What The Bible Says. Fortnightly Bible Study.Episode 77 - 23/05/25Tonight we will be looking at the biblical perspective of "the Sabbath"1. The Sabbath Was Established by God at CreationThe Sabbath is not a human invention but a divine institution. In Genesis 2:2–3, God Himself rested on the seventh day, setting it apart as holy. He did not rest due to fatigue but to model a rhythm of work and rest for humanity. The Sabbath reminds us that rest is not laziness—it is worshipful acknowledgment that God is our Provider, not our own effort.2. The Sabbath Was Commanded Under the LawGod formalised the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8–11). It was a covenant sign between God and Israel, reflecting creation and redemption. Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15), so Sabbath rest pointed to the rest God gives His people from bondage and toil.3. The Sabbath Was Made for Man’s GoodJesus taught that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). It was not meant to be a burden, but a blessing—a gift for human well-being. It allows time to stop striving, delight in God, and remember that we are more than our labour. The Sabbath teaches us to trust God’s provision and to prioritise worship and fellowship.4. The Sabbath Exposed the HeartBy the time of Jesus, the Sabbath had become weighed down with legalism. The Pharisees added rules that missed the heart of the law. But Jesus, as “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), exposed how rigid observance can harden hearts. True Sabbath-keeping was always meant to express love for God and neighbour, not box-ticking religion.5. Jesus Fulfilled the True Meaning of SabbathIn Christ, the Sabbath finds its deeper fulfilment. He invites the weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28–30), and through His finished work, we enter spiritual rest. Hebrews 4:9–10 speaks of a Sabbath rest that remains for God’s people—not just a day, but a life lived from grace, not striving. Jesus is our eternal rest from sin and self-effort.6. The Early Church Met on the First Day of the WeekAfter the resurrection, believers began gathering on the first day—Sunday—in remembrance of Christ’s victory over death (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). Though not a command to keep a new Sabbath, it marks a shift: from law to grace, from shadow to substance. Christians rest in Christ, yet many still value setting apart time to worship and reflect weekly.7. Sabbath Principles Still Apply TodayWhile Christians are not under obligation to observe the Sabbath as ancient Israel did, the principle of rest, worship, and consecrated time remains vital. Colossians 2:16–17 warns against judging others over Sabbath observance, but it also reminds us that the Sabbath points to something greater—Christ Himself. Practicing regular rest and worship is still essential in a restless, work-driven world.

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