Do Christians Need a Day of Rest?
The idea of having a designated day of rest each week is deeply rooted within Christianity and Judaism. The practice traces back to biblical times, originating from God’s example of resting on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). For Christians today, the topic remains relevant – should followers of Jesus set aside a special day for rest and worship? What does the Bible teach on this subject?
The Fourth Commandment
In the Old Testament, God instituted the Sabbath as part of His Ten Commandments given to Moses and the Israelites. The fourth commandment reads:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, 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, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)
This command established the seventh day (Saturday) as a holy day of rest dedicated to the Lord. God instituted the Sabbath at creation for all mankind (Mark 2:27). The Israelites were to do no regular work or business on this special day. It was set apart as sacred time focused on God. This was a blessing and gift for His people (Isaiah 58:13-14).
Jesus and the Sabbath
Did Jesus do away with the concept of Sabbath rest for believers? An examination of the gospels shows He had great respect for the Sabbath, attending synagogue and worshipping on this day (Luke 4:16). However, Jesus prioritized people over strict legalistic observance of Sabbath rules. He healed the sick and challenged the Pharisees’ rigid control over what could and couldn’t be done (Mark 3:1-6). Jesus claimed authority over the Sabbath, declaring He was “lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28).
The New Testament does not command Christians to strictly observe the seventh day. The early church gathered for worship and took offerings on the first day of the week, Sunday (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This was the day Jesus rose from the dead (John 20:1). As Gentiles came to faith, observance of the Jewish Sabbath was not required (Colossians 2:16-17). Believers were to accept one another regarding holy days (Romans 14:5-6).
The Principle of Rest and Worship
Though Christians are not required to observe a particular Sabbath day, the principle and pattern of setting aside time for rest and worship remains. The creation ordinance and commandment to rest on the seventh day was not abolished. The primary difference is the day is no longer specified.
The author of Hebrews affirms God’s Sabbath rest still remains for His people to enter by faith (Hebrews 4:9-11). Christians are not under law but grace (Romans 6:14). Sabbath-keeping is not a requirement to earn salvation. However, believers still need a time to regularly cease work, refocus spiritually, and devote themselves to the Lord. Setting aside a day allows rest from physical labor and the renewal of spiritual commitment.
Sunday as the Christian Day of Worship
In the New Testament, the first day of the week emerged as the regular time when believers gathered to worship the risen Lord and Savior:
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Though no command is given in the Bible, the tradition of meeting on Sundays, the day of Christ’s resurrection, developed very early in church history. Christians are not under the Old Testament law requiring Sabbath observance on Saturday. However, the principle of regularly dedicating time to the Lord remains for the spiritual health of believers. Setting aside the first day of the week provides Christians an opportunity to corporately worship the risen Savior and be refreshed spiritually. It follows the pattern established at creation and maintains a rhythm of work and rest.
Applying Sabbath Principles
For Christians, Sunday provides a regular opportunity to gather with other believers and focus completely on the Lord. Setting this time apart is a wise spiritual discipline. However, legalism must be avoided. Rigid rules about what is not permitted should not return. The probative questions for believers are:
– Am I faithfully stewarding this time the Lord has given me each week?
– Do I purpose to cease work enough to be spiritually renewed in Him?
– Am I involving myself regularly in corporate worship with other believers?
The principle of Sabbath affirms the spiritual need for rest, rather than mandating the specific details. God desires His people to steward time well for their good and His glory. The weekly rhythm of work and worship brings proper perspective and priorities. Gathering with other Christians also encourages the body of Christ.
In addition to Sunday worship, practicing Sabbath time may involve: studying the Bible and prayer, enjoying creation, doing a special act of service, spending intimate time with family, or any activity that deliberately focuses on God. The key is resting from normal labors and intentionally worshipping the Lord. This brings spiritual nourishment.
Each Christian must prayerfully evaluate how to apply Sabbath principles. Doing so will look different across changing life seasons. Parents with young children, pastors and ministry workers, business professionals, and retirees will have unique considerations. But the spiritual benefits of Sabbath time remain for all. God desires His people enjoy rest, freedom, joy and renewed strength by regularly focusing on Christ.
Summary Principles:
– The Sabbath day of rest was instituted at creation and commanded in the Old Testament as a gift and blessing for God’s people.
– Jesus kept the Sabbath but prioritized compassionate care for people’s needs above legalistic rules. He claimed authority over proper Sabbath observance.
– The New Testament does not command Christians to observe the seventh day Sabbath. However, the principle of regularly setting aside time for spiritual rest and worship continues.
– The tradition of gathering on Sundays developed very early in church history, though no biblical command requires it. This allows Christians to worship Christ together on the day He rose from the dead.
– Legalistic rules should not dictate how Sabbath time is observed. But believers still benefit greatly from intentionally setting aside a regular time to cease work and focus on spiritual renewal.
– Practicing Sabbath time may include worship, rest, Bible study, prayer, Christian community, enjoying God’s creation, doing spiritual service, and more. The key is deliberately focusing on the Lord.
– Applying Sabbath principles requires prayerfully evaluating each believer’s changing life situation, responsibilities, and opportunities. But the spiritual benefits remain.
– God desires His people enjoy the rest, joy and renewed strength that come from regularly focusing on Christ. Wise stewardship of Sabbath time aids the growth and health of Christians.