews would only keep the Shabbat properly for two consecitive weeks, they would bring about the messianic Redemption.In some ways it is only possible to remember Sabbath on a city-wide basis. I may refuse to collect my milk on the Sabbath but the cow may well have been milked on the Sabbath. I may refuse to read my newspaper on the Sabbath and only take the Sunday version, but is such a case I am enjoying the labours of someone who broke the Sabbath. In a city/town based society it was literally possible to shut down everything for the day. Sabbath was viable in an exclusion zone of family or city but in a mixed community, as the most public sign of 'Jewishness' it was always contentious. Within that exclusion zone the stranger was required to conform to Sabbath.Strict Jews will try to implement this by various means, using time-switches rather than creating a spark with a manual switch and thereby ‘lighting a fire’ on the Sabbath. Sabbath, however, requires the whole community commitment to be workable. In fact it is only genuinely possible in a theocracy. Where state and church are separate it can never function properly. Israel was such a theocracy, but most of us do not live in such a setting.If a ‘Jew’ were enslaved by a gentile there would be no way in which he could ‘keep Sabbath’ but on the other hand if a gentile were enslaved by a ‘Jew’ the Jew was required to ensure that the gentile slave kept Sabbath. It is only where the local authority (whether in a home or a city) is theocratic that Sabbath could operate. It has been estimated that the slave population of Italy was in the proportion of 1:2 or approximately 33% of the population. One calculation is that during the Herodian period there were about 8m Jews in the world, of whom 2.35-2.5m lived in Palestine, the Jews thus constituting about 10% of the Roman Empire.It is interesting where Sabbath comes in the list. The commandments prior to this are all God-orientated while those after this are people orientated. If we were to divide the commandments up into Godwards and manwards where would be place Sabbath? The standard interpretation was that it was Godwards, but Christ challenged this and put it in the manwards list; And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. (Mar 2:27-28 KJV)The notion of holiness is also important. The original concept of qadesh/holy is separation. The people of Israel were set apart to be God’s own possession, hence And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Exo 19:6 KJV) It is important to remember that the purpose of the Sabbath was the well being of people and it was to be regarded, not so much as an imposition, but a relief. That it became a burden is clear, and this necessitated the prophet’s word which promised blessing under conditions which included; 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: (Isa 58:13 KJV)The Sabbath was the outward sign of this ‘holy people’; Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily ye shall keep my sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am Jehovah who sanctifieth you. (Exo 31:13 ASV) - see also Ezek 20:12,20.The question that remains is ‘is there a Christian equivalent of the Sabbath?’ Where is the principle of Sabbath to be recognized in Christianity?

The question that remains is ‘is there a Christian equivalent of the Sabbath?’ Where is the principle of Sabbath to be recognized in Christianity?I believe our "Sabbath rest" is in Christ:Hebrews 41 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.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.3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.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.6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: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 had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.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.

I 've considered this from Hebrews and even put it forward but to no staisfication to the hearers. Some traditions are hard for people to give up or break.I guess the fear is that if people don't feel some sort of pressure,(in a legalistic sense), they won't come to church on Sundays. So Ron's question is key, where does the sabbath fit in on the christian church and when in many churches they're meeting 4 and sometimes 5 times a week , where does the individual draw the line in the assemblying of our selves together?

1. It seems the NT focusses more on Sunday ("the first of seven days" and "the Lord's Day"), which I suppose symbolically represents the day of the Lord's resurrection. That's why the breaking of bread (Christian worship) and preaching seems to be associated with this day at several instances.2. I see no conscious connection of the Lord's day (Sunday) with the OT Sabbath day within the NT. I would hesitate to say that the Lord's day is the new Sabbath day for Christians. I tend to think that the significance of the Lord's day was derived from the unique event of Christ's death and resurrection.3. If we understand keeping the Sabbath as the identity marker of being a Jew as part of the covenant people of God, then it might explain why Hebrews effectively said that Christ is the fulfillment of Sabbath. Our true identity is found in Christ, who leads us to genuine rest intended by God.4. Nevertheless, I feel that the principle of sabbath can certainly be applied by Christians in a more universal and general way. I think it is theologically significant that God established in the creation account the rhythm of work six days, and rest on the seventh. Modern people tends to be workaholics, much to their detriment because they violated God's rhythm in nature. Obviously, setting aside time exclusively for God is part of God's pattern too.Just some quick thoughts... I don't think I introduced any new idea not discussed before in this forum?

much to their detriment because they violated God's rhythm in natureDoes anyone know if there is a thread on SI that deals with Natural Law? It would be a good discussion topic. :-) God Bless,-Robert

I did read a medical study some time ago on work and rest where they put forth illnesses as a result of over working and lack of proper rest and balance.When I read on the Welsh revival and Evan Roberts fall out, it would seem to me that in a religious sense he may not have taken time apart or away inorder to rest his body and mind. Like you I believe at least 1 day is important per week but not in a legallistic sense.Priciple of the Sabbath----I agree too , and that seems to be consistant with Hebrews "not forsakeing the assemblying of yourselves together". It seems that I read in Eusebuis' work on ecclesiastical history he mentions the habit of the roman church as meeting sat. after night fall andmeetings going through the nite.They would then go out in the morning and minister to the needs of thoughs drunkards sleeping it off in the streets of rome.And since many of the New converts were legally slaves an evening meeting seems probable.

Isn't it amazing how threads continue to rise up in different aspects which focus on God's provision for His people. In terms of REST, in the Jewish roots thread, everyone seems to have avoided answering the question for themselves. God did offer His REST to those who lived before Christ's incarnation. What do these Scritpures suggest in terms of hallowing God's Sabbath?Is. 56:1 Thus says the LORD:\t“Keep justice, and do righteousness,\tFor My salvation is about to come,\tAnd My righteousness to be revealed. 2 \tBlessed is the man who does this,\tAnd the son of man who lays hold on it;\tWho keeps from defiling the Sabbath,\tAnd keeps his hand from doing any evil.” 3 \tDo not let the son of the foreigner\tWho has joined himself to the LORD\tSpeak, saying,\t“The LORD has utterly separated me from His people”;\tNor let the eunuch say,\t“Here I am, a dry tree.” 4 \tFor thus says the LORD:\t“To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths,\tAnd choose what pleases Me,\tAnd hold fast My covenant, 5 \tEven to them I will give in My house\tAnd within My walls a place and a name\tBetter than that of sons and daughters;\tI will give them an everlasting name\tThat shall not be cut off. 6 \t“Also the sons of the foreigner\tWho join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him,\tAnd to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants—\tEveryone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath,\tAnd holds fast My covenant— 7 \tEven them I will bring to My holy mountain,\tAnd make them joyful in My house of prayer.\tTheir burnt offerings and their sacrifices\tWill be accepted on My altar;\tFor My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Also: Isaiah 58:11 \tThe LORD will guide you continually,\tAnd satisfy your soul in drought,\tAnd strengthen your bones;\tYou shall be like a watered garden,\tAnd like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 \tThose from among you\tShall build the old waste places;\tYou shall raise up the foundations of many generations;\tAnd you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,\tThe Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. 13 \t“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,\tFrom doing your pleasure on My holy day,\tAnd call the Sabbath a delight,\tThe holy day of the LORD honorable,\tAnd shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,\tNor finding your own pleasure,\tNor speaking your own words, 14 \tThen you shall delight yourself in the LORD;\tAnd I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,\tAnd feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.\tThe mouth of the LORD has spoken.” How does the Lord accomplish this in those who honor His Sabbath? And to whom are these words addressed too?In ChristJeff

Hi Bro. Jeff,There may have been some sort of 'rest' that the people experienced who were heirs of salvation; but there was a deliverance that took place at the Cross and the resurrection that brought a new level of rest to the people. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. There is a bondage that existed under the Old Covenant in which the people were afraid to die. We are also told there remains a rest to the people of God. That statement has a lot of eschatological ramifications; but I think we can see clearly that we under the New Covenant have a 'rest' in the here and now that those who were all their lifetime in fear did not have.God Bless,-Robert