The LORD’s Sabbath and Legalism
What happened to the Sabbath?
Is it now on Sunday?
Is it now an eternal rest in Jesus?
Let’s first start by taking a look at the chapter where it speaks of it for Gentiles:
”Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
“So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.
For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”
And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”
Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,
God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:1-16 NIV
“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” Hebrews 4:2 NIV
Those that claim that the Sabbath is done away with because it’s only for legalistic Jews trying to earn their own salvation do “not share the faith of those who obeyed.” I’d be very cautious of these so-called Christians because their lack of faith could derail you on your walk with Christ. Every obedient act to the LORD is out of faith that He redeemed us to be His own by His own grace and mercy and that nothing we could’ve ever done could have saved ourselves. Out of this faith, we then obey because we realize that the LORD of the universe with His strong hand and merciful salvation has earned our deepest gratitude and life of obedience to His will. He is a never-changing God and His will for obedience to His commandments for all His people will never change. Those who have this faith in Him obey.
“Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3 NIV
Entering into obedience with the LORD is done purely out if our belief that He is the One True God. This faith produces action to then submit to Him in every way and devote our lives to worshipping Him.
“Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,“ Hebrews 4:6 NIV
Not entering His prescribed rest is disobedient, which is a sin against the LORD.
“God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”” Hebrews 4:7 NIV
According to the LORD, no other man-made day of rest is sufficient for obeying the command for the day He created for His people since before His people would ever need redeeming or salvation. The Sabbath is for everyone since Creation, and cannot be substituted for any other day.
“for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:10 NIV
Therefore, and “eternal rest in Christ” is additionally insufficient because you cannot rest from your works for eternity yet, and to obey the LORD, you must rest from your works in His day, just as He did from His. This theology is also disobedient and again, a sin against the LORD.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” Hebrews 4:14 NIV
Obedience to the LORD’s command is out of faith, not legalism.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.“ Hebrews 4:15 NIV
Jesus Himself was tempted to not honor the Sabbath, and yet did not sin. We are to be imitators of Him as His disciples. If He observed the Sabbath, then we are not truly His disciples if we don’t as well. A student is not above his teacher. We cannot say we know the rules better than Jesus. He taught us the way to obey the LORD. If you are truly a child of God, then no man-made theology should take precedence over the LORD’s commands in your heart.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
The Sabbath is a day to be able to sit with God. He deemed this day Holy. We welcome His presence in our lives with open arms. Those who choose to obey this command and have this divine fellowship approach God’s throne with confidence and will receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. He listens to those who choose to rest and listen to Him. This is a two-way relationship. If we want Him to answer our prayers and listen to us, then we also need to listen to His wishes in obedience. The Sabbath was made for man as a glorious gift. Do not neglect your gift from HaShem today. Receive it with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need.
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