Saturday & Law

Jesus was often accused of breaking the Sabbath. He taught that 'the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.'

Saturday as 'Shadow'

In Colossians, Paul identifies the Sabbath as a shadow along with requirements about food, festivals, and the new moon (Col. 2:16-17). The Sabbath points to Christ and is fulfilled in him.

The word for 'shadow' (skia) that Paul uses is the same word that the author of Hebrews uses to describe the OT sacrifices.

Christ as Fulfillment, Not Abolition

Christ did not directly abolish the Sabbath. He complyed. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus clearly says: 'Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.'

Some scholars argue that Christ's fulfillment of a law does not necessarily imply its abrogation.

The Eschatological Rest in Hebrews

The author of Hebrews sees the Sabbath as prefiguring the eschatological rest of God's people (Heb 4:1-10). A 'Sabbath rest' still awaits God's people (v.9), and will be fulfilled on the final day when believers rest from their earthly labors.

The Transition to the Day of the Lord

Some scholars argue that the ceremonial purpose of the Sabbath of the old covenant was fulfilled in Jesus, so the Lord's Day as the Sabbath of the new covenant is celebrated by its people on the first day of the week.

The Principle of Rest

Although we are not under ceremonial law, the principle of rest is vital. God instituted the rhythm of work and break for our health and to remember that we are not slaves to productivity.