The Sabbath: Creation Ordinance and New Covenant Fulfillment

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical understanding of the Sabbath and its relationship to Sunday, we delved into the foundational question of whether the Sabbath is a creation ordinance or a commandment given at Mount Sinai. I argued that the Sabbath is indeed a creation ordinance, intended for all humanity and not limited to the context of salvation. This understanding challenges the notion that the Sabbath has been set aside in the new covenant, as some suggest by interpreting certain New Testament texts.

We examined Romans 14, where Paul discusses the relationship between stronger and weaker brethren, emphasizing love and patience. The context here is not about abolishing the Sabbath but about respecting personal convictions that help individuals in their spiritual struggles. Similarly, in Galatians 4, Paul addresses the misuse of the law for justification, not the Sabbath's relevance. The focus is on understanding that the law reveals our sinfulness and points us to Christ for salvation.

Colossians 2:16-17 is often cited to argue against the Sabbath's ongoing significance. However, Paul contrasts the shadows of the Mosaic law with the substance found in Christ. The Sabbath, as part of the Mosaic calendar, is fulfilled in Christ, yet this does not negate the creation ordinance's principle. The church's practice of worshiping on Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection, reflects this fulfillment and anticipates the ultimate rest in Christ's return.

The New Testament does not explicitly abolish the Sabbath principle. Instead, it invites us to discern between shadow and substance, anticipation and fulfillment. As New Testament believers, we live in the tension of experiencing fulfillment in Christ while anticipating the complete fulfillment of God's promises. This understanding encourages us to appreciate the Sabbath's ongoing significance as a creation ordinance, fulfilled in Christ and pointing us toward the ultimate rest.

Key Takeaways:

- The Sabbath is a creation ordinance, intended for all humanity, not just a commandment from Mount Sinai. This understanding challenges interpretations that suggest the Sabbath is obsolete in the new covenant. [00:33]

- Romans 14 emphasizes love and patience between stronger and weaker brethren, not the abolition of the Sabbath. The focus is on respecting personal convictions that aid spiritual growth. [01:17]

- Galatians 4 addresses the misuse of the law for justification, highlighting that the law reveals sinfulness and points to Christ for salvation, not the irrelevance of the Sabbath. [09:12]

- Colossians 2:16-17 contrasts the shadows of the Mosaic law with the substance in Christ. The Sabbath, as part of the Mosaic calendar, is fulfilled in Christ, yet the creation ordinance's principle remains significant. [14:26]

- The New Testament invites us to discern between shadow and substance, anticipation and fulfillment. We live in the tension of experiencing fulfillment in Christ while anticipating the complete fulfillment of God's promises. [20:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Sabbath and Sunday
- [00:18] - Sabbath: Creation or Sinai?
- [00:49] - Context of Romans 14
- [01:29] - Loving the Weaker Brethren
- [02:11] - Invention of Special Days
- [02:59] - Jewish Institutions and Abstinence
- [04:06] - Loving the Brethren in Weakness
- [05:28] - Communion Wine and Special Situations
- [06:54] - Galatians 4 and the Mosaic Law
- [08:46] - Misunderstanding the Law
- [10:34] - Justification and the Mosaic Calendar
- [12:32] - Colossians 2:16 and Mosaic Institutions
- [14:46] - Shadows and Substance in Christ
- [17:08] - Seventh-Day Sabbath Fulfilled
- [19:48] - Anticipation and Fulfillment in the New Covenant
- [22:28] - Sabbath Principle in the New Testament
- [23:37] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 14:1-23
2. Galatians 4:8-11
3. Colossians 2:16-17

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 14, what is the main issue Paul addresses regarding the relationship between stronger and weaker brethren? How does this relate to the concept of the Sabbath? [01:17]

2. According to Galatians 4, what is Paul's concern about the Galatians observing days, months, seasons, and years? How does this relate to their understanding of the law? [07:07]

3. In Colossians 2:16-17, what does Paul mean by referring to certain practices as "shadows" and how does he contrast them with the "substance" found in Christ? [14:26]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the Sabbath as a creation ordinance and its fulfillment in Christ? [22:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's advice in Romans 14 about respecting personal convictions apply to the modern church's understanding of the Sabbath? [01:17]

2. What does Paul's argument in Galatians 4 suggest about the role of the law in revealing sinfulness and pointing to Christ for salvation? How might this understanding affect one's view of the Sabbath? [09:12]

3. In Colossians 2, Paul speaks of the Sabbath as a shadow of things to come. How does this concept of shadow and substance help us understand the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant? [14:26]

4. The sermon suggests that the New Testament invites believers to discern between shadow and substance. How might this discernment impact one's daily spiritual practices? [20:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal convictions regarding the Sabbath. How do you balance respecting others' views while maintaining your own beliefs? [01:17]

2. In what ways do you find yourself relying on religious practices for justification rather than focusing on the grace found in Christ? How can you shift your focus? [09:12]

3. Consider the idea of the Sabbath as a creation ordinance fulfilled in Christ. How does this understanding influence your approach to rest and worship? [22:28]

4. How can you apply the principle of discerning between shadow and substance in your spiritual life? Are there practices you engage in that might be more about tradition than substance? [20:01]

5. The sermon discusses the tension between experiencing fulfillment in Christ and anticipating the complete fulfillment of God's promises. How do you navigate this tension in your own faith journey? [20:01]

6. Think about a time when you felt judged for your spiritual practices. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to foster understanding and unity? [14:10]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can practice more love and patience towards others with differing convictions. What specific steps can you take this week to demonstrate this love? [01:17]

Devotional

Day 1: The Sabbath as a Universal Creation Ordinance
The Sabbath is not merely a commandment given at Mount Sinai but a creation ordinance intended for all humanity. This understanding challenges the notion that the Sabbath is obsolete in the new covenant. The Sabbath's significance transcends the context of salvation history, inviting all people to rest and reflect on God's creation. By recognizing the Sabbath as a creation ordinance, believers are encouraged to see it as a gift from God, meant to provide rest and spiritual renewal. This perspective invites a deeper appreciation of the Sabbath's role in our lives today, as it points us toward the ultimate rest found in Christ. [00:33]

"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest into your weekly routine that honors the Sabbath as a creation ordinance?


Day 2: Love and Patience in Spiritual Convictions
Romans 14 emphasizes the importance of love and patience between stronger and weaker brethren, focusing on respecting personal convictions that aid spiritual growth. The passage is not about abolishing the Sabbath but about fostering an environment where individuals can grow in their faith without judgment. By prioritizing love and understanding, believers can support one another in their spiritual journeys, recognizing that each person's walk with God is unique. This approach encourages a community of grace, where differences in convictions are met with compassion and respect. [01:17]

"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." (Romans 14:13, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might need your patience and understanding regarding their spiritual convictions, and how can you show them love this week?


Day 3: The Law's Role in Revealing Sin and Pointing to Christ
Galatians 4 addresses the misuse of the law for justification, highlighting that the law reveals our sinfulness and points us to Christ for salvation. The focus is not on the irrelevance of the Sabbath but on understanding the law's purpose in leading us to Christ. By recognizing the law's role, believers are reminded of their need for a Savior and the grace offered through Jesus. This understanding encourages a reliance on Christ's righteousness rather than one's own efforts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the gospel's transformative power. [09:12]

"So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts for justification, and how can you shift your focus to Christ's grace and righteousness today?


Day 4: Shadows and Substance in Christ
Colossians 2:16-17 contrasts the shadows of the Mosaic law with the substance found in Christ. While the Sabbath is part of the Mosaic calendar, it is fulfilled in Christ, yet the creation ordinance's principle remains significant. This understanding invites believers to discern between shadow and substance, recognizing that the practices of the law point to the greater reality found in Jesus. By focusing on Christ, believers can experience the fulfillment of God's promises and anticipate the ultimate rest that comes with His return. [14:26]

"These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." (Colossians 2:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you focus on the substance of your faith in Christ rather than the shadows of religious practices?


Day 5: Living in the Tension of Fulfillment and Anticipation
The New Testament invites believers to discern between shadow and substance, anticipation and fulfillment. As New Testament believers, we live in the tension of experiencing fulfillment in Christ while anticipating the complete fulfillment of God's promises. This understanding encourages believers to appreciate the Sabbath's ongoing significance as a creation ordinance, fulfilled in Christ and pointing toward the ultimate rest. By embracing this tension, believers can live with hope and expectation, trusting in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises. [20:01]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: What promises of God are you anticipating, and how can you live in hope and expectation of their fulfillment today?

Quotes


The fundamental question was the sabbath in the old testament a matter of creation or a matter of mount sinai and I argued tried to argue vigorously it's a matter of creation it's a creation ordinance it was originally intended for all mankind it's not limited to salvation. [00:18:00]

We have to see that the context of what paul is saying about weaker and stronger brethren is a context of very much of loving the brother and not wanting to harm the brother and so what he's saying there is is preeminently advice to the strong to be patient with the uh with the weak. [01:08:00]

If the weaker brethren is really troubled by people who eat meat or who drink wine for the sake of the weaker brother you should give that up and uh that's that's the basic point he's arguing and so then he brings up the matter of days. [01:48:00]

Paul is talking in galatians about the law and the proper and the improper uses of the law and this section of the letter to the galatians is very much about that in chapter 3 verse 19 paul has raised the question why was the law added. [07:42:00]

It was added to teach you that you were sinners that's what paul is saying that's what he says a number of places in the new testament about why the law was added at sinai and he discusses that then and then sort of concludes his argument. [08:15:00]

Salvation is out to be found in the law salvation is to be found in christ in the promise in the grace of god in the work of god so he says in the middle of this discussion of law you observe days and months and seasons and years. [09:20:00]

Paul is saying if you think by keeping that calendar you're going to be justified you're going to be right with god you're profoundly wrong you're missing the whole point that's not what the law is meant to teach you and so stop this effort to justify yourself by keeping the mosaic law. [10:12:00]

Colossians chapter 2 at verse 16. this is different from the romans passage I think because it really is talking about mosaic institutions old testament institutions it's also different from the galatians passage because it's not talking about justification it really is talking more about sanctification. [12:32:00]

Paul here is drawing a contrast between the substance the fullness of what christians have received in christ and the shadows that came before to prepare for the coming of christ and so I think he is talking about institutions of the mosaic economy. [14:35:00]

I think maybe paul is saying we are not bound by a seventh-day sabbath I think that's what paul is saying here the church never worshiped on saturday the church never found itself uh worshiping god on the old sabbath because I think paul is teaching us here that that old sabbath that seventh-day sabbath is fulfilled in christ. [17:50:00]

In the new covenant I think the church begins the week resting because there's fulfillment in christ we've already begun to experience the rest that will one day be fulfilled completely when he returns again in glory and so there is a sense in which the seventh-day sabbath has passed away. [18:34:00]

As a new testament people we live both in the days of fulfillment but also in the days of still anticipation don't we um we have both things we have fulfillment and we have uh anticipation of greater fulfillment. [20:01:00]

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Transcript
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