Should we observe the Sabbath as Christians?

1. TOPIC: “ THE SABBATH DAY”
B Y: B R O C H R I S T I A N G A B I E N U
W E D N E S D A Y B I B L E C L A S S

2. • INTRODUCTION:
1. God created the world in six(6) days ……
a. He (God) rested on the seventh day – Genesis 2:1-2.
b. *Then* (At a point in time, blessed and sanctified the seventh day-
Genesis2:3.
2. The seventh day later became known as “The Sabbath Day”….
a. From the Hebrew word “sabbath”, meaning “to rest” from labor”.
b. The Greek word is “sabbaton” same as the Hebrew transliteration to the
English.
c. It therefore came to mean generally “ the day of rest”.
3. Let’s therefore, ask ourselves which of the two (Saturday or Sunday) is the
sabbath?
a. Are Christians to keep sabbath ?
b. Can Sunday be Christians sabbath?
c. The sabbath was simply a day of rest after six days of work Gen 2:1-2,
Exodus 20:8-11.
d. So therefore, in the Bible the Sabbath was only on Saturday .

3. DISCUSSION
I. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. REMEMBER , THOUGH IT IS FROM THE O. T, BUT IT WAS NOT
COMMANDED OF THE PATRIARCHS…….
1. From Adam to Moses (Genesis 3-Exodus 15), there is no mention of the
Sabbath.
a. Despite all this, all those (righteous people) who lived during that period
were pleasing to God (Adam, Abel, Enoch, Lot, Noah, Melchizedek, and
Abraham), though non of them kept the sabbath.
b. “…… God originated Adam and the above mentioned people
uncircumcised, but He was pleased with them.
2. It was true these men and many during their time didn’t keep the sabbath,
but He taught them the principles of one day of rest during the seven days.

4. B. SABBATH WAS AN ACT FOR ONLY ISRAELITES.
1. The Sabbath is first mentioned in regards to Israel collecting Manna-
Exodus 16: 23-30.
2. This is shortly after departing Egypt to Israel Exodus 16:1
3. This was when God actually blessed and sanctified the seventh day of rest-
Exodus 16:23;29.
4. This was unknown to them previously Neh 9:14.
C. THE LAW OF MOSES……
1. The Sabbath became part of the Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:8-10
2. The basis of the Sabbath is explained - Exodus 20:11,
3. The Sabbath became a sign between God and Israel as His special Exodus 31:13-17.
4. Commanded of Israel because they have been delivered from slavery- Deut 5:15
D. IT WAS NOT GIVEN TO THE GENTILES…
1. All the commands regarding the Sabbath are directed towards Israel, no
other nation.
2. The exception was “ the stranger who is within your gates” – Exodus 20:10
3. The exception was to prevent being influenced to disobey - Neh13:15-21.
4. It was to be a sign between God and his people Israel- Exodus 31:13,16-17,
Ezekiel 20:12,20 Just like the “ Circumcision”

5. II. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.
A. JESUS AND THE SABBATH …..
1. Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Mark 1:21, 6:2; Luke 4:16;31,13:10
2. His actions on the Sabbath sparked controversy
a. Allowing the disciples to pluck grain in order to eat Mark 2:23-24
3. Healing on the Sabbath Mark 3:1-6, Luke 13:10-14, John 5:9;16.
4. Jesus objections against the Jews.
a. Indicating their ignorance of the law Mark 3:28,Matt 12:8
b. He (Jesus) also showed them their short falls Luke 6:6-9,13:14-16;
14:3-5, John 7:22-23
5. Note the following observations:
a. The law of Moses was still in effects prior to the death of Christ.
b. As an Israelite, Jesus kept the Law (along with the Sabbath).
c. He displayed authority to forgive sin and interpret the law – Matt 9:6,12:8.
(Gal. 4:4, Heb. 9:15-17)
There is nothing to show hat Jesus extended the Sabbath to all nations.
To be continued: May the good Lord richly bless you beyond all blessings in Jesus name. Amen
and Amen.

6. II. THE APOSTLES AND THE SABBATH…
1. The apostles were to pray that their flight from tribulation not be on the
sabbath. Matthew 24:20.
a. A reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70
b. For in Judea, the Jews would still be observing the sabbath, closing the
gates and thereby hindering flight –cf Matthew 24:15-19.
c. This does not indicate whether or not the sabbath was still bound by God.
2. Paul utilized the sabbath during his evangelistic effort – Acts 13:14, 42,44,
16:13, 18:4
a. It was his custom whenever he come to a new city. Acts 17:1-3.
b. He knew the Jews would be there, and he sought to teach them about
Jesus.
c. Just like he went to the market place to reach others – Acts 17:1-3

7. 3. Paul taught that the law of Moses, including the Sabbath, had come to an end.
a. The Jews died to the law when they became Christians. Romans 7:4-7.
b. That Jesus ended the law with it’s ordinances through death.
Eph. 2:13-16, Colossians 2:14.
c. That the law and ordinances like the sabbath and circumcision should
not be bound on others especially, Gentiles. Colossians 2:16-17.
d. That a new superior covenant had replaced the old. II Cor. 3:6-11, cf.
Hebrews 8:6-13, 9:15.
4. They taught observing sabbath was no longer necessary.
a. Jewish Christians continued to observe elements of the law -
cf. Acts 21:18-20.
b. Paul himself did so on occasion cf. Acts 18:18-21, 21:21-26

8. c. But Paul (and the rest of the apostles) drew a clear line:
i. The law could not be bound on gentiles. Acts 15:1-2, 19-29,
cf. Gal. 2:3-5, 5:1.
ii. The law could not serve as a basis for their salvation – Gal. 5:4,
cf. individual desired to keep one day above another (eg. The sabbath),
that was between the individual and his Lord. cf. Romans 14:5-6.
*Absolutely, there is nothing to indicate the apostles writings and sayings does
in anyway point to the “SABBATH BEING TRANSFERRED INTO THE NEW
TESTAMENT COVENANT”

9. III. WHAT DOES THE CHURCH HISTORY TELLS US ON SABBATH
A. CONGREGATIONS WORSHIP ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK
1. Expressed and seen in Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 16:1-2
2. What the early “Fathers” said
i. The Epistles of the Barnabas 15:6-8, 100 A.D
It is indicated here that they met on Sunday.
ii. First Apology of Justin, Weekly worship of the Christians, Ch. 68,
150 A.D
iii. ibid__ “Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common
assembly because it was the first day of the week.

10. B. WHAT THE ENCYCLOPEDIAS SAYS’
a. Encyclopedia Britannica- Sunday, first day of the week, in Christianity
what we call “LORD’S DAY” the weekly memorial of Jesus Christ’s
resurrection from dead.
b. Encyclopedia Americana- “from the apostolic era to the present it has
been customary for Christians to assemble for communal Sunday service.
c. History of the Christian church, Philip Schaff, Volume 1, page 201-202. “ the
celebration of the Lord’s day in memory of the resurrection of Christ dates
undoubtedly from the apostolic age.
d. ibid- pg. 478-479 …….. “it appears therefore, from the New Testament
itself, that Sunday was observed as a day of worship, and in special
commemoration of
NOTE CAREFULLY
All (both) internal and external evidence point to the fact that the early CHRISTIANS
MET TOGETHER ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK. i.e. SUNDAY.

11. THE SPECIALITY OF THE SUNDAY
1.As a prophecy, being fulfilled. Psalm 118:23-24 cf. Matthew 28:1,
Mark 16:1, Luke 24:1, John 20:1
2.As seen and studied, most early Christians did not observe the sabbath.
3. Some Jews converts continued to observe the sabbath, this include the
heretical groups such as the Ebionites.
4. With time many began to view and refer to the Lord’s day as the
‘Christian’ sabbath.
a. Around the 4th and the 5th century A.D. Great controversy aroused
about the need for Christians to keep sabbath.
b. They tried vehemently to put the sabbath on Christians in addition to
the Lord’s day.
c. That was the main reason the PURITANS BEGAN TO CALL THE LORD’S
DAY “SUNDAY” the Christians sabbath.

12. CONCLUSION (PART 1)
1. Basically, what people (section) say about the sabbath and what is the right
statement on the sabbath?
a. The Sabbatarian view- Saturday is the Sabbath correct, but they are wrong
to say it should be kept by Christians.
* This is coming from S.D.A _ Seventh Day Advertist and the
Advertist groups.
[What to remember]
Yes!_ sabbath is Saturday, but not
No!_ Christians are Not to keep it.
2. Sunday as sabbath.
* Catholics, Orthodox and Protestant churches.
*[NOTE]
It is wrong to call Sunday, Christians sabbath, but excellent to teach
Christians worship on Sunday (Lord’s day) or First Day of the week

13. 3. What the Bible says
i. Saturday is sabbath, but it is not meant for Christians.
ii. There is difference between the old and the New Testament.
Read Hebrews 1:1-2, Hebrews 8:6-13, Hebrews 10:9.
For us to heavenly rest, let us keep the lord’s day for our worship.

14. PART 2
THE SCOPE OF THE SABBATH
TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 5:3
INTRODUCTION:
1. Scope defined: From the American Heritage Dictionary of The English language:
The area covered by a given activity or subject.
2. During the inauguration of the Ten Commandments, Moses said: Deut 5:3.

15. DISCUSSION
I. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob never observed “SABBATH AS A
COMMANDED LAW” Nehemiah 9:13-14. cf Deuteronomy 5:3-12.
II. This therefore makes it non existent law (commandment) from the beginning of
creation.
1. Meaning, it wasn’t a universal religious duty from the time of creation.
III. The scope runs from Sinai to the cross: When Jesus said it is finished.
Conclusion
1. Read Colossians 2:15-17; Ephesians 2:14-15 cf Galatians 3:23-26

16. QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY SABBATARIANS AND ANSWERS TO THAT
QUESTION 1
Christ kept the Sabbath. So therefore all His followers are suppose to do same too.
ANSWER:
It is true that Jesus did observed the Sabbath.
Reason:
He (Jesus) lived during the time while the Law of Moses was STILL in force
(effect) Again, the following need to be NOTED!
1. He kept all the law, Not only Sabbath.
2. This argument would require us to keep every part of the Law.
3. Even those who call themselves SABBATARIANS DON'T DO SO.

17. QUESTION 2
"If the Ten Commandments are done away, then it is alright or good or license
to kill, lie and do....
ANSWER
It is WRONG to lie, kill or do (those acts) today, not that the law of the
Ten Commandments has been done away, this is because all these are
part of Jesus' laws
Read the following:
Colossians 3:9, (verses 5-9), Acts 14:15-, 1 John 5:21, James 5:12- Eph:6:1;
Ephesians 4:28.

18. QUESTION 3
The Law which was done away was the "ceremonial" law (Law of Moses), not the moral
law, which contains the Ten Commandments (Law of God)
ANSWER
1. Moses has no law
This is a false distinction, and is no where made in the scriptures
2. That covenant was called "the Law of Moses“ -Nehemiah 8:1, "the law"
- Nehemiah 8:3, 9,14 "and the Law of God" (Nehemiah 8:8, 18).
The Ten Commandments were part of the Old Testament covenant. Read the following:
Exodus 34:1, 27-28, Deuteronomy 4:13, 9:10-11, 1 Kings 8:9, 21).
* This Old Testament covenant, including the Ten Commandments, was to be
done away. cf Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 7:11-12, 8:7-13, 10:1-10,
Colossians 2:13-17, cf. Psalm 40:6-9

19. QUESTION 4
The Roman emperor Constantine (321AD) changed the Sabbath to Sunday.
ANSWER
This is misrepresentation of facts.
1. Christianity started in A.D 33, and this state of recognition to an already
existing practice (that of Christians worshipping on the first day of the week) by
the emperor did nothing to change anything.
When Christianity started the "Said emperor" was then NOT BORN". 27TH
FEBRUARY, 272.
CHRISTIANITY STARTED 239 YEARS BEFORE THE BIRTH OF EMPEROR
CONSTANTINE.

20. QUESTION 5
The Sabbath was to be "perpetual" and continual
ANSWER:
Let us read Exodus 31:16-17
1. Note Carefully
It was through their generation Hebrew word "dor" "dor dor"
Carefully read and Compare with Genesis 17:9, 10, 13 and Exodus 27:21,
Exodus 28:43.
Read Realms 147:19-20

21. *WHAT THE POST-APOSTOLIC WRITERS SAYS ABOUT THE SABBATH
INTRODUCTION.
1. It has been confirmed beyond all reasonable doubt that the Apostles together with
the early Christians worshipped on Sunday and NOT "SATURDAY’ OR “SABBATH
DAY"
2. We read in Revelation 1:10 that on the isle of Patmos the Apostle John was in the
spirit" ON " the Lord's day. Meaning - "Kupiakos“
•Thayer comments: the day devoted to the Lord, sacred to the memory of
Christ's resurrection (365)
3. This has been confirmed by the Gospel narratives cf. Matthew 28:1-6, John 20.1-14.
Luke 24:1-6, Mark 16:1-7

22. DISCUSSION
- What History have for us regarding Post Apostolic writers:
- ANF: Anti Nicene Father
I-THE DIDACHE (A.D. 120)
It was affirmed that "every Lord's day" the Christians gather together and break bread
(ANF II. 381)
II-CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA (A.D. 194)
He said anyone who "keeps the Lord's day" as “glorifying the Lord's resurrection in
himself or herself "(ANF II. 545).
III-TERTULLIAN (AD 200)
He argued that the "old law" has been consummated, thus the observance of the
Sabbath is demonstrated to have been temporary (ANF ll. 155), Again he said that the
Sabbath are strange to the Christians, and that they share together the Lord's day.
IV-EUSEBIUS (A.D.324)
He is also known as the "father of church history" stated that sabbath observance does
not "belong to Christians",

23. CLASS DISCUSSIONS:
* Let’s read the following chapters and verses to identify other Sabbaths
aside the 7th day Sabbath.
Leviticus 19:3; 26:2;23:7-8,21,24-25,32,39.
Look carefully
We have the following sabbaths as well:
1. 7th year Sabbath - Leviticus 25:1-4
2. 50th year Sabbath- Leviticus 25:8-13.
Ask yourself are they ( Sabbatarians) observing sabbath?

24. SHOULD WE (CHRISTIANS) KEEP THE SABBATH
INTRODUCTION
1. Many say we need to go back to the Mosaical dispensation to help bring back
morality to where it belong in our society today.
2. In effect the call for the "Ten Commandments is "So HIGH"
3. Remember, the missing link in such a cry is the "TRUTH".
(1) Bring the "Law of Moses" or the Ten commandment would mean:
(a) Mosaical Law is still in force
(b) Christ dying in vain. Gal. 2:21
(c) Some authority STILL resides in that Law. cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 to
Mathew 28. 18-20, Hebrews 7:15-28, Acts 3:22.

25. DISCUSSION
I- WE CANNOT KEEP SABBATH TODAY AS CHRISTIANS, BECAUSE-
A. THE SABBATH HAS COME TO AN END
1. Paul affirmed that; Eph 2:14-16 cf. Colossians 2:14-16
2. Since we cannot be under two different covenants at the same time.
Hebrews 1:1-2, Romans 7:1-4.
They are two links with different requirements therefore cannot be
binding on same people at same time.
3. WE ARE NOT UNDER THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Reason for this affirmation:
a. Can be deduced by comparing the two covenant..
i. One is old II Cor. 3: 14
ii. ✓ ✓ Called New II Cor. 3:6
iii. One was faulty Heb 8:7
iv. New is perfect James 1.25
v. Old was glorious - II Cor.3:7

26. vi. New was more glorious- II Cor 3:9, 11
vii. Old given to the Jews- Deut. 5:1-15
viii. New is Universal (whole world) Covenant_ Matthew 28:18-20
Ephesians 2: 11-22
ix. Old had Levitical Priesthood. Hebrews 7.1-2
x. New making all Christians Priest, with Jesus Christ as the High Priest Rev. 1:5, 6.
II- THE OLD TESTAMENT HAD BEEN ABROGATED.
A. The old Testament had been done away Col 2:14, Eph 2:15 Rom. 7:4
B. Despite that it has some benefits of studying it. Rom 15:4, I Cor. 10:11
C. We are under the New Covenant. II Cor. 3:6, Heb. 10:9-10, Heb. 8:6-13
1. We are under the law to Christ. I Cor 9:21,
2. We are to hear Christ. Matthew 17:1-5, Deuteronomy 18:15-19 cf. Acts 3:22-23.
3. Christ law become operative after this death. Heb. 9:15-17

27. CONCLUSION.
1. Let us "handle aright the word of truth" by "rightly dividing" it.
2. Let us study the old Testament not because we are under it, but
because it was written for any admonition and learning. Rom. 15:4
3. It takes only the New Testaments to save. John 12:48, James 2:12