The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Don't work on Sunday

The relevancy is simply the application of the Sabbath's intent; spend the day focused upon God and His kingdom. Most all these types of questions are so simple to answer if people would set their minds upon the primary intent on why the Lord created the Sabbath; i.e., for man and not man for the Sabbath. To use run with your little bit of sophistry, and btw, people DO still ride trains as a means of transportation in many parts of the world, if one needs or desires to take a train to church, so be it. In fact, its relevancy is probably more so now than when MacGregor wrote that piece. Why? because of the way our society is spread out. It sounds so pious, in the minds of some, to say to someone that they should give up their job, friends, et al, and move closer to a church so they won't have to take the train or drive. It sounds so pious, again in the minds of some, when a pastor boasts that he flies to a preaching engagement on Saturday and stays over until Monday instead of traveling on the Sabbath. This is all Pharisaical nonsense, IMHO. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/igiveup.gif" alt="" />.

The WCF states it correctly, I believe, that there are two types of "work" that men are allowed to do on the Sabbath: 1) works of mercy, and 2) works of necessity. Straining at gnats and swallowing camels seems to be the favorite pastime of many on this issue. Some would say that it is a violation of the Sabbath to take a train, fly a plane or particular to ride a motorcycle to church. But it is perfectly alright to force march your family 50 miles to church? Some would say it is a violation of the Sabbath to cook a meal on the Sabbath! Is there anything that would qualify as a "work of necessity" more than feeding your body? The Lord Christ was accused of breaking the Sabbath for this very thing; plucking corn and eating it on the Sabbath day. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" />

I say again, I believe that most all questions concerning what is proper behaviour on the Sabbath can be easily answered if one's focus is upon the intent and purpose of the Sabbath rather upon setting down a long list of "do's and don'ts".

And how does this fact discharge you from the inherent obligation to obey the moral commandments of God? Are you not bound to abstain from idolatry, thievery, adultery, murder, lying, etc.? You are either a slave to sin; the transgression of the law. Or, you are a slave to righteousness; the conformity of the law. There is no "libertarianism" taught in Scripture. Your master is either your own sinful flesh and the prince of darkness to do that which is contrary to the law. Or, your master is the Lord Christ and to do God's will according to His holy law is your desire. Choose you this day whom you will serve!

In His Grace,