QKAG: Issue # 109

PAST ISSUE # 109
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: Do Christians have to observe the Sabbath?

Answer: There are two answers to this question - yes and no. Yes, Christians should observe the "Sabbath" by dedicating a day in the week (usually a Sunday) as a holy day of rest to come together and worship God, hear His Word, fellowship with other Christians, and pursue other spiritual activities. A Christian "Sabbath" is different from the Jewish Sabbath. A Christian does not have to adhere strictly to the regulations of the Jewish Sabbath. In contrast to the Jewish Sabbath regulations which require a person who breaks the Sabbath to be killed (Exodus 31:15), a Christian is unlikely to face condemnation for shopping or carrying a load on a Sunday. It is important to remember that Christians are not required to follow the Mosaic Law (which contains the Sabbath Law) because Jesus Christ has superseded the old covenant which was based on the Mosaic Law with a new covenant which is based on grace (Issue # 62). Christians do not obey the letter of the Sabbath but the spirit of the Sabbath (Romans 7:6). That means Christians do not observe the "Sabbath" out of compulsion or the rigid requirements of the Law, but they observe the "Sabbath" because they are led by the Holy Spirit to do so (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:18).

Key Bible verses:
Genesis 2:2-3; Matthew 12:1-13; Mark 2:27, 3:2-5; Luke 23:56; John 7:22-23

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for creating a day of rest for me so that I can spend time with You and my family. I dedicate my "Sabbath" day to You so that I can worship You, seek Your face, and hear Your Word. Amen.

Last words...
"For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:8)
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