Many Christians are good at remembering the Sabbath day, but the Fourth Commandment instructs us not just to remember it, but to “keep it holy”.
Keeping God’s day holy is presented as a path to having God’s “seal” in the last days, and a powerful blessing is promised to those who honor it.
So, what does it mean to truly keep the Sabbath holy according to the Bible? This article outlines six key points to guide us.
1. Focus on God
The Sabbath is described as a “date with God,” a day out of seven that God has consecrated, sanctified, and set apart just for us. On this day, our focus should primarily be on God.
This encompasses all aspects of our lives for that day: our activities, conversations, and even our thoughts.
We should guard our conversations, avoiding topics related to normal secular activities of the week, and direct our thoughts towards the divine.
Isaiah 58:13-14 offers a powerful principle:
if we turn away from our own pleasure on God’s holy day, call the Sabbath a delight, honor the Lord, and avoid our own ways, pleasures, or words, then we shall delight ourselves in the Lord and receive blessings.
2. Attend Worship Service
The Sabbath is designated as a “holy convocation,” which means a gathering together for worship.
Typically, this involves going to church.
However, if in-person gatherings are not possible, such as during times of confinement, online worship services are a valid way to meet together and worship God.
Jesus set the example for us, as it was His custom to go into the synagogue on the Sabbath day to worship in a group. (Luke 4:16)
3. Avoid Regular Work
A core principle of the Sabbath is rest from regular labor. The Bible commands:
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates”.
This rest is presented as a tremendous blessing and benefit given by God.
However, the Bible clarifies that “it is lawful to do good on sabbath days”.
This means certain types of work are permissible, particularly those that involve doing good for the community, protecting people, or saving lives, and cannot be postponed.
Examples include medical work, police officers, and firefighters. While these essential duties are honored, any “regular menial activities” that could be done on other days of the week would still be considered breaking the Sabbath.
Jesus Himself healed others and did good on the Sabbath, demonstrating that such actions are not a violation of God’s commandments, but rather of man-made teachings.
4. Do Ministry Work
Following Jesus’ example of healing and doing good on the Sabbath, we are encouraged to engage in ministry work.
This type of activity aligns with God’s will and does not violate His commandments. The Sabbath is described as a “wonderful day” to:
- Conduct Bible studies.
- Sing hymns together.
- Help those in need, such as visiting the sick or shut-in, bringing food to the homeless, or singing at a nursing home.
These activities are considered valuable “ministry activities” that honor God on His holy day.
5. Do Not Buy or Sell
The practice of buying and selling on the Sabbath is strongly discouraged, as illustrated by Nehemiah’s actions in biblical times.
Nehemiah witnessed people treading wine presses, bringing in goods, and selling various wares on the Sabbath, and he took severe measures, including shutting the gates of Jerusalem to prevent commerce on that day.
He contended with the nobles, stating that such actions profaned the Sabbath and brought God’s wrath upon Israel.
The principle is that if we are to avoid regular work ourselves, we should not engage in activities that require others to work for us through buying or selling.
Exceptions are made for “emergency scenarios” or when there is a “greater good” involved, such as purchasing medicine for someone who is sick and in need.
To avoid unnecessary transactions on the Sabbath, the day before, Friday, is designated as the “preparation day”.
This day should be used for tasks like major cleaning, significant cooking (food can be heated on the Sabbath), and fueling vehicles, ensuring readiness for the Sabbath without needing to buy or sell.
6. Spend Time in Nature
The Sabbath is fundamentally a “memorial of God’s creation”. It serves to remind us that “in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day”. (Genesis 2:2-3)
Spending time in nature is presented as a wonderful way to remember God’s creative power.
Engaging with creation through activities like hikes or visiting mountains and rivers can deepen our appreciation for the Creator.
A Day of Delight and Blessing
Ultimately, the Sabbath is not intended to be a burden, but a “delight” and a “blessing”.
While it is a serious commandment—as only those who obey God’s commandments will be saved—it also offers a precious day of rest and a “special date with God”.
Jesus encourages us, “If you love me, keep my Commandments”. By keeping God’s day holy, a special blessing is promised.
The book of Revelation describes those who “keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus”. (Revelation 14:12)
Choosing to keep the Sabbath holy is presented as a way to show our love for Jesus and be part of the group that has God’s “seal” in the last days, rather than the “mark of the beast”.
It’s an encouragement to choose Jesus and allow nothing to separate us from our Savior.
References
My Letter To A Sunday Keeper – Sabbath Documentary
The Days of Noah – Powerful Documentary (Video Format)
Bible Studies – Written Format
