The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Observing the Sabbath

Pilgrim said:
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.


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.

Specifically, we are to observe the Sabbath Day by diligently attending the worship services of Jesus’ Church. This, according to the Heidelberg Catechism, is the first requirement of the Fourth Commandment. Remembering the Lord’s Day is diligently attending church; willful absence from church, or attendance without diligence, is the grossest violation of the Fourth Commandment. The Catechism is Biblical, here. On the first day of the week, the apostolic church gathered for worship: to hear the Word; to break bread; to pray; and to lay aside their gifts for the poor.

It should be evident that diligent church-attendance very really is obedience to the Fourth Commandment of the Law of God. As part of the first table of the Law, the Fourth Commandment demands love for God by His redeemed people &#8722; diligent church-attendance is worship, the praise of God in Jesus Christ by a thankful people. The Fourth Commandment calls the saints to rest &#8722; at church we rest by enjoying God’s wonderful work in Christ by means of the Word and the Sacraments. The Fourth Commandment ends in Christ Jesus &#8722; in attending the church of God we seek fellowship with Christ (Who is present there by His Spirit and Word), and we strive to honor Him.

Secondly, it must be faithful; believers are to gather every Sunday, as often as services are held.

We should read, not the Sunday newspaper, but Holy Scripture, as well as books and magazines that explain Scripture.