Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Why was the day of rest and meeting changed from Saturday to Sunday when the 4th commandment says to “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy?”

A:  When I was growing up, I would often try to overhear discussions between my mom and older brother if I heard her telling him to do something. If her instructions to my brother applied to me also, I wanted to be a step ahead in making sure I did what I needed to. But they sometimes discussed things that didn’t apply to me, in which case I was off the hook.

It is important to remember that the Old Testament of the Bible was originally written to the “older brother” of the Christian Church: the Nation of Israel (also known as Jews, Israelites, children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and so on). When Christians read the Old Testament, we have to consider how (or even if) the instructions given to the Jews apply to our relationship with God today, since some do not carry over to Christianity. That’s why we don’t offer animal sacrifices to God (Hebrews 10:11-18), it’s why we aren’t bound by Old Testament Law (Galatians 3:10-13), and it’s why Christians shouldn’t directly enforce Sabbath Rest (Acts 15:10-11).

The Law is still instructive to read and understand (Galatians 3:19; I Timothy 1:8), and the moral code that it upheld is the same morality that Christians live by today. That’s why nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament as instructions for believers to live by (see Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 6:1-4 and 1 John 3:15 as examples).

The Sabbath law is the only command of the Ten Commandments that is not restated in the New Testament as a directive for Christians. We are not specifically told why but there are a few passages that offer insight. Hebrews 3:7-4:13 teaches that believers have a constant opportunity to enter God’s rest through faith. Also, Jesus worked during His ministry to relax burdensome Sabbath restrictions that were self-defeating. He said “Sabbath was made for man; not man for the Sabbath.” (Luke 6:1-5).

Most ministers and students of the word (myself included) still see periods of physical rest as physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Some will go so far as to recommend a regular weekly “sabbath” to rest and recharge. But some go too far by trying to tie Sunday meetings to the fourth commandment or force people to abide by Sabbath Law. The New Testament frequently warns against such teachings (Galatians 3:10-14; Colossians 2:16-17). In Christ we are free to enjoy God’s rest however we choose, or even to deny ourselves rest and suffer the consequences! Sabbath law does not apply to Christians living today. Shoutout to Sara for the great question!

————

Let us know what you think of the ask a pastor articles! If you’ve found them helpful in any way, been blessed by an article, or have any thoughts on how we could make it better, let us know by sending an email to askapastor [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kansas 66942. And, as always, feel free to send us your Bible questions!