Unthinking about the Sabbath

I just read through a pretty good article on Sabbath-keeping that is informative, fresh, and provocative. Written by Pastor Terry Johnson, pastor of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia, the article is irenic yet clearly biblical and well articulated. The thesis of the article is that Christians are to keep the fourth commandment, and he illustrates reasons why and how we are to keep it.

What draws my attention on a weekly basis is that so called bible-believing Christians have unthought the Sabbath right out of their Bibles. As I mentioned previously, Dispensational teaching has aided in this; but I cannot blame it all on Dispensationalism. The big problem is that for years, especially in Baptist circles, pastors have taught that there are non-essential elements of the faith. Yes, keeping the Fourth Commandment falls within the non-essential elements. Is this correct? I believe it is not.

It is essential to know that God has commanded his people and all of humanity to rest one day in seven. It is essential to know that God has commanded his people to gather together to worship him one day in seven. It is also important to know that Jesus Christ declared himself to be Lord of the Sabbath. Our sinful tendencies has robbed God of his glory and ourselves from blessings that come from observing the Sabbath.

Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments. He also said to teach disciples all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Jesus also said that he came to fulfill the Law, not abrogate it. We are left with no excuses under the New Covenant to neglect the Fourth Commandment.

Let us make a concerted effort to keep the Sabbath holy by attending all of the stated services of our local churches, by engaging in devotional exercises in our homes both privately and with the family, try keeping the television off, and try to read some good Christian literature. Do these, and anticipate greater blessings from God, who rested on the seventh day and sanctified it.