How Do We Follow the Fourth Commandment to Remember the Sabbath?
- Melissa Henderson Contributing Writer
- Updated Jun 13, 2024
“I have to work this weekend. It’s part of my schedule.” “Do I need to rest on Sunday?” “We’ve got family plans. We’ll miss worship service this week.” These and other comments may be familiar to you. How often do you think about the fourth commandment that tells us to remember the Sabbath? Some churches offer services during the week, as well as online worship services. Is there a way that we can follow the schedules of life and continue to honor God and remember the fourth commandment? Scripture provides the answers.
Where Does the Bible Tell Us the Fourth Commandment?
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8 NIV)
The Bible is the Word of God. In Biblical times, the people were required to follow Mosaic Law. The Ten Commandments were provided for the benefit of the people. Those commandments, given to Moses by God, allowed the people to show respect and love for the Father.
On Mount Sinai, God told Moses to share this information with the people. These laws were given to the Israelites as God’s standards for moral living. Following the guidelines would lead to a personal relationship with God. As with all laws then and now, consequences would come if the laws were broken.
Consider the turmoil in life when there is no guidance or instruction. Chaos, sin, and destruction fill the world. In biblical times and today, some people obey the law while others choose not to.
As humans, we fall short of God’s glory and are filled with sin. However, those sins are forgiven when we go to the Father, confess our sins, repent, and seek His forgiveness. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we may be saved from our sins.
Obeying the law of keeping the Sabbath holy showed the sign of the covenant between the Lord and Israel. Remembering the Sabbath reminded the Israelites that they were set apart. Today, as believers, we are under the new covenant of God, which is the promise that He will forgive the sins of those who follow and honor Him.
Should we strive to follow God’s laws and remember the Sabbath? When we trust and obey, each law can deepen our relationship with God.
What Day of the Week Did the Israelites Hold the Sabbath?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening by Jews and some Christians as a day of rest and worship.
The Old Testament states that people were called to work for six days and then rest on the seventh day. Animals were also supposed to rest. They could do some things. For example, animals and people need nourishment every day. But they weren’t supposed to do their usual labor on the Sabbath.
“But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor you son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do.” (Deuteronomy 5:14 NIV)
The Ten Commandments were meant to lead Israel to a life of holiness. The laws were designed to have communities care for each other compassionately and lovingly.
When Jesus lived on earth, many people thought of the commandments as a way to prosperity. They thought that obeying the law would earn God’s protection. The Ten Commandments were not given as a promise of protection. They were given so the people would follow God and not rely on themselves.
Why Do Christians Remember the Sabbath on Sunday Instead of Saturday?
Most Christians today consider Sunday the Sabbath. This is the day of Jesus’ resurrection, so Christians refer to Sunday as a day of worship and rest. The Old Covenant between God and the people was removed when Jesus was resurrected.
“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4 NIV)
Some people believe that the Sabbath must be observed on Sunday, while others believe Saturday is the day for rest. Different denominations have different beliefs about which day to observe. Seventh-day Adventists attend worship on Saturday and believe the Sabbath is on that day.
Although believers are not bound by the old law, we are connected to God through His Word and the New Covenant. God promised to forgive the sins of those who believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus defeated death on the cross. We are now made new and cleansed of our sins.
Scripture tells us that at the very moment, Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” the ceremonial laws were done.
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” (Matthew 27:51 NIV)
Dr. Roger Barrier reminds us in one of his Crosswalk.com articles that sacrificial and ceremonial laws were part of the Old Testament worship. We are not called to use sacrifices as a way to be saved. Jesus Christ paid for our sins when He died on the cross.
However, moral laws (including actions such as not committing adultery, stealing, or coveting other people’s possessions) are also governmental laws. Those laws are included in the Old Testament and the New Covenant.
If some laws still matter today, how do we follow the law like observing the Sabbath?
Does Remembering the Sabbath Only Mean Not Working?
Jesus said that the Sabbath was created for our benefit. We are called to put our thoughts towards God on the Sabbath.
“Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27 NIV)
Years ago, stores, gas stations, and other businesses were closed on Sunday. As people began to seek schedule changes, the rules for closing places changed.
Today, some folks observe the Sabbath on other days due to their work schedules or other conflicts.
What about people who have to work on the Sabbath? Some folks keep the vital needs of the world going strong. Electric companies, water systems, hospitals and other medical facilities, rescue workers, police, and others are needed every day of the week. When do those people set aside a day of rest and worship? If Sunday is a definite work day, the person may choose another day of the week for rest.
Can we enjoy sports on Sunday? Does playing baseball with family and friends give us rest? What about attending a concert that offers Christian music? Easton’s Bible Dictionary reminds us that the Sabbath was about more than just not working.
“Just as joy is more than the absence of sorrow, the Sabbath is more than cessation of labor. Resting in bed all day does not amount to a keeping of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is to be a delight and joy.”
Ultimately, we must ask a simple question: where is the focus when participating in activities? Are we finding joy and renewal while sharing time with others on the Sabbath?
Our goal with each action is to honor God. If the aim is simply self-enjoyment, then we are not worshiping God. As we choose how to observe the Sabbath, think of how God can be glorified and His love shared with others. When we renew our minds and bodies, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to share God’s love.
How Can We Remember the Sabbath Today?
What about the other ways to observe the Sabbath and connect with the Father? Think about ways God provides for His creations to rest the body and mind.
Observing a day of rest allows us to grow closer to God. Our minds, bodies, and spirits are renewed and refreshed when we share time with God.
- Begin the day with prayer and give thanks to God for rest.
- Read the Bible. Ask God to help you discern the message of Scripture.
- Turn off devices we tend to check often, such as the phone and computer.
- Sit outside and listen to the sounds of nature.
- Journal your thoughts, prayer requests, and answers to prayer.
- Take a walk alone and observe God’s creations.
- Take a walk with family or friends and discuss Bible verses.
- Listen to worship music.
- Attend worship service.
- End the day with prayer and thanksgiving to God.
What about when we are on vacation or a trip away from church or home? The Sabbath can be observed in a familiar or unfamiliar place. Some folks seek out services online or in person while on vacation so they may observe a day of rest and renewal through worship.
Observing a time of rest, prayer, and thanksgiving can remind us of God’s love. By having a time of rest and renewal, we are obeying God and sharing His love.
Our words and actions can open the door for others to know God.
God’s love for His creations doesn’t change. As we listen to and read His Word, our faith can become stronger. Remembering the Sabbath allows us to share time with God and strengthen our walk with Him.
A Prayer to Remember the Fourth Commandment
Dear God, thank You for giving us a time of rest and renewal. Please help us find comfort in sharing time with You. Guide us to share the love and glory of Christ through our words and actions. Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit:©Getty Images/Marinela Malcheva
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today.
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