Sabbath Summary Doctrine

Tod Kennedy, December 13, 2006

1.     Creation Sabbath (Genesis 1-2). This was the seventh day of creation. God had completed his work. He rested, blessed creation, and set the seventh day apart as the day that marks the completion of his creative work. He had created the place, the creatures, the supplies, and the plan.  By recording his rest she showed to all mankind that the arena for life was in place and perfect. All mankind had to do was to trust him and obey him.

2.     Manna Sabbath (Exodus 16:23-30). The manna Sabbath was marked as the day for rest from gathering manna. This rest reminded the nation Israel that God graciously took care of their food supply. God met their nutritional needs for life. This was later brought in to the Mosaic Law.

3.     Mosaic Law Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-18). The Mosaic Law Sabbath was part of Israeli constitutional law along with the commandments of the Mosaic Law. This Sabbath was based upon creation and the Mosaic Law. The seventh day was set aside for the nations benefit. It provided physical rest, was a reminder of God’s provision for their physical life, and a sign that Israel was God’s priest nation. This Sabbath was the sign that Israel was God’s priest nation under the Mosaic Law (Exodus 16:12-18; 20:8-11).

4.     Sabbath Year (Exodus 23:10-11; Leviticus 25:1-7). Every seventh year Israel was to rest the land—no plowing, planting, or harvesting. God promised to provide a large enough crop on the sixth year to carry the people through year seven, eight, and until the ninth year crops come in. That which grows from the sixth year planting was free for any to take and use. The Sabbath year was to give spiritual and social refreshment and turn people to be thankful to God for his goodness to them.

5.     Spiritual Sabbath Rest (Hebrews 4:1-16). The spiritual Sabbath rest refers to the rest that any believer experiences when he knows, applies, and therefore rests in what God has done and has promised. God has provided everything necessary for the life of each believer. When each believer believes God to provide and care for him, that person is resting in God and his promises.

6.     Why is this important to us in the church?

a.      The Sabbath was abolished at the death and resurrection of Christ.

b.     The church has never been under the Sabbath.

c.      We can help ourselves and others to understand the purpose of the Sabbath in Bible history.