Shabbat/Sabbath - Cease & Restore

Shabbat/Sabbath

Cease & Restore

 

Introduction

Knowledge regarding the establishment of the Sabbath, along with the historical accounts found in scripture, help provide understanding about the carnal nature of mankind and their innate inability to spiritually keep God’s law. Light is also shed on the historical accounts of the first century, as found in scripture, and reveals distinctly how the Sabbath was fulfilled.

Establishment of Work & Rest

God created all things for his pleasure and glory.

Isaiah 43:7 KJV - "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."

Colossians 1:16 KJV - "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"

Revelation 4:11 KJV - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

God ended his own works and rested on the seventh day.

In Genesis 2:2, "ended" is defined as:

• Strong’s Hebrew 3615 – כָּלָה kâlâh; a primitive root; to end, whether intransitively (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitively (to complete, prepare, consume)

In Exodus 31:17, "rested" is defined as:

• Strong’s Hebrew 7673 - שָׁבַת shâbath; a primitive root; to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

Genesis 2:1-2 KJV - "1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made."

(ended H3615)

Exodus 31:17 KJV - "It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."

(rested H7673)

God declared the seventh day to be clean, set apart as holy, from the other days wherein he had worked, because he had rested from his work.

In Genesis 2:3, "sanctified" is defined as:

• Strong’s Hebrew 6942 - קָדַשׁ qâdâsh; a primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Genesis 2:3 KJV - "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."

(sanctified H6942)

Laborious work began for mankind when their sin resulted in the ground being cursed.

Genesis 3:17, 19 KJV - "17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; ... 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

In Genesis 3:23, "till" is defined as:

• Strong’s Hebrew 5647 - עָבַד ʻâbad; a primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.

Genesis 3:23 KJV - "Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken."

(till H5647)

Cultural Application

The early Hebrew people were concrete and carnally minded: physical things mattered and spiritual mindedness was hard to comprehend for much of the population. As generations passed, physical prosperity and genealogical expansion was a primary focus next to gaining worldly pleasures. Day to day activities would consist of self-serving work for provision and expansion of one’s own wealth. God knew that the nature of sinful-man was to put self before and above the well-being of others; thus God also established Sabbath ordinances for mankind to focus solely on loving God and loving others: through ceasing from mixing holy with profane, ceasing from self-serving, and to give restoration and welfare of others. God gave the Sabbath as a gift to mankind and for mankind to steward to others.

Sabbath  Ordinances

A Holy Day/ Keep it Holy

Recall that the root meaning for holy is “to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)”

Exodus 20:8 KJV - "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Exodus 31:14-15 KJV - "14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death."

Exodus 35:2 KJV - "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."

Sanctify It

​God commanded his people to sanctify the Sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 5:12 KJV – “Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.”

Nehemiah 13:22 KJV - "And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy."

Genesis 2:3 KJV - "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."

Remember God

God’s people were told that the Sabbath was a sign and memorial to remember the LORD and how he sanctified his people.

Exodus 31:13 KJV - "Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you."

Exodus 31:17 KJV - "It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."

Deuteronomy 5:15 KJV - "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day."

Ezekiel 20:12 KJV - "Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them."

Ezekiel 20:20 KJV - "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God."

Absolute Sabbath Day

The Sabbath, as it were in the first covenant, was not relative to times zones. Recall Times & Seasons. As the Sanhedrin kept close watch and reported lunar sighting that marked days and occasions, the surrounding cities would report to more distant cities, so that all would observe the right day and time. The Sabbath was always according to Jerusalem time and would roughly start around 6pm or 7pm in the evening. Anyone observing the Sabbath, following a different time zone, would either start the Sabbath day late or end the Sabbath too early.

Sabbath Laws

Cease Work

God commanded cessation of work.

Exodus 20:9-11 KJV - "9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."

Exodus 23:12 KJV - "Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed."

Exodus 34:21 KJV – “Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest."

Deuteronomy 5:13-15 KJV - "13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day."

Cease Gathering Provisions

God calls for not gathering provision on the Sabbath.

Exodus 16:4 KJV - "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."

Exodus 16:23-26, 29-30 KJV - "23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. 25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. … 29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. 30 So the people rested on the seventh day."

Gathering provisions was physically laborious. Not only were God’s people gifted with rest from gathering, doing so brought remembrance that God provides for the needs of his people.

Cease Kindling Fires

God commanded that no fires be kindled on the Sabbath.

Exodus 35:3 KJV - "Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day."

While it was permitted to light a fire for light and heat, preparing foods or victuals by fire was prohibited.

Cease Doing for Thyself

God calls for ceasing from doing for self.

Isaiah 58:13-14 KJV – “13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”

CEASE BEARING BURDENS

God commands that no one bears burdens on the Sabbath day.

Jeremiah 17:21-22, 24-27 KJV - "21 Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; 22 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. ... 24 And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein; 25 Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever. 26 And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD. 27 But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched."

A burden is an item or items that carry an assessed monetary value: used for trades and sales. Carrying items in the gates or out of the home to sell, or in preparation to sell was unlawful. This includes gathering sticks, carrying victuals and fish for the purpose of selling. (Further shown in section: Polluting the Sabbath.

Cease Going Out Of Place (Abide)

God calls for everyone to abide in their place on the Sabbath and that it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all their dwellings.

Exodus 16:29-30  KJV - "29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. 30 So the people rested on the seventh day."

Leviticus 23:3 KJV - "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."

When the Sabbath was decreed in Mount Sinai, Synagogues did not exist. It wasn’t until after Solomon’s Temple was destroyed that synagogues are first seen. God’s people not only stayed in their place, they also had an holy convocation in their dwellings. For those who were not a Levite, there were no priestly tabernacle duties for them. Animal sacrifices and offerings for the weekly Sabbath day would have been brought on the 6th day. No requirement was given by God to gather at the tabernacle for communal worship on the weekly Sabbath day.

Dwelling Boundaries

Other than the word “dwellings”, scripture does not define the meaning of “abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place”. Once the cloth tabernacle was no longer in use and the temple stood in Jerusalem, the measurement of the city was used to define the boundaries of one’s dwelling place. Taken from Numbers 35:5, “two thousand cubits” or roughly three quarters of a mile was measured from the city outward in each direction. Collectively, the area was called “the suburbs”. Traveling within those bounds on the Sabbath became known as a Sabbath’s day’s journey. Overtime, the lawful boundary for staying in place grew in relativity for many.  Particularly, many residing outside Jerusalem would have either determined to stay in-home, use the Sabbath’s day Journey according to the city measurements of Jerusalem, measure their own city and formulate their own permissible traveling distance, or claim that the synagogue is the extension of one’s home or place regardless of the distance between.

Polluting the Sabbath

Scripture reveals the different ways in which the Sabbath was polluted.

Self-Seeking Provisions (Food & Abundance)

​Though God provided enough food for his people to be fed on the Sabbath, some went out to gather more.

Exodus 16:22, 27-29 KJV - "22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. ... 27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. 28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day."

Self-Seeking Preparations (Bearing Burdens: Gathering Sticks)

Though God gave rest to his people, some gathered sticks in preparation to either sell, to kindle fire, or use as lumber for carpentry work.

Numbers 15:32-36 KJV - "32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. 35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. 36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Self-Seeking Gain (Working, Bearing Burdens, & Exploiting)

Though God’s people were given grace to rest and to be a steward of the Sabbath, some worked, some made others and animals to work, some took advantage of the poor, and some transported burdens and victuals for financial gain.

Nehemiah 13:15-17 KJV - "15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. 16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?"

Amos 8:4-6 KJV - "4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? 6 That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?"

Self-Seeking Pleasure

Though the Sabbath was a sign to remember God and an holy day for doing well, some focused on seeking their own pleasure.

Isaiah 58:13-14 KJV — "13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."

Following Idols

Though the Sabbath was set apart for people to worship God, some loved idols in God’s stead.

Ezekiel 20:16 KJV — "Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols."

Sabbath Convocations

All holy day Sabbaths were declared to have a holy convocation.

Weekly Sabbath Convocations

Leviticus 23:3 KJV - "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."

Exodus 35:2 KJV - "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death."

Feast Sabbath Convocations

PESACH/PASSOVER

​Exodus 12:15-16 KJV - "15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you." (see also Exodus 13:6)

Exodus 13:6 KJV - "Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD."

Leviticus 23:5-8 KJV - "5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein."

Leviticus 23:11 KJV - "And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it."

Numbers 28:17-18, 25 KJV - "17 And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten. 18 In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein: ... 25 And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work."

Deuteronomy 16:8 KJV - "Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein."

SHAVUOT/FEAST OF WEEKS

​Leviticus 23:15-16 KJV - "15 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: 16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD."

Numbers 28:26 KJV - "Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:"

​YOM TERUAH/FEAST OF TRUMPETS

​Leviticus 23:24, 32 KJV - "24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. ... 32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath."

​YOM KIPPUR/DAY OF ATONEMENT

​Leviticus 16:29, 31 KJV - "29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: ... 31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever."

SUKKOT/FEAST OF TABERNACLES

​Leviticus 23:39 KJV - "39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath."​

Numbers 29:12, 35 KJV - "12 And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: ... 35 On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:"

Sabbath Years

Every seventh year and fiftieth year was commanded to be kept as Sabbaths.

Shmita/Year of Release (Seventh Year)

Leviticus 25:2-7 KJV - "2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. 6 And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, 7 And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat.”

Jubile Sabbath (Fiftieth Year)

Leviticus 25:8-13 KJV - "8 And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. 9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. 10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. 11 A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. 12 For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field. 13 In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession." (see also Leviticus 25:14-22)

PRIESTLY OBSERVANCE

The only work permitted on the Sabbath was that of the priestly Levites as they served God in the tabernacle/temple.

TEMPLE FRANKINCENSE

​Leviticus 24:7-8 KJV - "7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant."

TEMPLE SHEWBREAD

​1 Chronicles 9:32 KJV - "And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath."

​TEMPLE GATES

​Ezekiel 46:1 KJV - "1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened."

Ezekiel 46:12 KJV - "12 Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate."

​TEMPLE SACRIFICE

​Exodus 29:36-37 KJV - "36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it. 37 Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy."

Numbers 28:9-10 KJV - "9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: 10 This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering."

1 Chronicles 23:4, 8, 31 KJV - "4 Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges: ... 8 The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three. ... 31 And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:"

Ezekiel 46:4-5 KJV - "4 And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish. 5 And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah."

GENERAL OBSERVANCE

SABBATH SONG

A song for the Sabbath day was written by King David and used in observance.

Psalm 92:1-15 KJV - "1 A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 6 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: 8 But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. 9 For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 11 Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him."

OBSERVANCE BLESSINGS

God promised blessings for those who keep from polluting the Sabbath.

Isaiah 56:1-7 KJV - "1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."

Additional Seventh Day Laws

Not every seventh day falls on the seventh day of the week or on a holy day Sabbath.

View scriptures pertaining to rituals that occur on a seventh day.

Leviticus 13:5-6, 27, 32, 34, 51 KJV - "5 And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more: 6 And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean. ... 27 And the priest shall look upon him the seventh day: and if it be spread much abroad in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is the plague of leprosy. ... 32 And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, if the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall be not in sight deeper than the skin; ... 34 And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the scall: and, behold, if the scall be not spread in the skin, nor be in sight deeper than the skin; then the priest shall pronounce him clean: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean. ... 51 And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any work that is made of skin; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean."

Leviticus 14:9, 39 KJV - "9 But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean. ... 39 And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house;"

Numbers 6:9 KJV - "9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it."

Numbers 7:48-53 KJV - "48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered: 49 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: 50 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense: 51 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: 52 One kid of the goats for a sin offering: 53 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud."

Numbers 19:12, 19 KJV - "12 He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean. ... 19 And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even."

Numbers 28:17-18, 25 KJV - "17 And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten. 18 In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein: ... 25 And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work."

Numbers 29:32-34 KJV - "32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 34 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering."

Numbers 31:19, 24 KJV - "19 And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day. ... 24 And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp."

Ezekiel 45:18-20 KJV - "18 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first month, in the first day of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary: 19 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put it upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court. 20 And so thou shalt do the seventh day of the month for every one that erreth, and for him that is simple: so shall ye reconcile the house."

Sabbath Longevity

The Sabbath was created to be a perpetual covenant and prophesied to be observed when the LORD reigns on earth.

Perpetual Covenant

Exodus 31:16-17 KJV - "16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."

Future Observance

Isaiah 66:23-24 KJV – “23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. 24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.”

Post-Second Temple Prophecy

Warning is given in scripture concerning great tribulation encompassing the Sabbath day.

Matthew 24:20-21 KJV - "20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

THE SABBATH IN STORIES

Stories involving the Sabbath can be in the following scriptures: Exodus 24:16; Joshua 6:4, 15; 1 Kings 8:2, 65; 2 Kings 4:23, 11:5, 7, 9, 16:18; Nehemiah 8:1-12, 9:14, 10:31, 13:15-18, 21-22; Matthew 28:1; Mark 1:21, 6:2, 15:42, 16:1; Luke 4:16, 31, 6:1-10, 13:10, 23:54, 56 ; John 19:31; Acts 1:12, 13:14, 27, 42, 44, 15:21, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4. View

Exodus 24:16 KJV - "And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud."

Joshua 6:4, 15 KJV - "4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. ... 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times."

1 Kings 8:2, 65 KJV - "2 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. ... 65 And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days."

2 Kings 4:23 KJV - "And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well."

2 Kings 11:5, 7, 9 KJV - "5 And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house; ... 7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king. ... 9 And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest."

2 Kings 16:18 KJV - "And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria."

Nehemiah 8:1-12 KJV - "1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them."

Nehemiah 9:14 KJV - "And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:"

Nehemiah 10:31 KJV - "And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt."

Nehemiah 13:15-18, 21-22 KJV - "15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. 16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. ... 21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. 22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy."

​Jesus' Death, Burial, Resurrection, & Ascension

Matthew 28:1 KJV - "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."

Mark 15:42 KJV - "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,"

Mark 16:1 KJV - "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him."

Luke 23:54, 56 KJV - "54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. ... 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment."

John 19:31 KJV - "The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away."

Acts 1:12 KJV - "Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."

​Teachings & Prayer 

Mark 1:21 KJV - "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught."

Mark 6:2 KJV - "And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?"

Luke 4:16, 31 KJV - "16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. ... 31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days."

Luke 6:1-10 KJV - "1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; 4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? 5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. 6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other."

Luke 13:10 KJV - "And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath."

Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44 KJV - "14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. ... 27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. ... 42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. ... 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God."

Acts 15:21 KJV - "For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day."

Acts 16:13 KJV - "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither."

Acts 17:2 KJV - "And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,"

Acts 18:4 KJV - "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."

Spiritual Fulfillment

Sabbath & Love

The commandment to keep Sabbath was made under the law of loving God and loving others.

Deuteronomy 11:1 KJV - "Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway." (also Deuteronomy 6:5, 12, 11:13, 19:9, 30:6, 16)

Matthew 7:12 KJV - "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Matthew 22:37-40 KJV - "37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Romans 13:10 KJV - "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

Galatians 5:14 KJV - "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Resting

Though God gave a Sabbath for man to rest, in order to receive, or enter into God’s rest, one must have faith.

Hebrews 3:7-19 KJV - "7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."

Hebrews 4:1-6 KJV - "1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:"

Hebrews 11:6 KJV - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Ceasing WORKS FOR SELF

When one ceases from their own works they have entered into God’s rest.

Hebrews 4:10 KJV - "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."

When followers of Christ cease from their own works, they focus on God and others.

Romans 12:1 KJV - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

1 Corinthians 7:29, 32-34 KJV - "29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; … 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband."

1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV - "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."

Followers of Christ are given the Spirit of God, which gives them the power to walk in the spirit, deny self, and have victory through faith. 

Galatians 5:25 KJV - "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:16 KJV - "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

Colossians 3:9-10 KJV - "9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"

1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV - "15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

1 John 5:4 KJV - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Keeping Holy

God had only asked his people to set aside one day to be holy: to focus on loving God and others. Followers of Christ are given the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, which enables them to live holy, to love, and to minister to God and others every day.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV - "3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

Faithful followers keep everyday holy.

Luke 9:23 KJV - "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Acts 2:44-46 KJV - "44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Acts 17:11 KJV - "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV - "I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily."

2 Corinthians 11:28 KJV - "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."

Sabbath Stewardship

The Sabbath was given by God to mankind to relieve man of physical and mental burdens. Mankind was called to be a steward of the Sabbath to others. The Lord Steward carries outs his masters will by ministering a Sabbath to others and thereby also fulfills the Sabbath commandment by loving one’s neighbor as themselves. See The Sabbath & The Greater Law.  

Matthew 12:1-8 KJV - "1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." (also Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5)

Luke 13:10-17 KJV - "10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. 15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? 16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? 17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him."

Luke 14:1-6 KJV - "1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things."

Temple Work

The only work permitted on the Sabbath is that of the priests as they served God and others in the temple.

Deuteronomy 10:8 KJV - "At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day."

The temple priests would lawfully prepare sacrifices on the Sabbath and eat the portion God provided for them (see Leviticus 6:16, 18, 26, 29, 7:6, 8:31, 10:12-14; Nehemiah 11:23, 12:47). Followers of Christ who minister and work the will of God may lawfully do the same.

Matthew 12:1-8 KJV - "1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." (also Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5)

Luke 10:7 KJV - "And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house."

1 Corinthians 9:13 KJV - "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?"

In the fulfilling of the Sabbath, all followers of Christ are chosen as a holy and royal priesthood; and are called to be good stewards and minister to others.

1 Peter 2:5, 9 KJV - "5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ... 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"

1 Peter 4:10-11 KJV - "10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Spiritual Work

​Though one’s own work was to cease on the Sabbath, all spiritual works must continue.

John 5:17-18 KJV - "17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."

John 5:36 KJV - "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."

John 9:2-4 KJV - "2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

John 14:10 KJV - "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."

Luke 2:43-49 KJV - "43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

Followers of Christ are taught to continue to do the work of God by faith and to labor in love.

John 6:29 KJV - "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

1 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV - "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;"

Hebrews 6:10 KJV - "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

Romans 12:13 KJV - "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

1 Timothy 6:18 KJV - "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

Ephesians 1:4 KJV - "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"

Doing Well

Jesus taught the Judaic religious dignitaries that the law commanded people to do well on the Sabbath day; which included healing and saving lives.

Matthew 12:9-13 KJV - "9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other." (also Luke 6:6-10)

Mark 3:1-5 KJV - "1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. 2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. 3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. 4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other." (also Luke 6:6-10)

John 7:22-23 KJV - "22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?"

John 9:14-16 KJV - "14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."

Followers of Christ are instructed to do good.

Matthew 5:44 KJV - "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (also Luke 6:27)

Luke 6:35 KJV - "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."

Galatians 6:10 KJV - "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

1 Timothy 6:18 KJV - "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

Hebrews 13:12, 15-16 KJV - "12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. ... 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

James 2:8 KJV - "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:"

James 4:17 KJV - "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

1 Peter 3:11 KJV - "Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it."

Additional scriptures exhort followers to always do well.

John 8:29 KJV - "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."

Acts 24:16 KJV - "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

2 Corinthians 4:10 KJV - "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."

Ephesians 5:20 KJV - "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

Ephesians 6:18 KJV - "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Philippians 2:12 KJV - "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

1 Peter 3:15 KJV - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

2 Peter 1:15 KJV - "Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance."

Gathering & Provision

God asked the Israelites to set aside one day to stop storing up for their own selves. The other six days a week the Israelites focused on accumulating earthly wealth. Mankind proved that without God they were unable to keep the law. In the fulfilling of the Sabbath and by the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s people are asked to only set their heart on accumulating spiritual wealth every day.   

Matthew 6:19-21 KJV - "19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (also Luke 12:33-34)

Luke 12:15-21 KJV - "15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV - "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."

Recall that the Sabbath was also a gift to mankind to rest from the curse of tilling the ground: wherein mankind had to work to provide for his own. For many generations, it took a whole days work to prepare enough food for each family to eat for the day. Recall that the provision for the Sabbath was given by God. With unpredictable weather patterns in near eastern lands and repeated famines, both Hebrews and Gentile nations were anxious for provision. Jesus addressed the lack of faith in God to provide for his people. 

Matthew 6:25-34 KJV - "25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (also Luke 12:22-31)

In the fulfilling of the Sabbath, God daily provides for the needs of his people: both directly and through mankind’s stewardship of the Sabbath.

Acts 2:44-46 KJV - "44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Acts 4:33-35 KJV - "33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."

1 John 3:17 KJV - "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

Matthew 7:7-11 KJV - "7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

Philippians 4:19 KJV - "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 4:16 KJV - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Laboring for Food (Meat)

In fulfilling the Sabbath, God reveals his purpose concerning mana and instructs mankind to seek after spiritual meet.

Deuteronomy 8:3 KJV - "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live."

View supporting scripture for mana.

Exodus 16:15, 31 KJV - "15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. ... 31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey."

Psalm 78:24 KJV - "And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven."

John 6:31 KJV - "Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”

Matthew 4:4 KJV - "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (also Luke 4:4)

John 6:58 KJV -  “This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."

John 4:32, 34 KJV - "But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. ... 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

John 6:27 KJV - "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

1 Corinthians 3:2 KJV - "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."

Hebrews 5:12 KJV - "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

1 Corinthians 10:1-11 KJV - "1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

Revelation 2:17 KJV - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

Lawfully Bearing Burdens

Though additional boundaries were added to laws by certain Israelites, Jesus declared that burdens which were not laborious to bear nor intended to be used for financial gain was permissible by God.

John 5:5-18 KJV - "5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.”

As Christ calls everyone to give him their burdens, followers of Christ are to bear another’s burdens.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV - "28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Galatians 6:2 KJV - "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Sabbath Inheritance

There was yet another Sabbath which God promised that his chosen would inherit into and have rest from their enemies.

Deuteronomy 12:8-10 KJV - "Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you. But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;"

Hebrews 4:7-9 KJV - "7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 KJV - "7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

2 Peter 3:11-13 KJV - "11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."

​Hebrews 4:1 KJV - "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it."

The Sabbath inheritance is also that of eternal life and a place in the Kingdom of God for those who keep the faith.

Hebrews 4:2-3 KJV - "2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world."

Matthew 5:5 KJV – “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

Matthew 19:29 KJV - "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

Matthew 25:34 KJV - "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:" (see context Matthew 25:31-46)

Acts 20:32 KJV - "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."

Galatians 3:18 KJV - "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise."

Ephesians 1:9-18 KJV - "9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.  (also Ephesians 1:15-17)

Colossians 1:12 KJV - "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"

Colossians 3:24 KJV - "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

Hebrews 6:12 KJV - "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Hebrews 9:15 KJV - "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

1 Peter 1:3-5 KJV - "3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Revelation 21:7 KJV - "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (see also 1 Peter 3:9)

Acts 26:15-18 KJV - "15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

There are also those who will not receive the inheritance. View

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV - "9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

1 Corinthians 15:50 KJV - "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."

Galatians 5:21 KJV - "Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

Ephesians 5:5 KJV - "For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

God’s Timekeeping & Sabbath Day

Scripture likens a thousand years on earth to the likeness of one day in with the Lord.

Psalm 90:4 KJV - "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."

2 Peter 3:8 KJV - "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."

Spiritual work must continue until the seventh day of God’s week.

John 9:4 KJV - "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

God’s people must spiritually labour until they enter into rest.

Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV - "10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

John 6:27 KJV - "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

Ephesians 4:28 KJV - "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

Hebrews 6:10 KJV - "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

Revelation 14:13 KJV - "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Sabbath Rituals

In the fulfillment of the Sabbath, the carnal rituals, which were symbolic for and reminders of spiritual meaning, became no longer required. By the Word and Spirit of God, spiritual meanings can be observed and lived out without their rudiments. (Rudiments refer to the first things that existed only for a temporary purpose; such as an umbilical cord: when a life was able to sustain itself, it was no longer needed.)

Colossians 2:16-17, 20-22 KJV - "16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. ... 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?"

ESTEEMING & REGARDING

When God’s people walk daily in the spirit, they proclaim those days to be holy unto the LORD. Any additional day or meal that is esteemed more than, or less than, another is freely given for every person to decide for their self.

Romans 14:5-6 KJV - "5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks."

Conclusion

The original covenant law started with two commandments: to love God and to love one’s neighbor as them self. Those two commandments were subdivided into ten commandments. While the first three commandments were isolated to loving God, the fourth commandment, to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, focused on loving God and loving one’s neighbor. The fifth through tenth commandment focused on loving one’s neighbor. Without God’s law written on man’s heart and without a spiritual birth, God’s people showed that they could not keep one day holy or set apart from seeking their own.  After Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Sabbath was fulfilled. It was not changed; it was not abolished or destroyed; and it was not left the same. What mankind alone could not do for one day, God now calls mankind to live out every day: through his Spirit. Mankind is supposed to cease from living for self and to live for God, to walk daily in the Spirit, focus on spiritual labour, cease for building up wealth and instead give their surplus to the needy, to steward the Sabbath through ministering and bearing one another’s burdens, and to rest in the LORD as he provides for all needs.