51. What is the significance of the Sabbath for the Church today?
Although God no longer requires us to observe the Sabbath day (Saturday) and other particular holy days of the Old Testament, this commandment continues to apply to our Christian life and worship.
Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.A. We continue to need not only physical rest, but most important, rest from the impossible task of seeking security, righteousness, and salvation through our efforts, work, and accomplishments.
Mark 6:30-31 The apostles returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.
Hebrews 4:10 Whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His.
Read Psalm 127:2; Mark 4:35-41; and Hebrews 4:1-13.
B. The Sabbath was a sign pointing to Jesus, who gives us spiritual rest from the burden of our sins.
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from Heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
Read Psalm 23 and John 5:1-17; 7:14-24.
C. God wants us to be regularly engaged with His Word and carry it in our hearts and upon our lips (Psalm 119:11-13). God's Word is the treasure that sanctifies everything.
Colossians 3:16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.1 Timothy 4:4-5 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the Word of God and prayer.
D. Therefore, Christians gladly hear God's Word and set aside time to worship on Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead (Acts 20:7; John 20:19-31). We also recall the wonders of our triune God by observing the seasons and special holidays (holy days) of the Church Year. Indeed, Christians engage the Word of God daily (see Colossians 3:15-17) in their devotions and prayers. God's Word delivers what it promises.
Romans 14:5-6 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.Read Matthew 12:1-8. The important thing about a day of worship is that we focus on what God has done for us, especially in His Son, who is Lord of the Sabbath and establishes God's new creation.
Eventual commentary
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