Christians’ Day of Sabbath
Written by Rev Tay Piak Kheng 15 November 2026
The 4th commandment says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” (Ex 20:8-9)
Jews today still strictly observe the Sabbath rules. Is the Sabbath a custom that belongs solely to the Old Testament? Is it not applicable to Christians today? Let us try to understand the concept of sabbath rest.
“The Sabbath” did not begin with the law but with creation, because God created the seventh day: “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all the work of creation that he had done.” (Genesis 2:3) The Sabbath is a specific day set apart by God, distinct from the other six days, for people to enjoy God’s rest.
After Adam was cast out of God’s presence, mankind lost their rest, even though there are still seven days in a week. However, Christ’s redemption not only restored eternal life but also God’s rest to humanity.. Therefore, speaking of Christ the Bible says: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;” (Heb 4:9).
This is why God reiterated to His chosen people when He made the covenant with them: “You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you… celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.” (Exodus 31:13,16) Indeed,
keeping the Sabbath is a lifestyle sign for God’s people, just as circumcision is a bodily sign for them. Observing the Sabbath ensures that God’s people do not forget that they belong to the LORD, and therefore they should turn away from evil and do good, pointing them towards the Redeemer Christ: “These (Sabbaths…) are a shadow of things to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.“ (Col 2:17) He is the only place of rest outside the Garden of Eden, for He will save His people from sin and grant them eternal rest.
Therefore, when the second Person of the Trinity took on flesh and came into the world, in great compassion He said to the weary and helpless, “I am the Lord of the Sabbath. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(Mk2:28, Mat 11:28) When He crushed the power of Satan on the cross, He brought all who are in Him into the Sabbath rest, thus fulfilling the 4th commandment.
Thus, Christians today observe the Sabbath not as law-keeping but as a willing honouring of the Creator’s intent. The rhythm of “work on six days, rest on one day” allows God’s children to enjoy the peace and warmth of homecoming in the church, which is the household of God on earth. We worship and fellowship with the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit as one people of God, thereby demonstrating the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Gospel to the world! This is our Christian Sabbath. Next week, we will look at how Christians should keep the Sabbath.
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