The Sabbath day refers to the seventh day of the week, which God blessed and made holy after creating the world in six days (Genesis 2:2-3). In the Ten Commandments given to Moses, God commanded His people to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). So what does it mean for us today to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy?
The Purpose of the Sabbath
The Sabbath was instituted by God at creation for all mankind to observe. God designed the Sabbath for our benefit – it provides necessary rest and restoration for our bodies, minds and spirits within the busyness of life. Setting aside the Sabbath day is an act of faith in God’s provision and an expression of our trust in His sovereignty over our schedules and lives. Observing the Sabbath allows us to imitate God’s own pattern of working for six days and resting on the seventh (Exodus 20:11).
In Deuteronomy 5:15, the Sabbath command is linked to God freeing His people from slavery in Egypt. Observing the Sabbath not only commemorates God as Creator, but also God as Redeemer. Honoring the Sabbath day shows that we belong to God and are dependent on Him. As Ezekiel 20:12 states, the Sabbath is a sign between God and His people. Keeping the Sabbath holy proclaims who we are in relationship to our holy and righteous God.
Old Testament Teachings on the Sabbath
In the Old Testament, God instituted clear laws and boundaries around Sabbath observance. The Israelites were commanded to do no regular work or business on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:10). This included not gathering food, lighting fires, carrying loads or buying and selling goods (Jeremiah 17:21-27). Violating the Sabbath by working was punishable by death (Exodus 31:14-15). The prohibition of work indicates that the Sabbath is a complete ceasing from labor and your own interests to focus on the things of God.
However, enjoying God’s blessings and provision on the Sabbath was encouraged. People were permitted to prepare food in advance (Exodus 16:23) and carry out priestly temple duties (Numbers 28:9-10). Jesus also affirmed that doing good and saving life was lawful on the Sabbath, even though it involved effort and work (Matthew 12:10-12). The core principle is resting from self-centered work in order to prioritize God-centered life.
How Jesus Fulfilled the Sabbath
When Jesus came, He claimed authority over even the Sabbath day as Lord (Matthew 12:8). He did not abolish the Sabbath, but rather perfectly fulfilled its purpose through His life, death and resurrection. Jesus lived a completely holy life, honoring God to the fullest. By rising from the dead on Sunday, Jesus signaled the dawning of something new. The early Christians recognized the first day of the week as the “Lord’s Day” to commemorate His victory over sin and death (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
The Gospel of Matthew sees Jesus as the true temple and the new meeting place between God and man (Matthew 12:6). Through His incarnation, Jesus made the presence and power of God accessible to all people in all places. We no longer need to observe detailed rituals and codes to experience God’s rest and holiness. Instead, Jesus Christ is our Sabbath rest—He bore our burdens of sin and guilt before God, granting us spiritual rest (Matthew 11:28–30).
Remembering the Sabbath as Christians
On one hand, Christians are free in Christ from strict Jewish regulations about the dos and don’ts of Sabbath keeping. The New Testament never commands Christians to keep the Sabbath day in the same way as Old Testament Israel. The apostle Paul made it clear that no one should judge others regarding observance of Sabbaths, feast days, new moons, or food and drink regulations (Colossians 2:16).
However, the moral foundation and spiritual benefits of Sabbath still apply for believers today. While we cannot earn salvation through works, regularly setting aside the Lord’s Day for worship and rest is still God’s wise design for flourishing. Honoring God with one day out of seven is a helpful spiritual rhythm of life. Christians can remember the Sabbath by devoting Sundays to activities like:
- Attending church gatherings for worship, prayer and Bible teaching
- Spending quality time with God through Scripture reading and prayer
- Fellowshipping and sharing meals with other believers
- Reflecting on God’s goodness and His work in our lives
- Delighting in God’s creation and blessing others with His love
- Ceasing from unnecessary work, shopping and tasks
Remembering the Sabbath includes both ceasing from labor and also proactively setting aside time to delight in the Lord. God invites us to experience the true rest and freedom found only in Christ.
Applying Sabbath Principles
While Sunday observance is not compulsory for Christians, practicing regular rest and devotion is wise. Labour laws in many countries establish a weekly day of rest, often on Sundays, for this same reason. Beyond Sundays, applying Sabbath principles can also enrich our daily lives. Setting aside regular time to commune with God, disengage from work, enjoy nature, show hospitality and care for our bodies and souls is vital. Extended Sabbath retreats for focused prayer and reflection can also accelerate spiritual growth.
For some with demanding careers or family obligations, an alternate Sabbath rhythm with other rest days may better allow them to remember the Sabbath consistently. The core spiritual purpose remains the same—to honor God by pausing from work and finding true rest in Him. Whether on Sundays or other fixed days, keeping intentional Sabbath time helps us live balanced and faithful lives of worship.
Sabbath Keeping Builds Faith and Identity
Observing Sabbath day rest requires trusting that God will take care of our needs and provide sufficiently for us. When we set aside regular time to focus on God rather than our own work, we acknowledge Him as our source and security. Surrendering our productivity and entitlement to rest demonstrates humility and reliance upon God. Honoring the Sabbath places our identity firmly in who God says we are, rather than in what we accomplish.
In our productivity-obsessed culture, keeping Sabbath requires strong faith in God’s sovereignty and view of success. But as we honor God’s design through Sabbath, He promises to provide abundantly for us (Isaiah 58:13-14). The gifts of Sabbath rest cannot be earned, only gratefully received from the Father’s hand by faith. Setting aside the business of life to delight in the Lord renews our souls and perspective.
Looking Forward to Eternal Sabbath Rest
The promise of eternal life gives us hope and endurance to run the race of faith. Hebrews 4 reveals that God’s faithful people will one day enter into God’s eternal Sabbath rest. The struggles and labor of this world are brief compared to the everlasting spiritual rest and reward awaiting believers (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).
In the new heavens and new earth, we will forever commune with God face-to-face. Revelation 21 depicts God dwelling among His people, where there is no more crying, mourning, pain or brokenness. God’s people will reign and serve Him wholeheartedly. What a joyous Sabbath that will be! We can look forward to perfect rest and relationship with God and each other forever.
Until then, as we steady our hearts in God’s grace, we can find renewal in times of Sabbath celebration. Honoring God’s design for holy rest amidst our labor gives us purpose and perspective. By God’s strength, we can remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy as an expression of faith toward our faithful Creator and Redeemer.