Sabbath Rest in Jesus Part III: How Should Christians Practice Sabbath Wisdom?

This is the third and final installment of this three-part series on Sabbath rest. Before diving into the focus of this article, let’s recap where we have been.

 

Recap of Parts I and II

In Part I we asked, “How do we, as the new covenant people of God, fulfill the Sabbath command?” We found that the answer flows from Jesus’ fulfillment of the Sabbath. We enter into true Sabbath rest by embracing the salvation rest that comes only through Jesus. In Part II, we noted that this reality generally leads to two specific questions: (1) Is Sunday the new Sabbath Day for Christians? and (2) How should Christians practice Sabbath wisdom today? We addressed the first question in Part II. We concluded that Scripture does not suggest that Sunday (the first day of the week) is the new Sabbath Day (the seventh day of the week) for Christians. Rather, Sunday is the Lord’s Day, the day of Jesus’ resurrection, that proves to be the normative day of corporate worship for the Church in Scripture and Church history. However, we also noted that, because of Christ’s shed blood, the true Sabbath rest that the old covenant Sabbath Day typified has now bled over into every day. Thus, Christians enjoy the Sabbath rest of God daily, including Sundays when we gather to worship together and tangibly celebrate that rest.

In light of these things, here in Part III, I aim to explore an answer to the second question identified in Part II, “How should Christians practice Sabbath wisdom today?” Given the reality of true Sabbath rest in Christ, whatever rhythm of rest one might choose, the Christian can actually rest better than anyone.

 

Reminder of Christian Freedom

As we noted in Part II, conscience plays an important role in determining how one chooses to implement Sabbath wisdom. This is important to acknowledge here as well. Therefore, I point us again to Romans.

Romans 14:5–6, 10 — One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord…Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother?

Recall from Part II that in this passage Paul is not necessarily saying that only one day is treated as holy and the rest common. Rather, the assumption is likely that, given Christ’s new covenant work, all days are holy. Sabbath rest permeates all days of the week. However, the way each one approaches each day, might look different. The thrust of these verses, then, is this: There remains a degree of Christian freedom in determining how one will go about rhythmically implementing Sabbath wisdom. The guide rails for such decisions are one’s conscience coupled with the desire to honor the Lord. Importantly, the varying ways Christians work out this wisdom should not lead to disunity.

This freedom comes from the reality of New Testament silence on the issue at hand. That is, there are no explicit instructions in the New Testament for how a Christian should go about implementing Sabbath wisdom. However, the New Testament does lay down gospel ground rules for us.

 

Gospel Ballasts

First, Paul makes clear that different approaches should not cause division (Romans 14:5–6, 10). We’ve noted this above. Secondly, Paul makes clear in his letter to the Colossians that salvation is not contingent of old covenant Sabbath Law keeping. Therefore, one’s Sabbath practice (among other things) must not be wielded as additive to the gospel, and then thrust upon others. That is, it should not be a works-based attempt rooted in asceticism that tries to earn saving grace. That is anti-gospel. One’s rhythmic Sabbath approach does not earn gospel grace through the Law. Rather one’s rhythmic Sabbath rest is done in light of the gospel grace attained for us by Christ’s fulfilment of the Law (Colossians 2:16–23).[1] With these gospel ballasts in place, we can also establish some guiding principles from Scripture with regard to practicing Sabbath wisdom.

 

Gospel Guidance

We can derive at least two helpful guiding principles from Scripture with regard to implementing Sabbath wisdom into our weekly rhythms. First, in the creation account, God exemplifies the wisdom of setting aside a day to rest and enjoy the goodness of his creation. Second, as we’ve already alluded, Paul makes clear that all of our gospel rhythms should aim at glorifying God.

First, God exemplifies the rhythm of Sabbath rest in Genesis 2:2.

Genesis 2:2 — And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.

Following God’s example is a good starting place for us as we seek to establish a practical rhythm of rest. The wisdom of this divine rhythm might be more urgent than ever given our increasingly remote-work driven culture. Whether it’s an impromptu virtual meeting over the weekend or reviewing documents and shooting off a few emails at the dinner table or in bed, in our present context one could easily find themselves “working” anytime, anywhere. The wisdom of God suggests a different rhythm to work-life balance. Setting aside a day or time to rest from our work and refresh ourselves fits with God’s pattern at creation. Furthermore, doing so reminds us that God is the creator, sustainer, and provider of all our needs, not us. Therefore, we’d be wise to follow in God’s Genesis 2:2 footsteps.

Second, Romans 14:10 instructs us that our weekly rhythms should aim at honoring God in Christ. Certainly, specific rhythms of rest will vary from Christian to Christian, but there remains a common gospel goal — God’s glory. Paul says the same elsewhere.

1 Corinthians 10:31 — So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

In all that we do as Christians, whether eating or drinking or resting, we seek to honor the Lord. So, while we certainly rest in Christ on our “on days” because of his gospel work, we also rest in Christ on our “off days” when we physically rest. Thus, we should rest on our “off days” in a way that glorifies God. And we glorify God by enjoying him through our communion with him and enjoying him through his good gifts to us.[2]

We can synthesize these two principles. Whatever shape our rhythm of rest might take, gospel wisdom suggests this: We cease from our normal work for the purpose of honoring God in our personal, bodily refreshing. And in our refreshing we tune our hearts to God by enjoying him in Christ and enjoying him through his good gifts.

When we work and rest in this way, we proclaim that God through Christ is our source of life and rest, not the works of our hands or the play we participate in. So what could this look like specifically?

 

Restful Ideas

My aim is to not reinvent the wheel here. Great Christian thinkers have explored the wisdom of Sabbath rest extensively. Therefore, resources abound with ideas and suggestions for how one can implement Sabbath rest wisdom in their weekly rhythms. Here, here, here, and here are a few helpful short reads to that end. Notably, while these authors may have different starting points and even traverse slightly different theological roads, they all arrive at the same destination: there is great wisdom in implementing an intentional rhythm of rest into our week for physical and spiritual benefit.

John Piper captures the wisdom of implementing a pattern of Sabbath rest well. With regard to physical rest, he essentially describes it as setting aside a day that is distinct from others. It should be a day that is “physically recharging.” According to Piper, for the one who performs a physically demanding job, embracing a rhythm of healthy rest could look like abstaining from physically demanding work and taking a good nap! Likewise, for the one who spends most of their work days in a seated position at a computer (Hello digital age!), he suggests that embracing a healthy rhythm of rest could include refreshing physical activity. These are helpful starting points for embracing Sabbath wisdom. But the rest could ultimately manifest in an infinite number of ways. Be creative with your rest! And whatever form your rest might take, remember the guiding principle and ask, “How can I honor and enjoy God in my resting today?” In the end, you will enjoy rest in a way that the world with all its feeble, temporary self-care suggestions and methods, can never know.

Christians can rest better than anyone, because we have true rest in Jesus. This means, in our normal, everyday work routine, the Christian truly rests. Scott Hubbard at DesiringGod.org captures this idea, writing, “The world and the devil would have us work even while we rest. But Jesus would have us rest even while we work.”[3] Likewise, in our break from work to refresh our bodies and minds through whatever activity we might choose, the Christian truly rests, because we purpose our physical rest to honor God in light of our spiritual rest in Christ. In this way, whether working or resting the Christian truly rests. So in all that you do, in your eating and drinking, in your working and in your resting, honor God by refreshing yourself in him. Enjoy him through communion with him, and enjoy him through his good gifts. Christ makes this possible. And, in Christ, the Christian enjoys Sabbath rest truly, today, tomorrow, and every day, until that great day when we will enjoy Sabbath rest perfectly, at Jesus’ return.

 

[1] Scott Hubbard expresses similar ideas in Scott Hubbard, “Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?,” Desiring God, 20 April 2021, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath.

[2] Joe Rigney has written an entire book on the latter. See Joe Rigney, The Things of Earth: Treasuring God by Enjoying His Gifts (Crossway, 2014).

[3] Hubbard, “Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?”

 

 

Sabbath Rest in Jesus Part II

In Part 1 of this series, we asked the question: How do Christians, the new covenant people of God, obey the Sabbath command today? We answered that question by pointing to the glorious reality that Jesus fulfills the Sabbath. Indeed, the old covenant sign and command of the Sabbath actually pointed to Jesus and the greater rest he would offer all along. The old covenant Sabbath command was but a shadow, Jesus is the substance (Colossians 2:16–17). In short, Jesus is our Sabbath rest. Therefore, we fulfill the heart of the old covenant Sabbath command by entering into and embracing the salvation we have through him. Ultimately, belief in Christ and our union with Christ is what it looks like to enter into God’s rest exemplified in Gen 2:2–3. So if we ‘obey’ the Sabbath command by believing in Jesus, what then do we do with the Sabbath Day?

Two specific questions generally come up when we think about how Christians relate to the Sabbath Day: (1) Is Sunday the new Sabbath Day for Christians? and (2) How should Christians practice Sabbath wisdom today? In this article, I will address the first question. In a forthcoming article, we will look at how Christians should practice Sabbath wisdom today. But before seeking to answer either of these questions, I think it benefits us to refresh ourselves on how to approach matters of Christian conscience.

 

A Word Regarding Conscience

It is helpful to acknowledge at the outset that the Sabbath Day question can be a tricky and touchy one. Indeed, faithful Christians who joyfully walk hand-in-hand on a number of different theological points might find themselves staring at each other across the proverbial fence when it comes to the question of the Sabbath Day. But disagreement regarding what the Sabbath Day looks like for the Christian does not mean that happy unity need be torn asunder! Rather, Christians recognize that their common salvation hinges on Christ alone. This is what unifies them. Therefore, the guiding principle for Christians of different stripes on this matter is this: Seek to honor the Lord. Then, let that desire to honor the Lord inform conscience with regard to implementing Sabbath wisdom. And, finally, refrain from seeking to force others to adopt specific practices that might be against their conscience. Do this for the sake of Christian unity and Christian freedom. Paul addresses such issues of conscience in Romans.

Romans 14:5–6 — One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.

Even given that new covenant believers perpetually abide in Sabbath rest in Christ, there emerges an apparent issue among the Roman Christians. In light of this new covenant reality, some Christians, still approach certain days with unique regard. This could very likely refer to Sabbath practices perhaps held by some Jewish Christians in the Roman church. Others, though, consider all of equal significance. Piper makes the important clarifying point here that this considering “all days alike” does not necessarily mean that they are all considered common. Rather, what is most likely meant, given the new age of Sabbath rest in Christ, is that all days are considered alike in that they are all holy. The new covenant age brings escalation. Every day is holy. So each side would recognize every day as holy, but they took different approaches as to how they regarded those holy days.

Interestingly, Paul does not take sides in the debate. Rather, Paul recognizes varying degrees of faith regarding less clearly defined issues (Romans 14:1). He then points out what is really at stake in such cases: the conscience of the believer and the Lord’s due honor. Paul says, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5). Resolved in conscience, one should then do what they do for the purpose of honoring the Lord (Romans 14:6). Indeed, seeking to honor the Lord should inform consciences on such matters like the Sabbath. For, according to Paul, Christians are ultimately all in the same boat. “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Romans 14:10). All will stand before the Lord to give account for their thoughts and actions. Therefore, Paul asks the piercing question, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother” (Romans 14:10). Even in light of this disagreement, Paul reminds his readers of their unity in Christ. They are brothers still. Their common foundation is the gospel of Jesus. Matters of conscience like this should not lead to disunity. Rather, we should each encourage one another to seek to honor God.

So, disagreements of conscience on non-foundational gospel issues do not need to lead to discord or the hurling of stones. This in mind, let us consider what the Sabbath Day looks like for Christians.

 

Is Sunday the New Sabbath Day for Christians?

Is the Sunday the Sabbath Day for Christians? Not necessarily. The Sabbath Day was the seventh day, Saturday, under the old covenant. And, there is no explicit command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the old covenant Sabbath Day or to consider Sunday the new Sabbath. I say not necessarily, though, because in another sense Sunday could be understood as the Sabbath in the same way that Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday could all be understood as the Sabbath. You see, for the Christian, every day is the Sabbath because we rest in Christ. Hubbard captures this idea well in his article on Desiring God, saying pithily, “Faith in Jesus Christ brings the rest of the seventh day into every day.”[1] So Sunday is not the Sabbath Day for Christians in the old covenant command sense. Scripture (and Church history) reveals that Sunday is something else.

The first day, Sunday, is the normative day for gathering of the local church for corporate worship. This pattern of gathering together for worship on the first day emerges in Scripture (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). It’s commonly accepted that John identifies what the first Christians referred to this day as when he writes, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10). Why did John refer to it as the Lord’s Day? Because Sunday was the day Christ rose from the tomb! (Luke 24:1). It is into this context of corporate worship on the Lord’s Day that the author of Hebrews issues this command: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:24–25). Thus, this passage shouldn’t be misconstrued as merely two Christians getting together for coffee. Rather, the established pattern of formal fellowship on the Lord’s Day in Scripture implies a normative practice. Christians should gather together for corporate worship, and, in normative circumstances, they do this on the Lord’s Day. Church history affirms this.

Bauckham observes, “we have seen reasons for holding that Sunday worship began at an early stage of Christian history and was from an early stage understood as commemorative of the Lord’s resurrection on the first day of the week.”[2] The Lord’s Day, then, is inherently different from the old covenant Sabbath command. Baukham goes on to observe, “for the earliest Christians it [the Lord’s Day] was not a substitute for the Sabbath nor a day of rest nor related in any way to the fourth commandment.”[3] In fact, for many early Christians, Sunday was a typical day of work. Therefore, they would worship early before going to work and then perhaps gather again in the evening after work. The Lord’s Day is a day of corporate worship rooted in the new covenant work of Jesus and the new age of salvation he secured by his resurrection.

So Scripture and history do not suggest that Christians must adopt an old covenant Sabbath approach to the Lord’s Day. Rather, Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is the normative corporate day of worship for Christians. And the Bible makes clear that Christians should not neglect gathering together in such corporate ways. And, as far as possible given varying contexts that Christians find themselves in, gathering on the Lord’s Day would follow the pattern of Scripture and Church History. In light of these things, consider this amazing reality. From the time of Christ’s resurrection and up through the centuries to today Christians throughout the world have gathered together and continue to gather together to open the Word, pray, herald the gospel, sing praises, break bread, pass the cup, and baptize new believers on the Lord’s Day, Sunday. In short, Christians gather together to worship the Triune God for the salvation, the new creation—the true Sabbath rest!—that he inaugurated and secured through the risen king, Jesus.[4] What a privilege it is to be a part of this great fellowship of the saints. And, what a privilege and joy it is to look forward to gathering with you, DGCC, on Sunday, the Lord’s Day.

In light of this, there still remains much wisdom to draw from the Sabbath pattern established by God at creation. In a forthcoming article, I will explore answers to our second question: How should Christians practice Sabbath wisdom today?

[1] Scott Hubbard, “Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?,” Desiring God, 20 April 2021, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath.

[2] R.J. Baukham, “The Lord’s Day,” in From Sabbath to Lord’s Day: A Biblical, Historical and Theological Investigation, ed. D. A. Carson (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 1999), 240.

[3] Baukham, “The Lord’s Day,” 240.

[4] For a very helpful biblical, historical, and theological deep dive into the relationship of the Sabbath Day and the Lord’s Day, look to D.A. Carson’s From Sabbath to the Lord’s Day.