The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Observing the Sabbath

John,

I am glad to hear that you are finding some benefit from some of those articles linked to. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As to what exactly are we to do on the Sabbath methinks it should be noticed that the commandment to keep the Sabbath is a positive versus the majority of the commandments which address how man is to relate to his fellow man, which are negative; "Thou shalt not . . ." Secondly, again comparing these same commandments, the 4th Commandment doesn't go into much detail as to the specifics as to what should be done or not be done whereas the other commandments do. What I have gleaned from these two simple observations, and they are not meant to be exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination, is that the Sabbath day was created for man so that he can cease from all his worldly responsibilities and the weariness that accompanies them and focus upon the greatness and goodness of God, both as one's Creator and Redeemer.

I also believe that it is a huge mistake and a grievous error for any church or denomination to regulate the Sabbath by setting forth a list of "do's and don'ts" which they deem appropriate. This conclusion was reached by looking at the Pharisees, who might have been very sincere and doubtless very zealous about keeping the law. Unfortunately, they are infamous for distorting the law by adding to or taking away from its true intent. You are no doubt familiar with the several passages which relate the Pharisees confrontation with Jesus over what He and the disciples did on the Sabbath day and how He rebuked them for their objections. It is in these passages that we read, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" (Mk 2:27). Here we see clearly that the Sabbath was a gift from God to man for his enjoyment and not a commandment to which man must be subject to via a long list of prohibitions. This enjoyment, I believe, is to be seen as having "joy in the LORD".

Throughout history, there have been those who had good intentions, laid down the law concerning the keeping of the Sabbath Day. For example, there are those who forbid even the cooking of meals, washing of dishes, walking in the garden, etc. On the other hand there are those who see the Sabbath Day, if they even hold that there is a Sabbath Day, as a time that has no boundaries, i.e., there is to be no regulation as to how one is to conduct himself, e.g., attending some sporting event, working one's job, etc.

Some of our forefathers wisely believed that the conduct acceptable for the Sabbath consisted of two elements: 1) the corporate gathering of the saints for the purpose of offering worship to God, and 2) doing works of necessity and mercy. It is the latter of the two which has evoked much debate among men. What exactly are "works of necessity"? And, what are "works of necessity"? Yes, I could offer a few in each category which I feel are appropriate, e.g., Necessity: those who are employed in a Pharmacy, hospital, and other healthcare agencies, just to name a few. And, Mercy: visiting the infirm, elderly and poor are but a few that come to mind. There could be added quite a few more to each of these two areas. But again, the point is that although there are bounds which a believer should observe, they will vary according to one's conscience. Scripture does give us some examples and it is from them that we should frame our lives in regard to keeping the Sabbath. However, to iterate, the main purpose of the Sabbath which God created for man is that man may delight in the Lord by ceasing from that which is required of him throughout the week and focusing upon Him with one's whole mind, body and strength.

In His grace,