Vol. 04, No. 21

Steven J. Wallace
06/01/25 - Mt. Baker Beacon - 2025

IS THE SABBATH BINDING TODAY?
(Steven J. Wallace)

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (Colossians 2;16, 17, NKJV)

Some still argue that Christians must keep the Sabbath (Saturday) holy. But what does the Bible actually teach? Let’s notice…

1. The Sabbath Was Given to Israel, Not the Church.

The Sabbath was a sign between God and Israel, not a universal command for all mankind.

“Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath… It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever…” (Exodus 31:16–17)

This sign marked Israel’s covenant under the Old Law—not the church under Christ.

2. The Sabbath Was Not Known Before Sinai.

Though Genesis 2:2–3 mentions God resting, no command was given to man to observe the Sabbath until Sinai.

“The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us…” (Deut. 5:2–3)

Since the covenant containing the Sabbath began with Moses, neither Adam, Noah, nor Abraham ever kept it.

3. The Law Passed Away When Fulfilled.

Some cite Matthew 5:18 to claim the Sabbath must continue:

“One jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Yet, “till all is fulfilled” designates that when it is fulfilled, even the jot and the tittle will pass! Jesus said, “I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (v.17). At the cross, He cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The Law’s purpose was fulfilled, and so it passed.

Paul confirms: “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us… He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)

He goes on to say: “Let no one judge you… regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths.” (Colossians 2:16)

4. Christians Worship on the First Day of the Week.

The early church never observed the Sabbath. They gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday):

• Jesus rose on the first day (Mark 16:9).
• The disciples broke bread on the first day (Acts 20:7).
• Members of the churches gave as they prospered on the first day (1 Corinthians 16:1–2).
• John called it “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10).

This day honors the resurrection and the new covenant.

The Sabbath was a shadow (Colossians 2:17), pointing to the rest we now have in Christ (Hebrews 4:9–11). It was given only to Israel, revealed at Sinai, and kept only after Moses. If Matthew 5:18 still binds the Sabbath, then every jot and tittle—including animal sacrifices—must remain. But Jesus fulfilled the Law, and Christians now assemble on the first day of the week.

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4)

SERMON OUTLINE QUESTIONS

BENEFITS OF A PREACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

AM: 2 Timothy 2:1-2 | PM: 2 Timothy 1:13-15

1. Name some things Timothy was to do as an evangelist:
   1. 1 Timothy 1:3
   2. 1 Timothy 4:6
   3. 1 Timothy 4:12
   4. 1 Timothy 4:13
   5. 2 Timothy 1:13
   6. 2 Timothy 2:15
   7. 2 Timothy 2:16
   8. 2 Timothy 4:2
2. What was Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 2:2?

A Sound Preacher Training Program HELPS:

1. ________________________________________________________________________________
   1. What was the financial condition of the Macedonian churches—and how did their generous giving reflect their spiritual strength?
      (2 Corinthians 8:1–4)
   2. Before giving their resources, what did the Macedonians give “first”? Why is that significant? (2 Corinthians 8:5)
   3. According to Paul’s instruction to Titus, what should Christians learn to maintain? How does the context help us understand the purpose of this? (Titus 3:13–14)
       
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
   1. What are some things we could connect with leadership?
      (1 Tim. 4:12-16)

3. ________________________________________________________________________________
   1. What problem does Jesus identify? (Matt. 9:35-38)
   2. What solutions are given in the context?
4. ________________________________________________________________________________
   1. What is “apostasy,” and what does it look like in a spiritual context?
   2. According to Paul, how could Timothy guard himself from falling into apostasy? (2 Timothy 1:13–15)
5. ________________________________________________________________________________
   1. What “gifts” did Christ give to the church after His ascension, and what are they intended to accomplish within the body of Christ? (Ephesians 4:8–13)
      
       
   2. How does the maturity of a “perfect man” contrast with the instability of spiritual children when facing deception? (Ephesians 4:13–14)
       
   3. Does every member of the body have a role? What happens when each part does its share? (Ephesians 4:16)

Downloadable File(s)

1. 0601_0421-web.pdf (359.08 kB)
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